The SsangYong Musso sounds more like an exotic skin rash than the toughest nails pickup truck.
But move past the name and you will find a very versatile
dual-cab 4 X 4 ute, one of the best value models in its class. It undercuts most of
its rivals while offering loads of premium features. Question is,
should you take a chance on this Korean-built ute or go with an established brand? Let's find out.
Somewhat confusingly, the SsangYong Musso name first bobbed up in Australia in the mid-1990s as
an SUV powered by a Mercedes engine. Now the Musso is a ute, and this face-lifted model is designed
to keep it relevant in the face of several new and updated competitors. We're testing the top-spec
ultimate model with all the fruit, which means a $3000 luxury pack and a $1500 XLV wheel-based
extension. I quite like the re-design front-end look, which is dominated by this bold and blocky
grill that brings big truck visuals to the table. But apart from new 18-inch alloy wheels, the rest
of the ute is unchanged, and there's still no rear sports bar. The 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine
hasn't been updated for this facelift, which means it's not the most powerful oiler in its class,
but it does retain its 3500 kilogram towing capacity and is surprisingly quite refined.
And I reckon big part of that is this large raised rubber seal all around the engine bay.
A conventional six-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the rear or all four wheels,
via a switch-able 4 X 4 system. But unlike its rivals, there's no manually locking rear
diff. I won't beat around the bush, the Musso's cabin is super impressive for a ute, it has one
of the widest and most comfortable interiors in its class, and it's packed to the gunwales
with premium features and loads of technology too. It looks sharp, fit and finish is solid,
quality materials are used and the overall design is thoroughly modern.
The heated steering wheel has tilt and reach adjust and along with the power-operated seats,
it makes finding a comfortable position really easy. And there's even lumbar adjust as well.
The Nappa leather seat upholstery is super nice and this top-spec model gets heated and cooled
front seats which are unique in this segment. Factor in dual-zone automatic climate control,
and you'll always have the cabin humming at the right temp. Incidental storage isn't bad,
you've got a small central bin here, deep dual pockets with dual bottle holders,
sunglasses holder up here, and a handy-dandy mobile phone stand down there.
There's also twin spring loaded cup holders, and even an ash tray and a cigar lighter. You get
one USB port and AUX input and 12-volt socket, and there's a powered sunroof, which is a nice
bonus. The 80-inch touch screen is pretty basic but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make up for
any shortcomings with the native operating system. The seven-inch driver's display looks good with
a high resolution, plenty of functionality and lots of useful info. Together with the reversing
camera there's a fairly crisp 360-degree surround view system and even a 3D mode that helps take
the stress out of parking this 5.4-metre long leviathan. Front and rear parking sensors are
also part of the package. The Korean ute has an impressive level of safety systems along with six
airbags, but it misses out on things like adaptive cruise control and active lane assist, which are
handy when you're driving home exhausted. There's also no independent safety rating from ANCAP,
which is not helpful. Back seat room and especially comfort is really good for a
dual cab ute, and I love the Nappa leather seats have carried over. Head room is good,
leg room is pretty good too, and these upright windows give you a really good view
around you, create an airy feeling. And it almost feels better than some SUVs back here.
Well, there's no USB ports back here, there are individual air vents
and heated seats. There's a fold-out armrest and heaps of under-seat storage
too. You've got multiple grab handles, three top-tether, and two Isofix child seat anchorages.
As the only factory delivered ute available with a stretch wheel base, this XLV model
has the longest train in its class, at 1600 millimetres, it's long. But because of this
up-spec model's rear coil springs instead of leaf springs, it has a sub-par 880 kilogram payload,
and we know from previous tests, the rear squats under heavy loads as a result.
The turbo was mounted quite low but SsangYong claims it'll hold a genuine 3.5-ton trailer with
a 350 kilogram turbo load. Alright, my favourite part, drive time. Queue the upbeat music.
Acceleration is pretty good at all speeds but it's the punching turbo diesel engines,
refined and quiet nature that really surprises. It's a good long distance cruiser,
and happily gobbles up kilometres and fuel efficiency is slightly better than expected too.
I wouldn't say ride comfort is poor as it's pretty balanced most of the time,
and the rear end skittish-ness can be levelled at any unlike in ute, which always drives better with
white in the tray. Overall refinement levels are very good, it's quiet and relaxed in the cabin.
And while we know it's not the greatest off rider in its class, it's good on dirt roads. Round
clearance isn't amazing at 215 millimetres but you won't have to worry about modest water crossings
or other obstacles. The SsangYong by no means offers class-leading ride and handling dynamics,
and can hold a candle to the Ford Ranger, but it is one of the more refined vehicles in its
class and has impressive comfort levels. It's also got an above average seven-year warranty
with matching roadside assistance and capped price servicing costing 375 bucks per annum. Not a whole
lot has changed with the updated Musso but that's no bad thing. It looks better now, it drives well,
is well finished and impressively equipped, and has the biggest tray in the dual cab business,
and there's no denying it offers great value and after-sales support.