SsangYong Rexton 2022 review: 7 seat SUV with Nappa leather! 

Purchased the Ultimate in July 2019, since then I have done around 60,000 to January 22. In a previous life, I was a livestock buyer and travelled the east coast of Australia doing 150,000 k a year and brought a new car around 15 to 18 months. My preferred car then was the Pajero Exceed, I had Toyota Landcruiser waggons but found them too expensive to run. When I found out that Pajeros were ceasing production as well I had had the Pajero for 6 years as I was now semi-retired I wanted a change, I decided to look at the Rexton. I found the Pajero Sports too narrow and difficult to get into, nothing like the real Pajero Exceed. The Rexton is most likely the best car I have owned and I have driven many many different model cars in my job. There are shortfalls with the 2019 model I have, like the suspension is very firm, on good roads no worries on average roads it's rough. As I was also towing a Caravan occasionally this firm suspension balance out. I understand this has been addressed in the latest model, moving from 20-inch low profile tyres to 18-inch tyres (20-inch quality Tyres were hard to get, towing the van rear tyres were lucky to do 20,000, front tyres now on second set still good miles in them). The second problem filling the fuel tank, you could never fill the tank without a lot of mucking around once it did the first click, I could spend 10 minutes getting the last 20 litres in. Pulling the van you needed as much as you could get into the tank. The GPS display is nil unless you connect your phone. Other than that it's brilliant, fuel economy is excellent pulling a 20-foot caravan would average from 14 to around 16 l/100k. Ask a Toyota to do that, pulling the van uphill it powers on. All the comfort controls you could ask for, the heated seats with my bad back are great, even the steering wheel is heated. Just ordered another one giving my current one to my Grandaughter as I want her to drive a vehicle with all the safety features. Sorry, it's long but I had to tell people about it.

Good review! We bought an Ultimate a few weeks ago and adore it! It won the wife’s seal of approval over the Pajero Sport and Mux because of how quiet and comfortable it was. 2 things - the side camera you say they forgot… press it again to activate the left side. Also, the button you mention is for auto hold brakes so in traffic you don’t need to hold your foot on the brake after coming to a stop.

I bought a 2020 Ssangyong Rexton and I couldn’t be more impressed. Outstanding value for money and just does everything it should without an issue. If you thinking about the Isuzu MuX, Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuna or similar large SUVs, definitely check out the Rexton first. It’s great, does everything and you’ll save $$$.

The most underrated car brand but in fact the best Korean car maker you can find on the market.

I bought mine 2 months ago and absolutely love it. Ssangyong has great products now and the Australian sales are up. Company issues are a concern but it has come out of Bankruptcy a couple of times. I hope the dealers don't stuff it up! Go Ssangyong!

Thanks Paul for your review. Ssangyong deserves far more media attention than now. I have owned an ELX for 8 months and can’t fault it. Extremely quiet cabin, hush diesel engine, best in class interior quality. All combined with proven reliability record. My previous car was a Lexus NX but I’m more satisfied now.

I must say I am very impressed considering their brand recognition. Previously I had zero idea about them but they surely can compete toe to toe with bigger rivals.This SUV really has the potential to go a long way with proper investors & marketing.

Thank you soooo much, you’re my favourite Australian car channel and I was actually looking into the Rexton

Just bought one was so surprised on the test drive, for the money vs competition it’s a fantastic car!!!

Bought one in march and absolutely love it. Have been very happy with the after sales service. We were originally after a land cruiser but managed to get the rexton ultimate for $54500 with a tow bar. So less then half of what a gxl was going to cost us with more kit then a sahara. 7 year unlimited km warranty. Can't really go wrong and they will sort a new owner so don't buy into the bankruptcy issue too much.

The parking button is more for the South Korean specific function. Story behind is the South Korea has a small landscape and most of the residences are apartments. Often there are not enough spaces for parking especially for old apartment blocks that does not have or very minimum underground car parking areas. Hence people park double layer and blocks other cars. People need to move any cars parked doubled layer & blocks by pushing others especially in the morning when they go for work. Therefore, after you parked and use the button to unpark breaking the car for others to push and move your car. Obviously you need to use I on a flat surface area. Hope this answers.

