Ssangyong Korando 2020 - Is it worth considering?

SsangYong's Korando has previously been something of a fringe player in the value reaches of the mid-sized SUV class, but this MK4 model aims to edge into the mainstream.

It's well equipped, rather smart and can tow up to 2.0-tonnes. Sounds promising.

Background
Buying a mid-sized family-shaped SUV can be an expensive business these days. The ones you can have for anywhere near £20,000 tend to offer weedy performance and a relatively cramped interior. It's far more typical to be paying £25,000-£30,000 for a 'Qashqai'-class family hatchback-based Crossover of this kind and many plusher models sit in the £30,000-£40,000 bracket.

So what are we to make of this, the fourth generation version of SsangYong's Korando? From launch, prices were pitched at a genuine £20,000, with a really nice one pitched at under £27,000. This model's also better equipped than most comparable rivals and can tow heavier loads. But all of this you'd maybe expect from a SsangYong. Can this one though, offer a properly class-competitive proposition when it comes to things like fit and finish, drive dynamics, efficiency and safety? Let's find out.

Driving Experience
Two engines are available to prospective Korando customers. The petrol choice is a 1.5-litre GDI-turbo unit with 163PS and 280Nm of torque which can only be had with front-wheel drive. It's usually mated to 6-speed manual transmission but the top-spec version can alternatively be had with an auto gearbox. The other main choice (and the one that this car's core caravan-trailing and towing market will want) is the 1.6-litre diesel, which has to be had with an auto gearbox. Here, you get 136PS, but far more pulling power - 342Nm of it; enough to allow the car to pull up to 2.0-tonnes.

If your Korando has the 6-speed automatic transmission, it'll also come with selectable 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Winter' drive modes. Unlike most of its rivals, the diesel version of this Korando is available with a capable all-wheel drive system, this one featuring 'Automatic Drive Control', which ensures that the speed of each wheel is individually monitored in real-time. If a wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically redistributed to the wheel where it is needed most, thus maximising traction over treacherous roads. You'll normally drive with the AWD system in its 'Auto' mode, but for traversing really arduous terrain, there's a selectable 'Lock-Mode' option which increases torque delivery to the rear wheels for improved traction and stability.

Design and Build
SsangYong is starting of smartly modern yet brand-distinctive design, as evidenced here. The usual robust SUV silhouette is complemented by the rather smart "birds wing"-style front grille which has become a visual identifier for modern SsangYong models. Plus strong side lines are matched with curved shoulder creases that taper towards the rear of the car, as well as a colour-keyed bumper, a rear spoiler and a rear skid plate, all of which lend this compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. Dependent on trim level, Korando offers a selection of alloy wheel designs with 17, 18 or 19-inch diamond cut rims.

Inside, the integrated wrap-around dashboard design is said to have been inspired by the design of a classical string instrument. At the top of the range, you get the brand's innovative "Blaze Cockpit" package, which gives you a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 9-inch centre-dash infotainment display with a colour choice of 34 infinity mood lighting options. There's only one body style option, a 5-seater - but you do get reasonable rear seat legroom. And a decently-sized boot too - the load area offers up to 1248-litres of space in the back.

[daakuredpanda]

I bought the Ssangyong Rexton. It's really tough, spacious and the interior materials are amazing. Lack of a big brand name was a bother initially but everyday I have fallen more in love with it. The Korando seems even better. Shame most of the people overlook these wonderful cars.

[DenisDale]

The best car review I have seen. 46 minutes of fair, honest and informative comments,

[erzahlvideo]

Hi, I am from the Philippines, I owned the old model 2017 Korando (AWD, Diesel AT), and it is the best product of SsangYong. Sturdy, fast and full of features, I haven't experienced any problem yet. Gas efficient and really a value to your money. Also, very good after service, the crew and staff are accommodating and reliable. :) Seeing this new Korando version, keeps me more excited! This is because, the 2020 Korando Ultimate edition AWD Diesel model is already available here in the Philippines! :)

[thetrustysidekick]

I would like to thank you guys over at OSV for helping me make my decision.
I am picking up my new Korando from the dealer this afternoon.


Thanks for all the work you guys do, and I hope to see more.

