Upgraded but still affordable! (Ssangyong Rexton 2024 review)

The Ssangyong Rexton is one of the most affordable new 4WD wagons you can buy in Australia and it’s just come in for an upgrade which brings the interior into the modern age.

Now boasting a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen and a slew of other small but meaningful changes to the interior, the Rexton aims to build on its other key features like its 3.5-tonne towing capacity and seven-seat flexibility to grab attention away from its key rivals.

These include traditional offerings like the Isuzu MU-X but also cheaper rivals like the GWM Tank 300 and seven-seat Tank 500.

But with an untested safety package and aging bones, can the updated Rexton compete with the best in this segment? Production specialist Tom Place investigates.

Timecodes:

0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Design
1:30 - New range
2:10 - Interior
3:10 - Tech
5:27 - Second row
7:47 - Third row
8:46 - Boot
10:00 - Running costs
10:44 - Driving
14:44 - Safety
15:17 - Off-road
18:45 - Verdict

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[tonydcurrawong]

I own a 22 Black Edition, its been a great car. I tend to drive conservatively and not off road, so the original tyres are fine for me. I do drive a lot though - 40k a year - and the relaxed cruisign of this car has been excellent for a big bloke. 10/10 for me.

[MrProbludger]

I've driven Rexie MY2024 with Ultimate Sport Pack for 4 months now. I know that it's not a hardcore 4WD but at this price point it is a real beaut, especailly when it comes to towing.

[juliancooper]

I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. For me it was a wagon that could tow 3.5 tonne legally and the 4WD is handy for launching the boat and the occasional off road adventure (nothing serious). To date I am very pleased with my Ultimate MY24 and the more I drive it the more I get used to driving a 4 cylinder diesel that may not win drag races but can accelerate to pass adequately.

[dynechennoth]

Having driven the Rexton 2023 model, I can say that the factory fitted Kumho tyres are not up to the mark. Regarding the ride on wet and slippery surfaces, changing the mode from Eco to Winter will resolve the issue. Winter mode gives the much needed grip to drive on slippery conditions. Highway driving is very fuel efficient as I got 6l/100 km in long trips.

[markleadbeatter]

I picked up my 24 model Ultimate last month and have to say that I am very impressed with it so far. Personally, I actually prefer the minimal level of tech intrusion, as opposed to the overly-laden more modern alternatives, which can feel somewhat suffocating in my experience. I have had the Ironman suspension kit that Ssangyong offers as an official accessory fitted, which I do feel has better resolved the ride/handling equation, however, these vehicles will always be somewhat compromised by their very nature. The biggest improvement though has come through the fitment of an electronic throttle controller and tuning box, which together have totally transformed the driving experience, making the vehicle much smoother and more responsive, whilst actually improving on the already solid fuel consumption figure. Having negotiated a very favourable drive away price despite having a host of accessories fitted (including the tow pack with electric brake controller), I still achieved a cost below that of any close rival and certainly way less than I would have had to pay for something like an Everest. Is it perfect? Hell no, and the lack of native navigation and smart cruise are somewhat disappointing, as is the ability to manually lock the rear diff but as an overall package, it simply made huge sense to me when spending my own dollars and having owned various Korean cars for many years now, I certainly won't be losing any sleep over reliability and build quality.

[RhynesClaybourn]

I have one kislux bag I got in 2019, it's the LV white catogram speedy. It's counter quality and it has a nice honey patina now, so the leather is real. I think whatever makes you happy go for it. I've seen LV with plastic leather and blood red glaze...

[stephengrainger]

Thanks for an excellent review. I didn't notice the cadence 'thing'. I don't have an issue with your delivery. It's fine.

[alfstewart]

His cadence isn't that bad, he just paces himself to avoid saying um or err

[Coastmac]

It's great, but it's still underrated . Deserves to do well here. A software update will likely fix any screen issues on start up

[twinshock]

I am still tossing around the Rexton as a tow vehicle or the Musso as value buy. The Musso gives me a free load area if i put a canopy on it, as I would prefer a Rexton 5 seat option. Both would need suspension work, and there currently seems aftermarket caters enough for the Musso too. I currently have a wagon and a ute would also be ok. I am not looking for off road prowess, just 4x4 to get out of a sticky situation if needed, load haul capability value for money really. I have seen Korean crash tests on the Rexton found on YT, it seems to look ok, no data supplied.

[raysater]

I upgraded mine with iron man suspension kit for $2000. And put air bags in the back for lift when towing. Also put Monsta all terrain tyres made for 20inch wheels.
So spend an extra $4000. You got a great 4x4 and towing machine

[jamesszabadics]

Are you on factory Nexen tyres? I had them on another korean vehicle and when i went to Yokahama the road holding changed completely

[miroslavconka]

what is better Rexton 2024 or new Hyundai Santa Fe with 1, 6 l hibrid, a lot fo people sas that is not goog 1, 6 l for Hyundai, better 2, 2 diesel as a Rexton have

[felipechacon]

Anybody else feels like it pulls the wheel to the left while driving? The workshop says it’s because of how the Aussie roads are built but I haven’t experienced that with other cars. Any thoughts?

[callumhuntermtb]

Set of decent tyres would solve almost all the grip issues and likely some of the small bump compliance/stability…

[AdamAus]

I often like to think how this brand would of faired had they used a different name in Australia.

[hatty]

Second row seat should be captain seat than a bench seat

[nathansmith]

What are its Chinese rivals? Haval H6?

[sunnysok]

Can’t wait they change their name to KGM. Ssangyong I feel stops people from buying it due to name. What they need to do is have an entry level, top spec and then either a hybrid or electric version. Streamline their range and bring their new models out and have aggressive marketing and position themselves just above the Chinese cars but below the other korean cars being Kia and Hyundai. To be honest, the Ssangyongs look better than the Hyundai SUV’s

[TheHayabusa]

Deal breaker for me in having that laggy screen. Can be very dangerous if having to perform a quick manoeuvre, say a 3-point turn with vehicles around you. Nup, should be much better..