60-second summary

What is it?
The latest SsangYong Rexton is a completely new version of the brand’s traditional large SUV.

Key features
Seven seats, fully off-road capable 4×4, major interior upgrades.

Our view
The new SsangYong Rexton is a major advance that will surprise those familiar with the brand and should persuade others to check it out. It remains a traditional large SUV with selectable 4×4 transmission and body-on-frame construction – this makes it less assured on the road but capable of serious off-road ability and a heavyweight towing capacity.

Inside there is a great deal of space, especially in the enormous boot, but the major advance is in the quality of the fit and finish. This competes with rivals perceived to be much more upmarket.

The Rexton can’t compete with those rivals for the efficiency of its engine, but it does come well equipped and with an impressive standard safety package that includes autonomous emergency braking.

Similar cars
Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Discovery

Full review

Introduction

The big old SsangYong Rexton SUV signifies how many people still view the Korean manufacturer – a budget brand relying on old tech and basic quality, a bit like Kia and Hyundai once were.

That view no longer really fits SsangYong, however. Recent new models, particularly the Tivoli and XLV, have brought significant growth to what is actually the oldest Korean brand of all, tracing its history back to 1954. Yet SsangYong also remains one of the smallest brands, and to continue the growth and close the yawning gap to its young upstart rivals, cars such as the Rexton have to be brought into line.

The all-new, fourth-generation Rexton goes quite some way to achieving this, particularly in terms of looks, interior quality and refinement. But it’s not all about revolution. In an age of monocoque SUVs, the Rexton retains its old-style body-on-frame construction. So it also retains its membership of the declining club of proper serious off-roaders, but will its on-the-road refinement suffer as a result?

And with a price tag for the upper models significantly increased over predecessors, can this really still be seriously considered as a low-cost option to the likes of the Land Rover Discovery?

autos, cars, ssangyong, ssangyong rexton, ssangyong rexton review

The new Rexton presents a much more modern image than the previous model

Buying and owning a SsangYong Rexton

– Advertisement –

Choosing a new Rexton will be quite a simple process. Mechanically they are all the same, using the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel of the previous generation, though with a small amount of extra power squeezed out of it. On offer is 181hp, along with 400Nm of torque, which in this heavyweight environment results in an 11.1-second 0-62mph time – adequate, if not exciting.

The engine can be combined with a six-speed manual gearbox but an attractive option is the seven-speed automatic, which is a unit sourced from Mercedes-Benz and behaves very well. And every Rexton comes with selectable all-wheel-drive – no pussy-footing front-wheel-drive only models here. The unit boasts a low-ratio mode, and with the car’s high-stance providing steep approach and departure angles, and Hill Descent Control, the Rexton can hold its own when the going gets rough.

One other major plus is the car’s towing weight – the Rexton can haul 3.5 tonnes, which will make it attractive to the likes of the equestrian community, and allows it to compete with much more upmarket rivals such as the Discovery.

Prices start from £27,500 and range across three trim levels – EX, ELX and Ultimate. Some have questioned the £37,500 price of the latter for a brand still considered a budget option, but this does pay for a lot of equipment.

One can have the entry EX level with seven seats, while it also boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, a smart audio system accessed through an eight-inch screen, power/folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers and cruise control.

The standard safety package is notable too – the likes of Euro NCAP will no doubt point to this budget brand offering autonomous emergency braking as standard along with forward collision and lane departure warnings, high beam assistance and traffic sign recognition.

An extra £4,500 buys the ELX – the wheels get an inch larger, and there are such niceties as leather upholstery, dual-zone and rear air-con, heated and powered front seats and keyless entry.

The central infotainment screen grows to nine inches, which is useful as it now includes TomTom navigation. There’s a digital instrument cluster and nine instead of six airbags.

Ultimates only come in five-seat form and with the seven-speed auto transmission. The £37,500 price tag also pays for such desirables as 20in alloys, high-intensity headlights and LED fog lights with a cornering function, quilted nappa leather and a smart tailgate that opens or closes with a wave.

The safety package jumps too  – a 3D around-view camera is included, as are lane-change assist, blind-spot detection and rear-cross traffic alert driver aids.

Outside and Inside the SsangYong Rexton

autos, cars, ssangyong, ssangyong rexton, ssangyong rexton review

Interior trim is finished to a notably high standard.

On first viewing, the new Rexton presents a much more modern image. The latest styling treatment follows the LIV-2 concept unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016, and the look is smoother throughout, which allows the car to appear far more confident alongside rivals in the car park.

It’s not quite so pleasing from the rear, as the Rexton still boasts an enormous rear overhang – this machine outstretches the Hyundai Santa Fe by some 150mm though at 4850mm in length it remains 100mm shorter than a Volvo XC90, another car SsangYong would like to steer customers away from.

The advantage of the stuck-out rear end becomes apparent once inside the car. Everywhere is spacious, front and back, and if you choose a five-seater version you get a gargantuan 820 litres – a lot more than the longer Volvo even before you think of folding the seats.

Making even more of an impression than the interior space, however, is the quality. Admittedly on the launch event we did not get to try the entry-level EX model, but the interior trim on the ELX and Ultimate versions is to a notably high standard. Evolved from the Tivoli, it features plastics that are soft touch and the chromework neatly detailed. It’s slightly too ‘blingy’ but also a world apart, in a good way, from previous Rextons.

Driving the SsangYong Rexton

autos, cars, ssangyong, ssangyong rexton, ssangyong rexton review
Taking the Rexton onto the road we were ready to be unimpressed, due to the designers retaining that body-on-frame construction. Off-road such a build provides the robustness one needs, as well as the impressive towing ability, but it doesn’t usually translate to the predictable, higher-standard handling of more modern monocoque designs.

