Budget 4x4 seven-seater SUV updated! 2024 SsangYong Rexton review

Have the changes been worthwhile for the 2024 SsangYong Rexton?
In this review, I'll run you through what's been added, and what's been removed from some models, as well as how much you'll have to pay for a Rexton in 2024.
With prices at a higher point now than ever before, is it really a good alternative to the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest?
In some ways, of course it is! In others...? Not so much. Watch and you'll see why!
Competitor reviews:
Ford Everest - • 2024 Ford Everest revi...
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - • Please Consider this 4...
Isuzu MU-X - • Reliable rugged family...
--
00:00 Intro
00:24 Is it the right price?
03:00 What are the best alternatives?
04:22 Is it the right size?
05:58 Interior
12:48 Under the bonnet
13:32 Driving
16:18 Efficiency
17:04 Is it safe?
18:21 Ownership
19:10 Verdict
--
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#ssangyong #rexton #review

[@CottonCandyLane-dw5xh]

I’ve had a Rexton for the past 4 years - absolutely brilliant. I’ll be upgrading to this in the coming year.

[@therightcar]

Cool! Glad you've had a great experience.

[@impala2222au]

Bought one last July, no regrets. Forget the competition, best value for money by far.

[@therightcar]

Great to hear!

[@cisa1622]

I love their 2006 petrol RX320 for 6 years and I still cannot forget how good a car it was . It’s perfect car that strikes a great balance between SUV and car. Very quiet ride and great power. I would buy this if they get back with 3 litre inline six petrol . I don’t need diesel.

[@juliancooper8963]

Thanks Matt, picking up my Rexton Ultimate Sports Pack this week. Like you I preferred the 20inch wheels and was sold on the value of a 3.5 tonne towing capacity with the 7 year warranty and Korean reliability. Will keep you posted on how it goes.

[@therightcar]

Good one mate! Hope you’re happy with it!

[@ian9toes]

16 inch is better for off road and therefore look better because better capability off road is was looks best on an off road vehicle

[@Ash-sd4ou]

Can you please let us know how much you paid for the car?

[@raysater4083]

I’ve owned one for 6 months the black series and I’ve towed a 3 ton caravan to Harvey bay from the central coast. Very happy with it .

[@therightcar]

Awesome mate. Using it for what it’s designed for! Tell me though - did you need seven seats? Would you have preferred it as a five seater?

[@paulgriffiths1566]

Did you need rear spring air bags, or WDH?

[@raysater4083]

@@paulgriffiths1566 I put springs on the four wheels and air bags back two.

[@raysater4083]

@@therightcar I didn’t need the seven seats no, I have put a drawer and fridge set up in the back.

[@paulgriffiths1566]

Thanks for that info.

[@d.mitchell8596]

Thanks again Matt for a great review. This ticks all the boxes in the mid spec version 54k drive away for this versus 10k more for its rivals. Would choose this over a Chinese brand any day, and over the Ford as well.

[@therightcar]

Thanks! Fair enough mate. It seems good value - maybe just not AS good as it used to be.

[@user-yw8qs6ik9z]

We bought a Rexton black edition with pearl white paint body . We’re very happy with the car ,the seats can heat and cool , and the air con is great…

[@vtwindad1549]

Sat in one the other day at the show room. Interior quality feels up there with the best of Japanese cars - not clunky plastic feeling like some of the Chinese cars you see in the market. South Koreans really know are bringing it to the big 3 Japanese manufacturers in my opinion.. especially in regards to interior gadgets and quality.

[@mushinaiki]

21 Rexton 40k on the clock, no issues at all, love the car, its noise suppression compared to the competition was second to none

[@therightcar]

Glad you like it mate!

[@MarkSmith-cx6dq]

I am on my second Ssangyong in twenty three years my first was a 1999 MK2 Musso which lasted twenty years whilst looking for its replacement found the mk4 disappointing for a right hand drive they stuck the handbrake on the left apparently Ssangyong dealerships and the owners clubs in all right hand drive countries complained so from the mk5 onwards now have the handbrake on the right main issue they have not addressed centre seat belt. If all the dealers and clubs talk to Ssangyong (now KGM) they might address the folding seat issue in the Rexton. I found the build quality excellent twenty years for a vehicle that friends said wouldn't last a month no recalls for faulty parts (my Nissan twice for faulty airbag replacement) just service and fuel.

