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We’ve always had a soft spot for pick-up trucks—they’re big, bold, and unapologetically loud, commanding narrow roads like elephants striding through a jungle while everyone else makes way. Out in the open, they’re unstoppable, barreling through terrain like a grizzly bear on the hunt.
But let’s be honest—it takes a special kind of commitment to make a truck your daily ride. Not everyone can pull it off, but those who do, know it’s awesome. Of course, trucks have their quirks. Their massive size comes with its challenges—maneuvering them isn’t easy, parking can be a nightmare, and some places just aren’t built to accommodate them.
And then, there’s the engine. Built to endure decades of hard labor, these beasts are anything but environmentally friendly. But what if there was a way to change that? Enter the Riddara RD6—a pickup truck with an electric twist.
The RD6 is sharp and undeniably handsome, with a clean, uncluttered front end that feels refreshingly modern. The strongly sculpted bonnet, proudly featuring the Riddara lettering, adds a touch of strength and character. At the center, you’ll find sleek, smart-looking all-LED headlights, flanked by a closed-off grille with a unique pattern that’s subtle yet striking. While the vents are purely decorative, they enhance the overall aesthetic, and the skid plate at the bottom adds a rugged touch.
Unlike SUVs that now look like overweight sedans in the name of aerodynamics, the RD6 sticks to a traditional truck silhouette—a shape that feels right at home here. Size-wise, it’s a proper truck. For context, the RD6 is just 2.5 inches shorter, 1.7 inches wider, and 1.9 inches taller, and boasts a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase than the Toyota Hilux. Adding to its muscular stance are bold cutouts over the fenders and chunky off-road tires wrapped around rugged black alloy wheels, completing the tough, ready-for-anything profile.
At the rear, simplicity reigns. Sleek connected taillamps stretch across the back, while bold lettering ensures no one forgets what this truck is. A shark fin antenna and integrated brake light sit atop the cab, and the bumper features a convenient step for easy access to the bed. The RD6 nails the balance between form and function, delivering a design that’s both purposeful and undeniably stylish.
While the Chinese are relatively new to the lifestyle truck segment, they’ve ensured this interior feels purpose-built, not borrowed from a sedan, which is a refreshing touch. The full black interior scheme is practical, easy to maintain, and well-suited for the kind of tough-use trucks are built for.
Rugged-looking silver accents around the vents and door panels add a layer of durability to the design, giving it a sturdy, no-nonsense vibe. The central console matches this rugged aesthetic, but there’s room for improvement—particularly in the number of physical buttons. Essential controls like the AC should have tactile buttons for easier access, especially while on the move or in rough conditions.
The seats are another highlight. They offer excellent cushioning and a snug fit, ensuring comfort during long drives or bumpy trails. However, the absence of lumbar support is a noticeable drawback, especially for a truck designed for practical and potentially strenuous use. A touch of extra support would have gone a long way in enhancing driver comfort during extended drives or heavy-duty tasks.
In the rear, the bench seat is typical of trucks—flat and straightforward—but space isn’t an issue here. There’s ample room for three adults to sit comfortably, and in a pinch, four can fit without much trouble. The RD6 also excels in storage options. Beyond the usual cupholders, it offers clever solutions like a 48-liter underseat storage compartment, a 70-liter frunk, and an expansive 1200-liter bed at the back. This makes it a practical choice for anyone needing versatile storage for both work and play.
Overall, the interior of the RD6 is a well-thought-out space that prioritizes functionality without sacrificing a rugged, truck-like character. While there’s room for small improvements, it delivers what you’d expect from a lifestyle truck and more.
This truck is quick, smooth, and astonishingly quiet—so much so that it takes a bit of getting used to. I’m accustomed to the roar and rumble that come with traditional trucks, the raw mechanical soundtrack as they pick up speed. The RD6, however, operates in near silence. The quickness is a definite highlight, and it drives like an SUV in almost every situation. Only at the corners does it truly remind you that it’s a truck, leaning slightly and giving off that telltale truck-like feel.
Unfortunately, the RD6 isn’t without its drawbacks. For starters, there’s no 4WD or AWD. That’s a letdown for anyone looking to take it on steep inclines, wade through rivers, or tackle the kind of extreme off-roading that trucks are often synonymous with. Instead, you get rear-wheel drive—a decent setup that’s paired with good power, chunky tires, and generous ground clearance. It’s fine for light off-road use or rough terrain, as long as you don’t push it too hard or attempt anything extreme.
Another disappointment is the lack of cameras. Even budget EV hatchbacks now come equipped with reverse cameras, and some even have full 360-degree systems. Trucks, with their larger size and reduced visibility, arguably need these features even more. It’s an odd omission, especially in an EV that otherwise feels modern and capable.
Then there’s the range, which might be the most frustrating aspect. The RD6 offers around 300 km on a full charge, which simply isn’t enough. It’s not a small car or a city hatchback—it’s a truck. Trucks should be capable of longer trips and heavier workloads, so a real-world range of 400 to 450 km feels like the bare minimum it should have offered. What’s even more disappointing is that a version of the RD6 with a larger battery exists in international markets, offering up to 450 km of range. That’s the version we should have gotten here, and it’s the one we would have chosen without a second thought.
Thankfully, not everything is bad news. The RD6 redeems itself with some impressive driving dynamics. The suspension is SUV-like, offering a smooth, stable ride that doesn’t toss you around, even on uneven surfaces. The brakes are strong and reliable, providing plenty of stopping power when you need it most. And the steering? It’s buttery smooth, a surprising and welcome trait in a truck.
While the RD6 has its compromises, it delivers a driving experience that’s unexpectedly refined. It combines the comfort and agility of an SUV with the rugged presence of a truck, even if it does fall short in a few key areas. For many, it might just strike the right balance between practicality and modern EV convenience.
It might just be the easiest truck to live with, which is high praise for a segment often associated with compromises in convenience. It boasts smart, handsome looks, a thoughtfully designed cabin, and solid build quality. More importantly, it drives like an SUV, making it a pleasure to handle in urban settings without sacrificing the commanding presence of a truck. While the RD6 does fall short in terms of range, it makes up for it with low running and maintenance costs—a significant advantage for EV ownership.
Priced at Rs. 65 lakh, the RD6 offers incredible value for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s an ideal choice for city dwellers who tackle the daily grind but also crave adventure on the weekends. For anyone seeking a practical, modern truck with a touch of versatility, the RD6 deserves serious consideration.
