Great Wall Steed 2020 Review

Great Wall Steed 2020 - Australia's Cheapest Ute

Some Aussies just want to save money on a new ute and the Great Wall Steed is there to fulfil that wish. Priced between $19,000 to $25,000, its range of single and double cab models are undoubtedly the cheapest option in the market for families, tradesmen, and farmers.

While there are better utes from bigger brands, this Chinese car brand is worth considering. Price aside, it’s exterior and interior styling is reasonably contemporary and it has several standard features and an option for a petrol engine that is becoming rarer in the ute segment.

It only has a two-star ANCAP crash test safety score. The test was conducted in 2016, however, and the car has had significant safety improvements since, including the addition of Bosch Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Overall, the Great Wall Steed is far from great. But, hey, it is not that terrible. It’s also still a niche player in the highly competitive local ute market.

Great Wall Steed 2020 Aggregated Reviews

Drive.com.au - 5.9/10
CarAdvice.com.au (4x2) - 5.9/10
CarsGuide.com.au - 6.1/10

We Love

• Surprising ride comfort
• Reasonable payload
• Improved five-year warranty
• It's become ridiculously cheap

Pain Points

• Hoary old drivetrain
• Vague steering, wallowing body control
• Interior layout and finish
• No screen or reversing camera
• Two-star ANCAP crash rating

Exterior

The Steed looks rugged on the outside with its strong construction and ladder frame chassis. The body dimension measures 5345mm long, 1800mm wide and 1760mm tall, which is actually the same as a HiLux Workmate 4x2 petrol. It is, however, 115mm longer between the wheels than the Japanese workhorse.

In fact, the Steed is one of the longest and lowest utes in the market with its 171 mm ground clearance.

The dual-cab variant is a capable offroader with diesel engine, six-speed transmission, low range 4×4 gearing, generous approach and departure angles, and BorgWarner torque-on-demand transfer case.

Although contemporary, the exterior styling is somewhat proportionally weird: long body but short ground clearance, enormous wheelbase, huge door handles, and small back doors.

The ute’s side steps provide easy access to the cabin, while a big step bumper at the rear supports easy access to the tray. The tray has a tub liner and a sports bar, which come as standard.

Other exterior features include:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Auto headlights, auto wipers
• LED daytime running lights
• Front and rear fog lights

Interior

There’s excellent visibility inside the cabin, with standard rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights.

Stylish leather accents are noticeable on the door trim panel and steering wheel. The floor has carpet instead of vinyl, which is common on entry-level utes.

There are many storage spaces inside the cabin, including cup holders between the front seats, door pockets with bottle holders, map pockets in the rear seats, and more storage space when the rear seat backrest is folded down.

Comfort-Tek seats come standard on all Steed Dual Cab, including heated seats for the driver and front passenger. The driver’s seat and the steering wheel are adjustable.

Back in the rear seat, long-legged occupants have a decent headroom but may struggle with the little legroom.

The soft-touch steering wheel has the controls for the air-conditioning system, as well as the six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth audio streaming to allow convenient operation without taking the driver’s hands off the wheel.

More comfort fixtures for driver and passengers include:

• Electronic anti-glare rearview mirror
• Cruise control
• Multi-function trip computer
• All-round power windows
• Electric folding heated exterior mirrors
• Sunvisor with vanity mirror
• Brightness-adjustable Instruments
• 12V power outlet
• Stainless steel scuff plates
• Sunglass holder

Meanwhile, the ute’s safety levels have been improved with the latest Bosch Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that’s standard in all models. The ESP integrates anti-lock braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control System, and Hill Hold Control system. The car also comes with Autoliv airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The steering wheel is adjustable in four directions (up, down, forward and back). It also integrates multiple functions including cruise and audio controls, and Bluetooth.

Be aware, however, that load times on the screen are slow and the volume levelling is inconsistent.

A lattice dash display screen shows the instantaneous fuel consumption, driving range, average speed, tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) and service interval reminders.

Multimedia equipment includes:

• Single Disc CD+USB
• AUX+USB+iPod interface
• 2 High Tone Speakers + 4 Low Tone Speakers
• Built-in Antenna

Reversing camera and satellite navigation are optional.

What's it like to drive a Great Wall Steed 2020?

The Great Wall Steed is like one of those toys that you’ve bought at a discounted price, useful but never fancy. With the affordable price comes decent ute performance.

The single cab is built to work without fuss while the dual-cab can take off the beaten path.

However, the ute’s safety equipment is basic compared to its competitors in the ultra-competitive Aussie ute market, which earns it only a 2-star ANCAP rating.

Who’s the Great Wall Steed 2020 for?

The Great Wall Steed is for people who need a ute but has a limited budget, ideally entrepreneurs in urban areas who have to routinely transport light cargo.

The availability of a petrol engine is good news for ute drivers who prefer driving a petrol car. This option, however, is only available in 4×2.