[@nilankayapa7580]

Ssanyong is the best valuable budget option in current market. Nice review. But honestly you should more satisfy on this vehicle. Anyway love this review and vehicle, thanks mate.

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate!

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

Ssanyong have a very high positive customer satisfaction rating. Unlike Ford and Chinese options.

[@therightcar]

It’s true. Unless you own it for 8-10 years then, based on the evidence of used cars on the market, the transmissions tend to be a shortcoming.

[@mushinaiki]

Yes, the OLD Mercedes Benz transmission, but this has the Genesis 8 speed, and the most recent customer satisfaction surveys out of US put Genesis second only to Lexus for reliability……..

[@danmoloney6966]

​@@therightcarmay i ask where this information on the gearbox came from please....we need facts not just dribble please

[@deangrima]

​@@therightcar Transmissions wont be an issue in the current SsangYongs. Musso uses the same Aisin transmission as the Hilux and Dmax. The Rexton uses an 8 speed Hyundai transmission that is also very reliable.

[@matthewanderson3964]

best alternatives MUX or PAJERO SPORT? Hmmmm. ive driven all three cars and MUX and PAJERO are so rough, clattery and agricultural feeling in comparison to the Rexton

[@fatalpushing]

This is perfect timing. Just the car we are looking at for family and adventures

[@therightcar]

It’s a sign! 👌

[@joehobbs8958]

I've had an Ultimate for 4 years. Best 4wd I've ever owned and tows a 21 foot boat with no worries. Very upmarket interior. Currently looking for a new one!

[@therightcar]

Good one mate!

[@simondyke8672]

We bought a MY23 ELX in June last year and have not regreted it. We towed a 2.4T hybrid caravan from Perth to Nth Qld last September when I retired and it did it easily. Have not had one problem in 13000Kms and I'm really happy with our decision. I'm with you on the look of the wheels, not my most favourite thing about the Rexton. Rear suspension is a little soft when the caravan is hooked up but I'm getting airbags fitted soon. Other than that it has a lot of standard features that more expensive brands don't have but the radio is very average.

[@therightcar]

Thank you for your constructive, life-experience-based feedback. Really love comments like these, they’re immensely helpful to other potential buyers.

[@tonydcurrawong]

I have a 22 Black Edition. All black with black leather interior. Zero problems with the car and very happy with it as a daily driver. I agree the 18 inch wheels are a bit crap, and the screen in my car is sometimes hard to read. That said I do 40,000klm a year and this car is an exceptional cruiser. For 56k on the road it was amazing value. It also gets regular complements on its looks. Good review - thanks.

[@Coastmac2001]

They are great , great & just bloody great. Underrated here . Need more butts into seats

[@sameldik00]

An awsome vehicle. Ive had the 23 ultimate since October and it has everything needed for work, fun and adventure

[@jinsei1202]

Great review. The only 4-pot diesel quieter than this one is Mazda Skyactiv D 2.2 that I owned in Japan. The biturbo 4 in the Ranger had slightly more noise and vibration during my test drive.

[@holidaymail]

I have seen a heck of a lot of these up here in northern Victoria and a good percentage of them have something hitched up, whether it be a trailer, horse float or caravan. They seem pretty competent towers given the amount being used for that purpose.

[@therightcar]

Yep, they have great GVM, towing capacity and GCM ratings, too -- meaning you can load up and tow, too!

[@paulsaleem7554]

Hey Matt - love your work mate. I have a '21 Ultimate with Ivory interior. Biggest bang for buck back then. Does everything I ask it to do and I absolutely love it. I didn't like the harsh ride with 20" rims so I changed them to 18" and all is lovely jubilee! No issues at all and it is beautiful.

[@therightcar]

Great! Happy to hear that!