[joshyoungmann]

Thank you very much for this very comprehensive review. I must confess that this is the best car review that I have ever watched. You have touched on every aspect of the car and even extended to other models in the segment. Keep it up because most of us will make better car choices through your reviews.

[randywest]

Probably the best car reviews I’ve found on the web. Thanks for sharing this new review with us.

[BlackHawkTejas]

Mahindra Auto of India which is the owner of SsangYong has developed those new petrol & diesel engines along with the new platform has played a big part in somewhat SsangYong's revival!!

[바실리카]

Ssangyong is getting better and better. Good comfort better than hyundai and kia. Better exterior and interior designs.
Hyundai and kia have had GDI engine problems in the us and korea as well

[markgrovenor]

Great review thankyou! I wish I had seen this before I bought my Korando as I probably would have bought the higher spec model. The Sales rep didn't sell the car unfortunately, the car sold itself based on value for money so I am still impressed with the base model I bought. My main gripe is the poor fuel economy out of the 1.5l petrol engine. To date the best highway-only mileage is 8.5l/100km. My 2019 455hp Camaro achieves 6.2l/100km on the highway! Fortunately our Korando is mainly the local shopping cart so fuel economy isn't a big factor. I also agree the rear passenger space and overall load options is better than all competitors.

[youlenin]

Well. This might be the best review of a car that I ever stumbled upon on youtube. Very well structured and documented. Thanks and I hope i will see a lot more videos from you guys! +1 Sub

[gubocci]

I'm very surprised you don't have more subscribers. But keep up this level and it's inevitable!

[davidellis]

My friend bought a Rexton Diesel years ago when he was broke, everyone laughed at him at first but as time went by and the miles piled up with Total Reliability people began to realise that he had bought a near indestructible vehicle. This model looks great value for money but again the fuel consumption figures look pretty grim compared to my BMW X1 4wd 2ltr Diesel which last weekend averaged over 40mpg towing a trailer with a car on it for nearly 500 miles so they have a way to go on fuel economy. Nice looking car though but would Never buy one with a 1-6 diesel, this trend of downsizing diesels to pull caravans is not a good idea for reliability but it does have a 7year Warranty on Major Components so they must be pretty confident that the vehicle can do it but I won't be putting it to the test. I am old fashioned and believe a bigger engine doing less work is better than a small engine being overworked to do the same job, I could be wrong though but I'll stick with what I trust, it hasn't let me down in over 50years of towing trailers and caravans so anything less than 2Litres is a Big NO NO with me.

[wtjpqxl]

After discovering OSV reviews on Youtube, I've now 'binge-read' quite a few. They're excellent and I particularly appreciated the clear info and well informed opinion. I was especially impressed by the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport review. Polite suggestion - please can you include the official 'wade depth' stats for the cars (SUV/off-roaders) you review? Given UK flooding issues, that's quite important, especially to those of us living in rural communities. Also, where available, the data on model reliability reports would be a distinct bonus, although I understand there are a myriad ways to ascertain what this is/means and newer models may lack this information.

[DcraigRob]

Ive never looked into them but whenever I saw one on the road I assumed Mercedes or something pricewise.

[aboudsheikh]

Your review is very professional, and you are the expert in this field indeed. Keep it up .

[klaseronen]

Thank you once again for a great review! Thanks to you, I will go and check and testdrive the Korando.

[gregory]

i bought it and i'm totally happy.a brilliant car!

[johnschroeder]

Hello from down under, very good review, covering all the details of this model. My uncle had one of the very early models from Ssangyong, which was, well really ugly!! affectionately known as the "thing" it had a few teething problems at first, it has proven to be indestructible ever since, considering the level of abuse it has suffered as uncle Ian, is not the best at looking after his vehicles. Still I like what Ssangyong are doing with their new range, once again great review and I have subscribed to your channel, cheers.

[thetrustysidekick]

Incredible review, touches on everything a potential buyer like me would want to know. Great delivery as well.


As for the Korando itself, well, it's quite impressive for the price point.

[jnagy]

Congratulation from Hungary. Professional video.
Could you say your experience of real fuel consumpsion of different engines?