SsangYong Tivoli (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The SsangYong Tivoli is a small SUV/crossover, available in two sizes: the regular Tivoli and the longer Tivoli XLV. The shorter model was launched in 2015, with the XLV added a year later.
The Tivoli range has received mixed scores from the UK motoring media, ranging from poor to above average. A general consensus is that the bigger XLV model offers extra practicality but that lengthening the original shape makes it look rather more awkward.
The SsangYong Tivoli has received particular praise for its low price and generous standard equipment levels, but has been criticised for a lack of refinement, below-average driving experience and relatively poor child safety rating.
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £14,495 on-road
Launched: Spring 2015Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Tivoli (2020 onwards)
Tivoli (2020 onwards)
Tivoli (2015 – 2019)
Tivoli (2020 onwards)
Tivoli (2015 – 2019)
Tivoli XLV (2016 – 2020)
Tivoli (2015 – 2019)
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: XLV rangeScore: 7.2 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli XLV adds a healthy dose of practicality to a good value budget SUV. While it might not compete with more mainstream rivals in terms of performance and refinement, it scores on space and standard equipment.”
Read review
Auto Express
Score: 7 / 10“If you want something different from your small crossover, the SsangYong Tivoli is close to matching its mainstream rivals in most areas.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Facelift range reviewScore: 7 / 10“The facelifted SsangYong Tivoli is definitely an improvement. It’s a competent compact SUV with a much-improved interior, but it needed more to really stand out. The Tivoli’s price is usually its big selling point, but the cost of this top-spec Ultimate model ends up being its biggest downfall.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“If you want something different from your small crossover, the SsangYong Tivoli is close to matching its mainstream rivals in most areas.”
Read review
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 8 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli XLV makes much more sense in manual form, and the front-wheel drive version will be better than the 4×4 for most buyers.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 6 / 10“Some will say you get what you pay for, and in plenty of ways you’re getting more than the crossover class offers on average with the SsangYong Tivoli – but that doesn’t quite amount to enough in our book to make the car a real contender.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“It may not have the character or the standout price of a Dacia Duster, but the SsangYong Tivoli isn’t far behind that model as a value champion.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 6 / 10“If you’re not troubled by the looks of the normal SsangYong Tivoli, but you need something a little more practical, then you’ll like the XLV. It makes great sense if you need lots of space, and lots of equipment, and you don’t want to spend an excessive amount.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Ssangyong’s rooted-to-the-floor brand cred will be harder to overcome than any other kind of prejudice, but if you’ve got the strength to deal with endless ‘You bought a whaat?’ questions then you won’t be disappointed.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli is a stylish car with a low price and generous standard equipment, which may tempt some buyers from more established competition.”
Read review
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 7 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli XLV takes the stylish Tivoli and makes it bigger. It looks a bit more awkward than before, but it’s also more practical.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: XLV rangeScore: 6 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli XLV has lots of interior space, a decent level of standard equipment and a low price – just don’t expect to be excited about driving it.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli is a cheap and practical crossover, but its interior quality pales in comparison to that of other small SUVs.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It might have a few shortcomings, but thanks to a well-made, family-friendly cabin and a very generous level of standard equipment they are easily forgiven.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“No matter which SsangYong Tivoli you choose, all come fitted with plenty of standard kit including alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, seven airbags, Smart steering and Bluetooth connectivity. “
Read review
Model reviewed: XLV rangeScore: 8.2 / 10“SsangYong Tivoli gains a bigger boot for added practicality”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review“Avoid the six-speed auto. There’s no paddles on the steering wheel, just a naff button on the gearstick to change up or down. It’s not intuitive. Save yourself a grand and go for the manual.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic ELXScore: 8 / 10“No such thing as a bad SsangYong anymore.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“The SsangYong Tivoli is spacious, well equipped and reasonably well finished, but compared with most rivals it’s not as good to drive and its child occupant safety rating might be a concern. A Suzuki Vitara still makes for a better budget compact SUV.”
Read review
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 6 / 10“The Tivoli XLV is rather pricey for a Ssangyong, but then it does come fully loaded with toys, replete with enough space for four adults and their luggage, and with the added benefit of a five-year warranty.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: XLVScore: 4 / 10“The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV offers good space and practicality to families on a budget. However, if you can find the extra, its rivals are the more rounded choices.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 4 / 10“Roomy and well-equipped, but so-so to drive.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range review“Cheap – but a safety cheapskate.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: November 2016
82%
ADULT OCCUPANT
62%
CHILD OCCUPANT
65%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
43%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The SsangYong Tivoli has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the SsangYong Tivoli, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia Stonic | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland X | Volkswagen T-Cross
Buy or lease a SsangYong Tivoli
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Tivoli, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.
We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Keyword: SsangYong Tivoli