Dongfeng Rich 7

Upon entering the Dongfeng Rich 7, you’ll be surprised by how plush and refined its cabin is. There are soft-touch materials and sophisticated-looking trims all around the vehicle. For mid-size pickup truck standards, its cabin boasts impressive spaciousness, effectively accommodating five passengers. Its seats, though not the softest in its segment, provide great cushioning and ergonomics for all passengers even on out-of-town trips. 

Upfront, drivers of the top variant are greeted by a 7-inch coloured multifunction driver info center and a black PVC-wrapped steering wheel, while owners of the lower trims get the 3.5-inch and leather-wrapped versions of the said features. The top variant also comes with an off-road info display, which helps drivers perform at their best when braving through unpleasant rocky, muddy, and slippery terrains.  

For entertainment and information accessibility, the top-of-the-line model is equipped with a 12-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment display, while the lower trims get the 10-inch version. The top variant also gets a 15W wireless mobile charger for an added layer of convenience while on the go.

In terms of dimensions, the top variant of the Dongfeng Rich 7 measures 5,268 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, and 1,866 mm in height. It has an impressive 232 minimum ground clearance. On the other hand, the base and mid variants are 5,287 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,847 mm in height. All variants have a 3,150 mm wheelbase.

The Dongfeng Rich 7 flaunts a very bold, macho exterior design–exuding a commanding presence on the road. It has a very assertive facade accentuated by a combination of an aggressive-looking black grille and a rugged bumper, which the brand calls as its “off-road protection frame”. It delivers top-notch visibility and illumination courtesy of its LED headlamps, DRLs, and fog lamps. 

Moreover, it has a sporty, very brash side profile enhanced by blacked-out muscular fenders, a chunky stepboard, and a robust set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels: off-road style smoked black for the top-of-the-line, while machined bright surface for the lower trims. Meanwhile, at the rear, it comes with a very durable bed and a functional metal sport bar, indicating that it is very capable of tackling harsh off-road terrains.

In terms of suspension, all variants utilize a Double Wishbone with a Stabilizer Bar at the front. When it comes to the rear, the top variant uses a 5-Link Coil, while the lower trims get a Leaf Spring. This suspension setup enhances this truck’s durability and adaptability on the road, allowing it to have great absorption of bumps and unpleasant road conditions. It is also pretty agile to maneuver even for its size. Overall, it might not offer the plushiest riding experience in its segment, but it can still deliver a fairly comfortable and very stable riding experience for all passengers.

The Dongfeng Rich 7 is powered by a 2.3L Turbocharged Intercooled M9T diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 166 PS and a maximum torque of 420 Nm. All variants are mated to a 8-speed torque converter transmission system. The top and mid variants utilize a four-wheel drivetrain, while the base utilizes two-wheel drive.

This pickup truck is very capable both in the city and out on the open road. It has a smooth and instantaneous power delivery, making overtakes on free-flowing highways effortless. Its fuel economy is also pretty impressive despite its size. That said, it is a feasible daily driver in the city even when passing through bumper-to-bumper traffic at low speeds.

The top variant of the Dongfeng Rich 7 comes with multiple advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It is also equipped with a 540-degree camera for top-notch visibility and security on the road. In contrast, the lower trims only get constant cruise control, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, child safety lock, and a 360-degree HD camera. The Rich 7 line utilizes ventilated discs for front braking and solid discs for the rear.

Considering its competitive price points, the Dongfeng Rich 7 delivers a high value for money. It is versatile, very feature-packed, and visually-appealing on the road. In my opinion, this deserves more attention and consideration from local consumers who are in the market to buy a mid-size pickup truck.