Maxus D90 vs Changan CS75 Plus: Which Chinese SUV Offers the Better Ownership Experience?

The Maxus D90 feels like a larger, more truck-based SUV. Its body-on-frame construction gives a high driving position and a relaxed gait on highways, but it leans more in corners and requires more effort in tight urban spaces. The steering is light but vague. Off-road, the D90 has genuine capability with low-range gearing available, making it a choice for those who need to tow or venture off tarmac. The Changan CS75 Plus is a unibody crossover that feels car-like from behind the wheel. It’s nimble in city traffic, with sharper steering and a more responsive throttle. On the motorway it’s composed and quiet, but it lacks the off-road pretension of the D90. For daily commuting and suburban driving, the CS75 Plus is easier to live with; for long-distance touring or light off-roading, the D90 wins.

The CS75 Plus is the more refined vehicle. Its cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, and the suspension soaks up bumps with a plushness that suits paved roads. Seats are supportive with good adjustment. The D90, despite its size, transmits more vibration through the chassis; the ride is firmer and can be busy over uneven surfaces. However, the D90's seats are spacious and comfortable for tall occupants, and the airy cabin with large windows gives a pleasant sense of openness. On smooth highways the D90 cruises comfortably, but the CS75 Plus is clearly superior for daily comfort on typical roads.

The Maxus D90 is substantially larger, offering available third-row seats (up to seven passengers) and a cavernous cargo area with the rear seats folded. It can swallow bulky items easily, and the square shape makes loading straightforward. The second row slides and reclines for flexibility. The Changan CS75 Plus is a strict five-seater with a decent but not class-leading boot. Its rear seats are roomy for two adults, but three across is tighter. The CS75 Plus has clever storage solutions in the cabin, but for outright passenger and luggage capacity—especially if you need seven seats—the D90 is the obvious choice. The D90 also has a higher towing capacity, making it more practical for those with trailers or boats.

The Changan CS75 Plus punches above its weight with a large, crisp touchscreen, intuitive interface, and over-the-air updates. Its digital instrument cluster is customisable, and the voice control works well. Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking are smooth and effective. The Maxus D90's infotainment is more basic—the screen is smaller, graphics are dated, and the system lags. It does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the overall experience is less polished. The D90's driver aids exist but are less refined. For tech-savvy owners who value connectivity and ease of use, the CS75 Plus is the winner.

Both brands are Chinese with growing international dealer networks, but Changan has a longer history and more widespread service infrastructure. The CS75 Plus has earned a reputation for good reliability in several markets, with fewer reported issues than earlier Changan models. The Maxus brand (part of SAIC) is newer to many overseas markets, so parts availability and service expertise can be patchy. The D90's more complex body-on-frame setup may lead to higher maintenance costs over time. However, Maxus offers competitive warranties in many regions. Owners should verify local support before buying. Overall, the CS75 Plus likely offers marginally better peace of mind in terms of reliability and ease of service.

Choose the Maxus D90 if you need genuine seven-seat capacity, want to tow heavy loads, or regularly drive on rough roads. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse that prioritises space and brawn over daily polish. Choose the Changan CS75 Plus if your driving is primarily on paved roads and you value comfort, modern technology, and hassle-free urban manoeuvrability. It’s a more refined everyday companion that will suit families and commuters better.