I'm 2 weeks into my 2022 rexton black edition. It's awesome. 3k klm in 2 weeks and it's quiet, 7.2l on the motorway and the best air con anywhere. My wife's q7 is quieter but the ssangyong has better steering and stacks up really well. Can't stress enough what a deal these vehicle's are

Purchased mine on the 30th July, Rexton Ultimate in silky pearl white, so impressed. Extremely quite and smooth. For the price and what you get it is hard to go past the new Rexton. Forget about there money issues, I have had Ssangyongs since 2005 and never had an issue. This model will make big roads in to the Aussie market, you will see a lot of these on the road, once the dealers are able to get them.

Paul, I really think you do this better than anyone else on YT. I thought this was another detailed and authoritative review. I drove one of these recently and was mightily impressed. The dealer made point of telling me what "that" button on the transmission console was for...but I've completely forgotten! The lack of radar cruise is due to right-hand drive versions getting hydraulic steering instead of electric, and this takes up some of the space for the radar unit. (That's from Ssangyong Oz.) The side camera: the button that shows the side of the car is in fact a toggle between left and right cameras. I really liked the car but a few things put me off it: 6-speakers in the sound system isn't good enough; the grill looks very cheap, close-up (I didn't see any panel fit niggles in the ones I saw); the wheels are godawful; and the biggest of all is that my wife (who insists she is not small) found it hard to climb into it. All the other plus points you mentioned I have to agree with, but the potential for the company to become insolvent - again! - is a big worry, although Mahindra is huge and owns a lot of Ssangyong. (Check the Ssangyong wiki for info - they've been hard-done by.) I stuck with my order for an Outback.

Couldn't help but laugh when you casually said "I just want to caveat the review by saying SsangYong is currently bankrupt" 😂 Yeah that's gonna make you think twice! Actually a decent vehicle though compared to it's competitors. Good review.

I have the older version of this car for 2 years now. Just amazing!

I really enjoy your reviews on any cars, always unbiased and on point. Was waiting for the review on 2021 Rexton but couldn't help me self and bought one. Really happy with the buy just waiting on towbar and lift kit.

Great review 👍🏻👍🏻 the off-road part was very informative. Greetings from Jordan 🇯🇴

We have a 2020 Ultimate model and its a great vehicle. Highly recommend it. This review nailed it on the head of being a fantastic vehicle.

Great review and I've just agreed to buy one. Thanks, your review played a big part!

We bought one earlier this year and it's been fantastic. Diesel top of the line, drives very well, interior is great and comfortable, and is half the price of less appointed cars that we were looking at in the 7seat / 3.5 tonne towing bracket. Kept looking for faults and the only thing is lack of brand recognition. The company issues will likely be resolved so not a concern.

I live in South Australia and my issue is just 1 dealer for the whole state. I sincerely hope the company rebuilds itself in Korea and expands it network here.

"The brand is currently bankrupt" , Most savage intro any video review has ever had

Great review and interesting from the point of view of a Ford Everest owner. The Everest is an excellent package. I mainly use it for carrying my broadcast video camera gear around and towing our 18ft caravan a few times a year. The Everest is a very capable car - much more capable than I will probably ever need. However, the one I have now is my second one. The first I had was a 2019.75 Trend in Diffused Silver (a gold colour) in the 2.0L Bi-turbo. The motor blew at 26,00km in the first one due to an oil pump failure and it also suffered the dreaded rust in the doors syndrome. Ford replaced it without any issue with a 20.75 Trend and this time I got white (and I am glad I did!). However now I am suffering with low-speed surging which is very annoying if you are cruising around town or stuck in heavy traffic at roadworks, for example. Under load at low speed, it feels like the car has a blob of chewing gum stuck on one of its wheels, creating a slipping/bumping/surging sensation, which is uncomfortable to say the least. After contacting Ford HQ, the local dealership took it for the day and deemed it normal. So at this stage, I am not sure whether to take it further with Ford, or cut my losses and get another brand. If it is normal, a high-tech engine and 10-speed box is a poor setup for a late model car. The Reston certainly has made me sit up and take notice. And $10k less than an Everest. The only thing I would miss (whilst gaining a lot more kit) would be the radar cruise control, which is great on the freeway once you get used to it.

Ordered one last week. All the bells and whistles except I'll be having the 18" wheels for improved comfort. It'll arrive sometime in April. Can't wait to have it!

My brother uses these, amongst a range of other makes, in his Airport Transfer and Uber fleet and says they're great. SsangYong is always in bankruptcy. It's not an issue, someone always takes over the contracts.

Thank you for the awesome detailed information review 😊

Picking up my new rexton ultimate tomorrow morning after waiting for 2 months for it to arrive 😁

at last a report that stops comparing the Rexton to soft roaders like the Santa Fe / Sorento and no annoying music playing over the road test. Well Done..

I/we waited out the money/ownership woes and picked up my 2022 Black Edition Rexton nearly 2 weeks ago.. Couldn't be happier, it is a great car and I am slowly getting the hang of the bells and whistles. Such a quiet car to drive on any road type ( we are on unsealed terrible one ), insanely comfortable and so much room. Only Neg is having to turn the obstacle alert off every time I start the car. It was going off up and down our drive due to long grass, not the best. Otherwise its a dream, so many features for low price and it was actually on the lot and could almost take it straight away... Thanks for the 'heads up' and reviews, made choosing my 4wd 'town car' that can tow the little van so much easier. We had all the information and very few questions on the day. 😃

Ssangyong’s drive so well but the company is such a huge issue. Even the musso which is based on the Rexton drives like a beauty. Thanks for the review

I have bought one of these and due for delivery in May 2022. Can’t wait to hook it up to my camper and start travelling this great country. Thanks for the review Paul.

I have the 2020 Rexton Ultimate and absolutely love it. I honestly never thought I would love a car so much. It greets you when you walk up to it and the cooling seats work wonders up here in North Queensland. It also pulls our 2.5 tonne caravan with ease. It does have the 20 inch low profile wheels so wouldn’t be wise to go crazy off-road.

Thanks for adding these offroad tests..as viewers we feel.. heard!

I purchased brand new Rexton G4 Trans Eurasia Edition in January 2018 in Korea. Now I'm back in the States and miss my Rexy. I wish Ssangyong brought their awesome vehicles Stateside.

I bought mine 4 weeks ago - Silky White Ultimate with ELX 18inch rims and tyres - love it and thank you Ssangyong Frankston for making it happen.

I bought the 2020 model available in India named as Mahindra Alturas G 4 (4WD). I am highly impressed by this very capable car. You might know that in India you get decent city and highway roads, in the villages and interior parts of the country the roads could be really bad. The car takes me through any road with ease. On highway roads I have driven over 175 kmph speed and it was absolutely effortless. Seating comfort, safety features, creature comfort, space and fit and finish are top notch. Ride and handling are decent for a body on frame car. This 2020 model comes with Mercedes Benz 7 speed gear box and 18 inch alloys in India. I got a great deal when I bought this car. I got it at a price 20% less than Toyota Fortuner. I got huge discounts since the car will not be available in India after they finish selling the units in the inventory. There is a 3 year warranty and a buyback offer given by dealer. All in all.. got a great deal for a fantastic car!

That button is auto hold so that you can remove your feet off the foot brakes at traffic lights after your car has come to a stop and the gear is still engaged (automatic gear). When the light turns green, just press the accelerator and off you go.

It's a bit sad that SsangYong struggles right now. I've got a Tivoli XLV and have never been more satisfied with any car as I am with my little SsangYong. I do hope they find a way to save the company. It's such a nice car company.

With Ssangyong's current line-up, they are potentially a world beating brand. I really hope that as a company, they can find their way through their current problems.

Good onya Paul I’ve been looking for months now six weeks ago decided on the Rexton Ulimate based on your review and owners testimony the dealer rang me today and I pick it up Thursday with the Iron Man suspension upgrade wooohoooo lol

I just got mine a month ago. Very impressed 👏.

Great review, thanks!

I've had a Korando since 2010 and it's still going strong, 3 years ago my mechanic said it was going to blow up, I'll keep it till it does. I have seen in reports they are making changes in Korea, selling their plant and build a new one and focus on ev's. I hope there is a good future for the company, I will upgrade to either vehicle when the day comes, not too soon I hope.

Having driven and shopped these against the Haval H9 , the MUX and Everest, the rexton is a step above in terms of comfort quality and space. The rear cargo area dimensions are closer to a land cruiser than others in this segment. The build quality and materials feel excelent. Such a shame the company is having a hard time . With the amount of effort gone into this car it deserves to sell far more than the Haval or LDV.

Thanks for review. I think the button refers to the parking sensor. When the light is on, and you getting close to an abject in front or back, it starts to make bib bib bib sound.

One of the affordable reliable suvs/pick ups in the market, i used to have an actyon sports, it served me well. From Sri Lanka

I have the new Ultimate Musso XLV and it is amazing! Someone has to buy them as they are making great cars now. I test drove against Ranger, Navara, B50, D-Max and Colorado, a much nicer drive than any of them. I'd be paying at least $25k more to get the same features from these too. Well done Ssangyong.

Awesome review! Would love to see one of the new Musso next

Looks great blacked out with a dark colour. Very underrated vehicle.

Just bought this model loving everything about it so far, it surpassed my expectations

Can you still move the front passenger seat with the side buttons when someone is sat there or is there a sensor to stop that ?

That button stretches the car! U gotta step outside to see what's happening 😆

Great review Paul. All of your reviews are very honest and informative which I love. Looking at getting this early next year but do you think DPF will be an issue if I mainly do suburban runs with it?

Hello, Can someone advise on what sticky rubber or substance the operator use to stick the action camera to the dashboard? Thanks.

The ability of the second row passengers to move the passenger seat of the front row is because if there’re no people sitting on that seat, the people at second row can get more knee and toe room by moving that seat forward. I haven’t seen it on a family suv. It’s often on some luxury limousines like Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 series you can call it ‘Boss button’ if you like.

I'll be looking for a new vehicle about this time next year. If Ssangyong resolve their issues and are still around then, the Rexton is a no brainer. Wouldnt hesitate to buy one.

SsangYong was under Mercedes their engines were great. I still own one and a Prado. The Rexton is still faster than the Prado since its Turbo does a far superior job than the Prado. Also the Rexton interior is far greater than the Prado. Its a shame that this vehicle doesnt get more recognition. I hope Mercedes or BMW takes it over.

Ssangyong is now in the middle of rehabilitation process. 9 companies want to take over. No worry about bankruptcy issue

I kinda like Ssangyong, its always been a quirky underdog. I hope they find a new owner that can turn their luck around.

I have nothing to complain about SsangYong. We have a SsangYong KORANDO for 6years and we bought a SsangYong Musso 2 years ago. We are very happy with the cars and looking forward to upgrade our KORANDO to a SsangYong Rexton.

Great show 👏

I saw you test their truck and it left me wishing we had this brand in the US. The prices are really good.

Awesome review..

Another wicked review, thank you! Also on the 0-100 time what was the bang and sucking sound haha

Great car, bit unsellable here in Europe due to the lack of hybrid power trains. Great review!

Hi Paul when you tested the Ssangyong Rexton did it have the normal suspension or was the suspension upgraded with ironman suspension

That button with park option is auto park but it is not available in your region . I think they forget to remove button . They only removed feature

Please tell about fuel economy.Does it meet 8.7/100 when on road ? Thanks

Outstanding value for money 💵, is it me or it looks like you've upgraded your camera or is it because the video was shot late afternoon (4pm). The environment saturation is EPIC especially offroad section. 😍😍😍😍😍

Regarding the side camera, I noticed on the car here in the UK it shows L even though we drive on the same side. Maybe there's a way to change it somewhere in the system.

Ssangyong so underrated great review mate like always honest

Hey Paul, wondering if you could do a review on the 11th gen honda civic hatchback when its reaches Australian shores at the end of this year please?

Good day, can I see a review on a Chevrolet Colorado soon! Love the reviews

Could you make a review on the ute, im kinda looking into buying one but the bankcrap part makes me think twice.

If there is a new buy I’d definitely consider.