[@dirkzeilinga7426]

Have Reston Ultimate. Bought new in August 2022. It is the best vehicle we have ever owned especially from the perspective of fit for purpose design. And we have owned many including Merc an BMW. Not a single issue of concern. Love the fuel economy, quiet cruising, space, quality interiors and all the bells and whistles. More than adequate performance and tows our midsize caravan with ease. We looked at all the competitors but none surpassed the Ultimate in value and critical criteria for us.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for this comment. Sounds great for potential buyers!

[@user-ub5be2op1m]

Have just picked up a Musso Ultimate with Luxury Pack...great ute with all the bells and whistles and at the price the best value vehicle on the road for its type in Australia. Cannot speak highly enough of everything about it!

[@user-tk4xm9fm5c]

Have had our MY24 sports for a few weeks and thoroughly impressed. Certainly get bang for your buck.

[@therightcar]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing.

[@MegaAnufriev]

When it comes to legal towing, I think Rexton has the most generous limits (not only the marketed towing capacity). Rear axle load 1850kg Front axle load 1400kg GVM 2960kg GCM 6460kg (covers fully loaded vehicle and 3500kg van) Payload 830kg Tow ball limit 350kg Towing capacity 3500kg latest Isuzu MUX specs indicate that it has Rear axle load 1650kg Front axle load 1450kg GVM 2800kg GCM 5900kg (fully loaded vehicle can only tow 3100kg, NOT 3500kg as advertised) Payload 660kg Tow ball limit 350kg Towing capacity 3500kg Pajero Sport's limits are even lower, and Everest's rear axle limit is just 1770kg which does not even allow legally to tow 2.7t van with 350kg (big family) on board (unless you use a weight distribution hitch to spread the rear load to the front).

[@AndrewWar100]

I have a '22. Have enjoyed it. The model reviewd has has quite a few issues withthehead unit , carplay, Android auto

[@MarthaMansbridge]

You Aussies are so lucky to have so much choice in this segment. We’ve no hope of ever seeing the MUX, the Everest or the Pajero. I’ve got the Rexton Ultimate Plus but would’ve definitely chosen one of the others given the choice. Not sure about the size reference though - only the Everest is slightly larger - Rexton is identical to MUX and Pajero?

[@aussieburn777]

Does it have digital radio and auto high beams?

[@shahg25]

Did you mention if it was a full time 4wd or a 2H in normal mode?

[@aussieburn777]

What is the resale like after 3 or 5 years im thinking not great like say mitsubishi which hold their value according to red book

[@marksweet8740]

Like your reviews Matt but 50 big ones is still a lottery win for a lot of people, it puts these sort of cars out of range for most until they are about 10 to 15 years old and riddled with problems.

[@therightcar]

Maybe if they stopped buying lotto tickets they could have $50k saved up…?

[@marksweet8740]

Yep save up 50 thousand on this planet in this day and age for most ordinary people ,Seriously!@@therightcar

[@kulaak-krii]

does it need AdBlue? does it have EGR?

[@thomes7318]

I bought a rexton ultimate 4 years ago. It came with large impressive wheels. Not sure why they are so goofy looking on the current model these days. Haven't had a single issue and it is amazing. I still have people tell me how nice it looks on a weekly basis even now. I got the dark grey with chrome wheels and I keep it clean and polished up, looks absolutely mint. Interestingly I have seen a few of the blacked out ones around town in the last 12 months and they look so much less classy than mine with the lack of chrome.

[@thomes7318]

Also ours has wireless phone charging. I'm not sure why they would have got rid of that?

[@therightcar]

It’s just a matter of cost cutting. They got more popular, costs rose, and the market was more willing to cop less gear for similar or more money.

[@michaelstenson1997]

Hi. I test drove one yesterday and the only thing I found annoying was the glare on the infotainment screen. Do you find it the same and if so, did you find a solution I.e. screen protector? Thanks

[@thomes7318]

@michaelstenson1997 It is an issue, but not crippling unless you are wearing sunnies. I turned all the screen and dash lighting up to full brightness though, so maybe I did have more of a problem on day 1 before I did that. I honestly don't really notice. I asked my wife and she said it's annoying when she occasionally drives it.