The Rexton maintains the trend, but it’s not as bad as one might expect. Cruising on a motorway it is composed and noticeably quiet – the designers have worked hard on cutting noise, vibration and harshness out of the car and to a great extent they have succeeded.

In corners the car is not quite so assured – the softness of the suspension can make itself felt on sharp corners with a degree of body roll, but again it’s not excessive and a whole lot better than previous versions of the car.

The diesel engine plays its part too – under acceleration it remains refined, only really producing any significant audio note when really accelerated hard. However it can’t compete with more modern, downsized units in terms of efficiency – 36mpg and plus 200g/km emissions levels are somewhat old generation in today’s market.

Summary

SsangYong has improved the Rexton to an extent that will greatly surprise those who know the brand – especially once they get in it. The car will also score highly on the level of equipment supplied, in particular the safety package – justifying the now more substantial pricing.

Whether such first impressions will lead to purchases will likely depend on the requirements of the buyer. If you are looking for an SUV for the road, with car-like handling and great efficiency, then the Rexton is not for you.

If, however, you want a strong, robust 4×4, that can tow a heavy caravan or trailer not only to the scenery but through it, but you also want rather more than the low-rent, black plastic interior that formerly was a signature element of any vehicle with versatility, then you should check out the SsangYong Rexton.

autos, cars, ssangyong, ssangyong rexton, ssangyong rexton review

The SsangYong Rexton is a strong, robust 4×4 that can tow a heavy caravan or trailer not only to the scenery but through it

Keyword: SsangYong Rexton review

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

SsangYong Musso update revealed ahead of expected 2023 launch

After being leaked earlier this week, the updated SsangYong Musso and Musso XLV – or KG Mobility Rexton Sports Culmen and Rexton Sports Khan Culmen, as they’re now known in Korea – have been revealed. The updated ute range hasn’t been confirmed for a local launch yet, but SsangYong Australia ...

View more: SsangYong Musso update revealed ahead of expected 2023 launch

2023 SsangYong Rexton facelift: Pajero Sport rival gets new tech

The KG Mobility Rexton New Arena has been revealed as a refreshed SsangYong Rexton, complete with an overhauled interior. The Rexton New Arena sees a similar set of updates to the related Musso. SsangYong Australia says it hasn’t finalised a local launch yet for either model, but is estimating one ...

View more: 2023 SsangYong Rexton facelift: Pajero Sport rival gets new tech

SsangYong Musso: Updated ute leaked ahead of Australian launch

The updated SsangYong/KG Mobility Musso dual-cab ute has been leaked undisguised ahead of an expected Australian launch this year. Photos shared on Korean site Autospy show the updated Musso in a showroom, revealing its updated interior and exterior. SsangYong Australia says a local launch for the updated Musso hasn’t been ...

View more: SsangYong Musso: Updated ute leaked ahead of Australian launch

Coming to take on Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger? Is this a new 2024 SsangYong Musso XLV facelift? - report

A major facelift of the Musso could mean the model will continue for more years to come. The Australian version of the Musso sticks with the 133kW and 400Nm outputs. The Musso seen on Korean forums and reports appears to be a heavily facelifted version of the existing car. ...

View more: Coming to take on Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger? Is this a new 2024 SsangYong Musso XLV facelift? - report

SsangYong Musso update leaked, new interior coming

A refreshed version of the SsangYong Musso has emerged, courtesy of a leaked image and spy photos shared on Korean media. The brand – now officially known as KG Mobility – is calling the tweaked version of the Rexton Sports and Khan (Musso and Musso XLV) the Culmen. We’ve contacted ...

View more: SsangYong Musso update leaked, new interior coming

SsangYong turns the tables, wants to rescue former suitor

The plot line is bit of Days of Our Lives mixed with Succession via Bollywood, but the company once known as SsangYong is in the box seat to rescue from receivership Edison Motors, the bus manufacturer that tried to buy it last year. According to the Yonhap News Agency, KG ...

View more: SsangYong turns the tables, wants to rescue former suitor

2023 SsangYong Rexton review

This Korean company offers huge value for buyers on a budget. SsangYong, which is set to soon be rebranded KG Mobility after a long takeover process, has always been considered the ‘other’ South Korean car maker behind Hyundai and Kia. And in Australia, the company has always hung its hat ...

View more: 2023 SsangYong Rexton review

Ssangyong rebrands and presents new electric vehicle model

The South Korean car manufacturer SsangYong is now called KG Mobility and has presented its second electric model. The background to the name change is the takeover of the Korean carmaker by the domestic conglomerate KG. Like the Korando e-Motion, the Torres EVX is a BEV offshoot of the ...

View more: Ssangyong rebrands and presents new electric vehicle model

KG Mobility unveils electric urban ute concept

SsangYong reveals electric ute concept, new SUVs

SsangYong Torres EVX: Electric SUV battery, powertrain detailed

Is a new SsangYong ute coming? SsangYong shows off three new cars at Seoul Mobility Show, including Torres ute and electric SUV

Subaru WRX, Porsche 911, Ford Mustang... the shrinking list of cars with manuals left in Australia | Opinion

SsangYong name change finalised

New name, who this? SsangYong officially confirms name change to KG Mobility, announces new slogan

SsangYong's boxy new SUV on track, could come with EV

Ssangyong renames itself KG Mobility and expands focus

SsangYong is getting a rebrand

SsangYong unveils new Torres EVX as all-new rugged SUV

A new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid alternative! 2024 SsangYong Torres EVX electric car confirmed, but will it come to Australia?

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel