The Philippine pickup segment just got a bold new contender. MG Motor Philippines has officially rolled out the MG TRQ L, marking its first-ever pickup truck offering in the country. Locally unveiled during a special First Light Drive, the TRQ L impressed with its rugged stance, refined comfort, and practical features—all packed into a single day of real-world driving.
The MG TRQ L is essentially the rebadged Maxus T70, now wearing MG’s badge and design language. It’s powered by a 2.0L turbo diesel engine producing 158 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (4×2) configuration. With a payload capacity of 1,005 kg, it’s built to handle both work and weekend adventures.
Key dimensions:
- Length: 5,365 mm
- Width: 1,960 mm
- Height: 1,857 mm
- Ground Clearance: 215 mm
- Bed Size: 1,485 × 1,510 × 490 mm
The MG TRQ L makes a bold impression up front with its wide hexagonal grille, sleek headlamps, and muscular hood lines—blending rugged utility with modern styling. Projector halogens with DRLs and angular fog lamp housings complete its confident, road-ready look.
At the rear, it features a sprayed-on bed liner for added durability and a tubular roll bar (styling bar) mounted behind the cab, giving it a sporty edge while reinforcing its utility-focused design.
Also stock roof rail adds extra versatility for carrying gear, making the TRQ L ready for both work and weekend adventures.
While the tail lamps are designed with a clean, vertical layout that enhances visibility and complements the truck’s tough stance. Whether for work or weekend adventures, the TRQ L looks ready for anything.
Inside, the TRQ L seats five comfortably with a clean, functional dashboard and thoughtful touches that elevate it beyond a typical workhorse. In the rear, grab handles are mounted on the B-pillars and above the doors, providing passengers with extra support when climbing in or navigating rough terrain. 
The rear middle seat features integrated cup holders and ISOFIX child seat anchors, while the fold-down backrest reveals a handy storage compartment—perfect for stashing small gear or essentials on the go.
The MG TRQ L’s cabin is designed with practicality and modern convenience in mind. At the center is a cleanly integrated infotainment system that supports wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless access to navigation, music, and apps.
The dashboard layout is straightforward and driver-focused, featuring cruise control for long-haul comfort. Thoughtful storage touches include a card slot within easy reach of the driver and a small cubby space perfect for receipts, coins, or everyday knickknacks—making the TRQ L as organized as it is capable.
Even the fuel opening button is conveniently placed within arm’s reach, eliminating the usual hunt near the seat floor and replacing it with a simple, accessible press.
The MG TRQ L features a straightforward and easy-to-read gauge cluster that combines analog dials with a digital display at the center. The tachometer and speedometer are clearly marked, making it simple to monitor performance at a glance.
The digital screen provides essential driving information such as fuel economy, trip data, and gear position—keeping drivers informed without distraction. It’s a functional setup that complements the truck’s practical, no-nonsense interior.
First Light Drive: Real Roads, Real Impressions
The First Light Drive gave media and select guests a chance to experience the TRQ L in varied conditions—from city streets to open highways. The drive highlighted the truck’s smooth power delivery, stable handling, and quiet cabin, especially impressive for a diesel-powered pickup.
Drivers noted the responsive transmission, comfortable ride quality, and solid build, making it a strong alternative to established players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. While it’s new to Filipino roads, the TRQ L showed it’s ready to compete.
The MG TRQ L is built to handle tough terrain and heavy loads without compromising ride comfort. Up front, it features an independent double wishbone suspension that smooths out bumps and enhances steering stability. At the rear, a leaf spring rigid axle provides the strength needed for hauling, making it ideal for both commercial and recreational use.
Adding to its practicality, the TRQ L comes equipped with a full-size spare tire mounted beneath the bed, ensuring you’re always prepared for unexpected road situations.
A New Chapter for MG Philippines
With sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, and EVs already in its lineup, MG Philippines is now entering the pickup space with confidence. The TRQ L is expected to appeal to business owners, fleet operators, and lifestyle buyers looking for a capable yet stylish workhorse.
As MG continues to expand its portfolio, the TRQ L signals a strategic move into utility and adventure-ready vehicles, backed by the brand’s growing dealership network and after-sales support.
The MG TRQ L’s First Light Drive proves it’s not just a new name—it’s a serious new player. Stay tuned for pricing, availability, and full specs as MG Philippines gears up for its official launch this week.
If given the opportunity to drive the MG TRQ L again, we’d gladly take it—especially across the diverse terrains of the Philippines. From the winding roads of Luzon to the rugged trails of Mindanao and the coastal routes of the Visayas, pickups remain one of the country’s most trusted modes of transport for goods and people alike. The TRQ L feels right at home in this landscape, and we’re excited to see how it continues to prove itself in every corner of the archipelago.