[@Kedzyy]

Hey matt, been watching alot of your reviews. Really enjoy them. But have a question, will you be reviewing the 2024 LDV D90 Pro (Maxus Lingdi in china) when it comes out early next year?

[@therightcar]

Hey mate, I sure will be! I think it'll be closer to mid-year than early, though. My understanding is April... or so.

[@Kedzyy]

@@therightcar Oh nice, yeah the guy at the dealership was not 100% sure. But will be looking forward to your video on it before the purchase.

[@laalten666]

Hi Matt, we in the last two weeks bought the SsangYong Rexton after watching many reviews and research. We are happy with vehicle, but joy is soured by the Android Auto doesn't work on this car, we have taken it back to the dealer 3 times and they still can't get it to work. we would not have even considered the Rexton it if did have android auto. our phones are new at Xmas and work in many other vehicles without any issues. can i please ask with all your expertise and contacts is there a problem with the Ssangyong when it comes to the Android auto. Maybe there is some way to fix to the problems .PS we tried some other Rexton's, and they have the same issue. kind regards Bundy

[@wendymcmillan8902]

We've had ours for 3mths we love it no problems we got the ultimate we put side steps on rex looks awesome

[@therightcar]

Cool!

[@user-go9qf2br3r]

Hi thanks for the review, Questions so no sat nav ? And no DAB radio ?

[@therightcar]

Correct. No Nav, no DAB.

[@user-go9qf2br3r]

I was nearly sold on this until your reply that’s such a bugger aye

[@therightcar]

I wouldn't care, personally. I use my phone for audio and maps.

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU

[@therightcar]

You’re welcome!

[@joelbowden3207]

How did you find the brake pedal feel? I've heard it's quite spongy. Curious because I'm interested in it potentially being my next car, but can't stand a spongy feeling brake pedal.

[@therightcar]

It didn't stand out as being overly spongey.

[@MegaAnufriev]

I definitely saw SRS airbag signs on both sides on third row of MY2024 model.

[@therightcar]

Yes, but they do NOT have airbags for third row occupants. That’s official

[@MegaAnufriev]

You are right, checked the spec.

[@susu198215]

Is it any good for daily city driving? Work home trip ?

[@therightcar]

How long is the trip? It’s a decent commuter. Comfy enough.

[@rylancarmichael8030]

My wife has a 2023 model not the updated one . She is happy with it my only issue is the cruise control I hate it doesn’t sit on set speed . But is very good on fuel

[@shikiryougi8076]

Getting whiplash reading these comments. In the UK everyone hates this brand and thinks they're trash, but they're much better value and better specced than say Dacia.

[@therightcar]

Haha, in Australia Ssangyong is the go-to for non-Chinese affordable these days.

[@Dooskoye]

How does this compare to the LDV D90?

[@therightcar]

Have you seen my review on the D90? Personally I’d buy the Rexton. I like the idea of Ssangyong’s warranty and reputation.

[@Dooskoye]

@@therightcar Yes I have seen your review 🙂 what I like about the D90 is the space (if I’m not mistaken there is more space than on the Rexton - Specifically the third row being a “true” third tow). I liked the idea of being able to lie down (and sleep) in the car. +1 for Ssangyong’s warranty which is longer. Reputation wise though - Isn’t that worrying that they changed ownership so much? They used to be owned by India until not too long ago I believe.

[@sidjyothi]

Is the engine the same Mahindra MHawk engine in a higher state tune?

[@therightcar]

I don’t think it’s a Mahindra-sourced engine. I’m 99.9% sure it’s Ssangyong’s own engine.

