SsangYong Korando (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The SsangYong Korando is a mid-sized SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller Tivoli and larger Rexton in the SsangYong SUV family. The current model was launched at the 2019 Geneva motor show and arrived in the UK in summer of the same year.
The Korando has received reasonable reviews from the UK motoring media, ranging from average to very good. Its overall Expert Rating of 57% (as of November 2021) puts it in the bottom half of the field mid-sized mainstream SUVs, but it is certainly right among the midfield rather than well off the pace.
The SsangYong Korando has been widely praised for being a significant improvement over the previous model and other models in the SsangYong range. It’s also the first SsangYong to receive a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. However, it’s no longer really a budget option and there are plenty of other choices that offer better quality and resale value at a similar price.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £19,995 on-road
Launched: Summer 2019Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic PioneerScore: 7.7 / 10“Major improvements in refinement, quality and equipment levels mean the SsangYong Korando is no longer just for those who want an SUV but can’t afford one.”
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Auto Express
Score: 7 / 10“What the Korando lacks in flair it makes up for in being a sturdy, dependable and practical choice in the family SUV market.”
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Model reviewed: Ultimate 1.5 petrolScore: 7 / 10“As it stands, the petrol is the pick of the new SsangYong Korando range.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The SsangYong Korando isn’t the best car of this type or size, but it is very affordable, and comes loaded with equipment. It’s also very practical, with lots of space inside for people and their things, and it has a stonking warranty.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“The arrival of the fourth-generation Ssangyong Korando finally confirms that the South Korean manufacturer is fully capable of producing a good-looking car.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Well-equipped, striking to look at, half-decent off road and with the best on-road manners of any SsangYong to date, the new Korando is an impressive effort and it’s night-and-day better compared to its direct predecessor. The rebirth is genuinely impressive.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic UltimateScore: 8 / 10“This all-new Korando is completely transformed over the car it replaces. With new levels of refinement and a high-quality cabin, it moves SsangYong into line with more mainstream manufacturers.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.4 / 10“If you don’t mind a sedate driving experience, the SsangYong Korando is an appealing and practical family car with some impressive features.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview“The SsangYong Korando is an affordable yet practical SUV with bold styling and decent standard equipment, but alternatives are more economical and look posher inside.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Ultimate“The Ssangyong Korando provides good space and kit at a decent price, but is let down by the way it drives and its efficiency.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automatic Ultimate“This top-spec 4×4 automatic diesel isn’t the heartland of the range, but despite the cost it shows how far the brand is coming, though the SsangYong Korando isn’t exactly the budget option any more.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automaticScore: 6 / 10“At great value, with a 150,000 mile/seven-year warranty and a likely five-star safety rating, the Ssangyong Korando is worth serious consideration.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The genuinely ‘all-new’ SsangYong Korando offers good looks, an impressively high-quality interior, latest generation infotainment, six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and a choice of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 GDI-T“While it’s not as polished to drive as SUV rivals, it represents good value for money – and the brand’s reputation for reliability (along with a generous seven-year warranty) makes it a very sensible purchase.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.2 / 10“Reborn SUV is an improvement in all areas except value.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Rivals should be worried.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“The SsangYong Korando is a very good car in its own right, and represents some of the best value that can be had in this crowded segment. It’s practical, spacious, reasonably good to drive and competent enough off-road to meet the needs of country and equestrian folk.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“Cheap, but doesn’t always feel it. The SsangYong Korando is coming of age.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Ssangyong Korando gets closer to its rivals than ever before in terms of its driving experience and it is also very practical and comes with lots of safety features. But it’s still outclassed by the best when it comes to comfort, pace and running costs, plus it’s not actually that cheap.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.1 / 10“The latest SsangYong Korando remains the budget option in the world of family SUVs, but is a vast improvement over the version it replaces.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
88%
ADULT OCCUPANT
85%
CHILD OCCUPANT
68%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
74%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The SsangYong Korando has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
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Keyword: SsangYong Korando