Name: SsangYong Rexton (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: SsangYong Rexton
Rating: 51

Summary

The KGM Rexton is a large seven-seat SUV, built in the traditional body-on-frame style. Formerly a SsangYong before the brand’s name change, it shares its platform with the Musso pick-up. The current version of the Rexton was launched in the second half of 2017.

The latest Rexton is a big improvement over previous models, although it has still only received modest scores from most of the UK automotive media. It has received praise for its towing ability, off-road performance and value for money, but criticism for its comfort and interior quality.

In Spring 2021, the Rexton was given a mid-life facelift, featuring a redesigned grille and new front and rear bumpers. Ssangyong also increased the Rexton’s engine power, and fitted a new gearbox.

As of January 2024, the KGM Rexton holds a New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 51%. That score puts it towards the very bottom of the large SUV category in our database.

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Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engine: diesel
Price: From £39,500 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Score: 6.8 / 10
“If you want a strong, robust 4×4 that can tow a heavy caravan or trailer not only to the scenery but through it, you should check out the SsangYong Rexton.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SsangYong Rexton drives more like an upmarket pick-up than a luxury SUV. Still, if you want a genuinely tough machine for towing, or an off-road workhorse that can double up as convincing family transport, the Rexton ticks a lot of boxes at the price.”
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Autocar+

Score: 6 / 10
“Tough, cheap and backed by an unlimited five-year warranty, the appeal to those who couldn’t care less about ride comfort or performance or interior niceties isn’t hard to fathom. And thought of as an outward bound tool – gristly and abused – it’s rather easy to like the Rexton.”
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Car+

Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a spacious, capable and tough-feeling 4×4 with absolutely no pretence whatsoever, the Rexton does the job well.”
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Carbuyer+

Score: 5.6 / 10
“Although far from cutting-edge, the latest SsangYong Rexton makes most sense as a no-nonsense family workhorse with a touch of luxury.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“The SsangYong Rexton is a competitively priced SUV that can tow huge loads and deal with serious off-roading, but it looks dated inside and isn’t great to drive.”
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Honest John+

Score: 6 / 10
“For a SsangYong, the start price might seem on the steep side – but the Rexton is bigger than the likes of a Hyundai Santa Fe and has a very generous level of equipment. Factor in the comprehensive five-year warranty and there’s a lot to like – but if you aren’t going to tow or venture off-road, it’s not the best choice.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Genuinely capable 4×4 can seat seven and tow big loads”
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The Sun+

“SsangYong wants to be known as the Korean Land Rover, appealing to farmers and the show-jumping set. But the Rexton may go more mainstream.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“A giant, kitted out seven-seat 4×4 for the price of a top-spec Qashqai. Only apply if you like your driving rufty-tufty.”
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What Car?+

Score: 4 / 10
“Worth considering if you need a muscular tow car that seats seven, but too flawed to recommend otherwise.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of January 2024, the KGM Rexton has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the KGM Rexton has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the KGM Rexton to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Rexton, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Diesel models	33 mpg	E	33 – 33 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Diesel models	226 g/km	D	225 – 227 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	33	C	29 – 35	C – C

The KGM Rexton is a very expensive car to run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Only available as a diesel, the Rexton’s fuel consumption is poor when compared to the market standard, which is expected due to its large size. That said, the SUV’s insurance premiums are pretty average.