[@adityakaran6622]

Mahindra doesn’t own SsangYong

[@sidjyothi]

@@adityakaran6622 anymore. Mahindra owned Ssangyong till about 3 years ago

[@alexaescht]

@@therightcarcorrect, Matt. The Mahindra and Ssangyong diesels are unrelated. Source: I’ve worked with Mahindra engineers on the Euro5 implementation of the mHawk in Pik-Up

[@zloj-volk]

that 2.2 diesel I believe derived from OM611, but that is not for sure. It was used in Rexton since 2016 and Mahindra bought it with Ssanyoung brand. Basically Mahindra Scorpion uses Rexton's engine and rear locking diff made by Eaton, and 6 speed Asin gearbox that is used in Musso

[@mikhailkuleshov385]

My wife got rexton, nice car but wouldn’t use it for 4x4 as it has a lot s of stuff hanging quite low. Well to be fair any of whose SUVs he mentioned aren’t suitable for off roading, also suspension is really soft and bouncy.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

I think it’s a safe bet to be honest.

[@therightcar]

Seems to be the consensus from owners, too!

[@mindfreeze0838]

Its the cheapest option now if you need a 4x4 pickup based 7 seat suv, it beats the Pajero Sport on price which says something.

[@therightcar]

Yeah true!

[@lostguru1311]

It’s not based on a “ pick up” the Musso Ute is based on the Rexton wagon!

[@mindfreeze0838]

@@lostguru1311 thats incorrect dude, this uses the new 2018 body on frame platform thats shared with the Musso, hence being Ute based like the Ranger to the Everest.

[@philipc239]

7 seating aside, this or the Tank 300?

[@therightcar]

Need to tow? Ssangyong. Need a bigger boot? Ssangyong. Want to save a bit on fuel costs? Ssangyong. Need a smaller vehicle? Tank Need a more serious off-roader? Tank Want a more plush and tech-focused cabin? Tank. Hope that helps!

[@philipc239]

@@therightcar 😃👍👍

[@zloj-volk]

I think this is a great family carrier. But if you want to use it as a hard-core off-roader, it misses some features. First of all ground clearance, and full-time 4wd option would be a benefit. And a rising price definitely plays against Rexton.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for your thoughts. Good points!

[@marko60marko44]

ive had a few ssangyongs and all have been reliable towing a van . yes a bit basic but serviceable by anyone. ive had since a Volvo merc n a bmw all great cars but only serviceable by the dealership and a worry for the cost of repair. ive gone back to the ssangyong as they are back in australia and i trust them not for the dealership but because they are so reliable any person can service them. its basically a small truck with a standard delphi fuel injection. anyway horses for courses. this just does more for me but the mux does come close. forget the ford as it does drive better but everything else ford is a nightmare for reliability.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@buncha5651]

Looks like a pretty good vehicle. But I hate 7 seaters if you need that you should be able to get them as an option. I wouldn't buy one. I'd rather a Tank 300.

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

You like Chinese quality. Good luck.

[@therightcar]

It would be good if you could get it as a five-seater - I agree.

[@buncha5651]

​@user-gk1nt6sm2z I'm old enough to remember comments like that about Japanese and Korean cars.

[@kmuinde]

i like it but the steering need an update it looks soo big

[@therightcar]

It’s a large wheel, yep.

[@rsg5850]

Wasn't there all black edition?

[@therightcar]

There was a Black Edition, which changed to a Sport Pack.

[@ozcampnhuntdan7858]

I don't understand why someone would buy the everest instead, much higher price tag with much lower reliability and much lower customer satisfaction ...doesn't seem right that you pay more and get less.

[@garynewcombe910]

None of the alternatives really stack up. The MUX and Everest are both expensive and even the top model MUX is poorly equipped. The Mitsubishi is old and not that well equipped.

[@lungaswazi9194]

The powertrain sounds very Kia Hyundai 🤔

[@therightcar]

It does. But I don’t think it’s related.

[@53glowe]

'Unlimited kays in a shorter period of time'....huh???

[@therightcar]

It’s a seven-year warranty. And seven year capped price servicing plan. Did I confuse you?

[@tonybennett638]

Ford last from what i know from owners

[@therightcar]

Yeah, I mean, I have heard some issues, but they sell more cars so it might really balance out.

