An update worth the wait? 2024 SsangYong Musso XLV Adventure review (4x4 dual-cab ute)

Is the 2024 update really an improvement for the SsangYong Musso?

First thing, you'll notice that it's not the KG Mobility Musso. It's still a SsangYong, and the brand says it's sticking around here in Australia.

But is this - the only dual-cab ute currently on the market from South Korea - worth considering against some of the best cheap pick-up trucks on the market? Namely the GWM Ute and the LDV T60 Max?

Well, in this review, you'll see what the changes have been, whether they've been worthwhile, what the Musso is like to drive, what it costs to own and run, and whether you should buy one.

If you are interested in checking out the other reviews mentioned in this test, here they are:

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00:00 Intro
00:15 Is it the right price?
02:33 What are the best alternatives?
04:13 Is it the right size?
05:43 Interior
11:02 Under the bonnet
12:11 Driving
16:58 Efficiency
17:31 Is it safe?
18:36 Ownership
19:10 Verdict

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#ssangyong #musso #review

[clarkkent]

Faultless ownership experience over past 21 months and 42000 km in a Musso Ultimate Lux XLV. Suspension and dampers a bit soft, tows 3.5T surprisingly capably. As an open road tourer, and occasional trips to Fraser Island, etc..superb vehicle for the money. Quiet, refined, spacious, good on fuel. More enjoyable to drive than a prior Toyota Prado Kakadu( more involving and better tech)

[Punchypax]

Finally bought the Musso after a long period of research multiple test drives and reading owners forums. Couldn’t be happier, very roomy inside the cab, super refined / smooth, all the tech and excellent to drive. Love it.

[nebuchadnezzar]

I would take the Korean built ute over a Chinese one, every time.

[MrSwaggie]

My 2023 Musso is heaps better than the MQ Triton that I had which the wife hated. SWB with coils is fine for us. No problems with the ride either. Power is ok for us, last small trip I got 6.8 lit/100km a lot better than our Forester. No auto stop start, great, no overpowering lane centering, no beeps telling you to keep your eyes on the road, life is good in our Musso. Oh and the dog doesn’t mind the lap sash seatbelt.

[franko]

I've had mine 3 years 110ks no problems at all .
I changed the suspension on pick up it will change the rubbish drive. I go hunting in it go to Fraser island in it never been bogged.
It is awesome.
Highly recommend them.
Will buy another

[andrewy]

Absolutely love my Musso. Pre. Facelift. So big, smooth, comfy and good value.

[neelsvandenberg]

Bought SWB version a month ago. Perfect ute for me. Solid, powerful and many features at a great price. So underrated by the media, it is a bit of a shame.

[brianleahy]

I have owned a 2021 ultimate xlv for over 2 years can't fault it it excellent fuel economy rock solid build quality .

[gkntsmz]

One of the highest customer rated cars on product review. Scores 4.3.

[stefenosthepom]

I have the xlv ultimate for 2 years, great car, great value.

[imgoingforaride]

GWM has a timing belt, from memory it changed at 70 thousand km's and then every 100 thousand. Musso has a chain, less expense.

[threecheersobama]

Thanks a million for a well balanced objective review. Your mom did a great job. Cheers

[kingbeeable]

Mate purchased mine earlier this year and we love it would of loved to have it in the light green but not available then, We purchased the ELX / XLV with manual transmission and upgraded suspension it is brilliant.Also a big shout out to Sinclair Ssangyong at Penrith a fantastic team of professionals.

[DM-zkwu]

Good review and great reviewer, awesome in fact. Now subscribed 👏
Ssangyong have done a great job with the musso. This update needed to be better though. The creek should of been sized like the ranger. The wheels look too small on these cars especially the lwb. Maybe being black rims doesn’t help but they need to be at least 19’s or better designed/coloured? The elf rims are woeful and look aged already. $375 servicing is not cheap to undo a nut and change a simple filter and I would be doing an oil change every 8000 to 10000 kms rather than 15000.
Wish they imported them with the Khan badge on and wish Merv Hughes wasn’t doing their advertising. Don’t dumb your brand down Ssangyong, not everyone, in fact not that many Aussies are sport/cricket drongo’s in Australia. You could of not used him and spent his fee on that centre seat belt upgrade 😊

[myvideotablemyvideotable]

your review is right on the money. i am on my second ssangyong. actyon and now musso. what you mentioned about suspension is absolutely right. but these issues are very small as compared to what other main brands are experiencing these days. overall its a very good vehicle. i might be biased here but i find it very refined in terms of engine sound etc.

[brewstamacbeth]

I own an LXV Ultimate and like most utes it could do with more tie downs in the back.
Interestingly, there is full power supply for 12v behind the tub liner to the rear of the passenger side - look for a rectangular indentation - you can buy the Ssangyong weather proof plug kit and install it.(great for a fridge).
One downside is the lack of fixed install points for roof racks - it is a naked roof so you must use clamps.
Compared to my previous 2014 Amarok the aircon and heater fan is weak - doesn't really pump air out, but the Musso wipers and windscreen spray is better.
Surprisingly the radio is not DAB. There is no way i would connect my phone to the Apple Play or Android play in any vehicle as the car company then has 100% access to your phone data and you agree to let them do whatever they want with it.

There is no GPS sat nav in the Australian import, so i just use my phone as a stand alone GPS Nav. It is not connected to the car!


I enjoy driving it the Musso, it has enough power and rides well, the seats are comfortable.

[MiniLuv-]

Looks like a contender for me. I would like a ute without all those interfering and beeping technologies. I don't want to have to turn anything off every time I start the car. I want simplicity and reliability. Safety to me is crumble zones, side protection, air bags, seat belt pretensioners, ABS brakes and stability control, rear view camera, not beeps and farts. I also want smaller wheels with larger tyres that will give me some protection off road.

[debramoore]

I bought the xlv ultimate 1 year ago very impressed good economy very quiet & smooth wellbuilt & finished plenty of power for what I need tows well can, t beat the valve for money lots of features like sensor wiper auto head lights easy control's tyre monitors
360 camera

[simoneheather]

Ive got a 2020 Rhino SWB. The ride is bumpy, but when there weight in the tray its alot smoother. We absolutely love it and will always upgrade to ssangyong, looking forward to buying a newer model someday. Had zero issues with it in 4 years. Love the interior, the black lining on the celiling stood out to us so we went and tinted it, so its nice and dark in the cab. I find it great on diesel and has great pick up for overtaking. We also took an LDV ute for a test drive and it felt like it took about 10minutes to get upto 100ks. No power at all. Jumped in the rhino and knew straight away, this is what i want! 🙂

[TheHayabusa]

Another great review! Keep up the brilliant work.