Love your vids can you please do a video on haval h6 please

The Rexton isn’t Ute based like the others, it’s the other way round - the Musso is based on the Rexton. So it is a purpose built SUV/4x4. It doesn’t have 3rd row curtain airbag protection, they stop just short of the third row, even though there is an airbag badge above the third row, so it’s a bit misleading. It has second row side airbags, which are rare in this class, it might be the only one to offer this. The long rear doors enable it to have uninterrupted second row windows - there is no vertical bar in the window if that makes sense, so the view is fantastic. The new 8-speed is a Hyundai box and it’s a copy of the ZF 8-speed, it can jump multiple gears. Lots of the parts are from Hyundai Transys - axles, prop shafts etc, check the website. Styling and NVH work was done by Italian firm Pininfarina and it’s still the quietest car in its class by far.

The buttons on the front passanger seat to move the seat back and front, the only thing I can think of, is most of asian country who bought upmarket cars use personal driver, and the owner/boss will sit at the back. So the driver can adjust their master's room if required

Paul they are starting to look really good

That button looks to be like it would activate autonomous parallel parking when Reverse is engaged. Perhaps only on overseas models 🤔

Hey Paul, will you be doing a review on the Audi SQ2 in the future?

Thank you for answering my request a couple of weeks ago... I know nothing to do with my request. 😅 Great product to be honest and yes ashamed with the current situation but if they are offering 777 on the vehicle, I would assume if they do go belly up in the future, I hope an insurance company or a someone will come along and buy that rights. In terms of financial, they have sold their factory in Korean and relocating in order to raise capital in the same time investing into electric technology lets hope that will help save them. Btw, I watched a few Korean reviews of this car and they did mentioned that this facelift have moved from an Aisin to a Hyundai gearbox. Once again thanks to the team for reviewing this car.

The P button turns the parking sensors off, so when you are towing and want to reverse there not beeping at you.

I inspected this car recently and I really loved it. Unfortunately it’s just not popular enough and trying to sell it would be very difficult. Although I really liked it, everyone I knew told me to steer away from it and offered alternatives. It’s a shame.

Really like this and would buy but not at there current financial state. Really impressive. Can you please review the LDV D90 turbo diesel..

Does it have a full sized spare and where is it?

I wish I knew about this car before I bought my D90. I mean, I knew the brand but in my mind I had pictures of those awful designed vehicles that you mentioned in the video so I didn't even bother. Bad decision. They look far superior to the D90 and I'm hearing that financial difficulties for the company are now a thing of the past. I'm seriously thinking trading in my D90 Luxe for one of those. One thing that annoys me though is that equipment that should've been standard from entry level, only exists in the ultimate trim

Does it come with a full size spare wheel?

Whos manufacturer is the 2.2 diesel under the bonnet

I would love to by it, its a good suv regardless the brand, remember that at the beginning we just had holden and ford.

Just needs ACC and I'd be lining up. The other thing I'd like to see are 3-way AC so the rear has controls not just vents.

Very impressed with your balanced appraisal. Have been looking at the Ultimate previously, but a bit hesitant due to their financial backing. However, since they have gotten new backing, I am probably going to get one as our next wheels. Their value for money is great, as is their warranty and roadside assist. Ssangyong make vehicles to last, as in our area there are quite a lot of the older models, and the owners love them, irrespective of the grungy looks!

Excellent video. The only thing missing in the off-road segment is the ground clearance of the vehicle. Otherwise well done sir.

Other videos are good - but this video I feel like there’s a lot or unnecessary talk about things over and over But still the best channel on RU-vid for car reviews 👍

Brought the elx today,pick it up Monday.

Those buttons on the side of passenger seat are called boss buttons. So the vip seat at the back and can adjust the space at will.

Great test Paul. Kudos on trying the doors when hanging. I've had much more expensive cars fail that.

Is there a aftermarket Sat Nav for this car, i have found that Google maps are useless and inaccurate, its hard to believe that the top of the line car doesn't have Sat Navigation

Im pretty sure the button is meant for like off-road use. Its to be used so you can stay on one spot (despite what surface your on), so you don't rock about the place.