[@ME-qq2dc]

Don't touch the ford they have major engine problems, Everest and Ranger

[@ev0wat]

I owned a ssanyong ute for 18 months and absolutely hated it! Ssanyong service was garbage aswell, because it was a cheap vehicle they don’t look after you service wise, on the back tail gate for the tray cover 4 pop rivets had broken off 2 weeks after purchase, they said it wasn’t under warranty and wanted $160 to put 4 rivets back in 🤦‍♂️ which I got annoyed so just did myself, vehicle is all over the place when towing I was only towing 2.2t and it scared the hell out of me how unstable the vehicle was I almost crashed 3 times heading from Sydney to Canberra (never again) I couldn’t wait to get rid of the thing. And it also has no resale.

[@therightcar]

Sorry to hear that mate. What did you move into from there?

[@ev0wat]

@@therightcar hey mate I just took delivery of a new Hilux Rogue with a wider body for better and never looked back! Absolutely love it the ergonomics are on point aswell. I always said I’d never buy a Toyota, the fanboys absolutely put you off the brand but I did decide to test drive one and also the Pajero/Triton which was disappointing, the ergonomics are off with the tritons for me, I sit high up looking out the top 30% of the windscreen and you cannot lower the seat, it felt cheap and tacky to sit in, a button broke off when I was trying to adjust the seat it overall felt cheap and generic like I was sitting in a cheap 25k ASX. The Hilux you’re more centered in the middle of the windscreen, ergonomics for arm rest etc suited me perfectly. I’ve been a sales rep for 2 decades and have driven/ owned practically every major brand Ute the company’s over the years have issued me, so I’ve lived with them day in day out travelling 1,500-2,000km per week and nothing has put a smile on my face the way the Rogue does. I’ve had a Dmax (hated it, not the best with towing, low on power) Navara (not bad but nothing special, punchy down low which was good but average at best). Ssanyong 🤦‍♂️ the service was garbage, also forgot to mention one of the plastic side skirts somehow broke off, I got a replacement and they again tried to sting me $160 to install it and it was only clip on🤦‍♂️ buying cheap I noticed the service is trash, also Ssanyong wheels get black full of brake dust every few days, when I spoke to Ssanyong they told me the brakes are a soft compound and admitted they “were crap” and there’s no optional upgrade in pads available (so keep that in mind, you’ll be needing brake dust cleaner on hand) when washing your car and expect to clean them regularly. The Ssanyong suspension is crap when fully loaded up I’ve had 720kg in the tray and drove it 300km and the vehicle felt floatey, it doesn’t feel stable or confident under loads or pushing its limits. I push my utes to the limits and in my opinion the cheaper brands are not there if you really want to work them, but I’m not a Japanese evangelist as there’s Japanese brands I wouldn’t touch either, but Toyota I believe I’m qualified to say that I now see their value that on paper will not show you. I’ve had several other brands but none actually stand out. However I’ve never driven a Ford Ranger, reason being is I drive 500km away from home regularly, I drive Sydney to Canberra every week and I cannot afford to breakdown and be stranded with no phone reception hence I’ve not felt confident hopping in a ford after all the recalls and reviews online, however I’m sure it’s a very comfortable top tier ride to be in. So lining up specs side by side on paper doesn’t tell the full story when it comes to vehicles.

[@tezza8717]

is 4 pop rivets a deal breaker, mate its not a rexton

[@ev0wat]

@@tezza8717 it’s the crap service and attitude towards a cheap brand. You can cheap out it’s a free country, I’m just sharing my experiences having owned and driven a ssanyong everyday for 18 months. And the brakes are all the same across the range, cheap soft compound.

[@ev0wat]

@@tezza8717 yea their attitude was a deal breaker, also one time I booked in for a service took the morning off work, once the service was completed I was told they forgot to order a air filter. Just small things like that nobody cares. I’d rather pay more money and deal with a higher end brand get more resale etc I’m not a tight ass like that, it was the company I was with that issued Ssanyong’s.

[@tonybennett638]

Ssayong Must be ready to go broke again..

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

They have turned the corner. Nice guess.

[@tonybennett638]

@@user-gk1nt6sm2z ..can only hope..

[@therightcar]

I think they’re just about to get moving with new product development in Korea.