SsangYong Rexton

The SsangYong Rexton is the largest model of the South Korean firm. Originally released in 2001, its name derives from the Latin title "Rex" and the English word "Tone", so its name comes to mean the "King's tone". For SsangYong this is its reference model, the king of the house and hence the name.

We have tested this car:

Test Ssangyong Rexton 2018: new generation of the Korean SUV

The first generation, present from 2001 to 2006, was designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro studio. Born as a pure off-roader, it was only available with four-wheel drive. For the engines used an old Mercedes-Benz block, and its structure derived directly from the SsangYong Musso, a model that is no longer for sale on the market today.

In 2017 SsangYong decides to launch a second and braver generation on the market. A considerable improvement in all aspects compared to the predecessor model. Since its launch, the flagship has been receiving small improvements to stay updated. Finally, with the introduction of the spring of 2022, the Rexton receives an update focused on the improvement of its engines, the introduction of new technologies, and minor cosmetic changes.

Technical characteristics of the SssangYong Rexton

It is not usual for a model to make such a qualitative leap from one generation to another, but the SsangYong Rexton has achieved it thanks in part to a change in its platform. As in the case of SsangYong Korando, use a modular architecture redesigned and manufactured in high-strength steels that guarantee greater torsional rigidity. Its structure is typical of an off-roader, with a chassis made of stringers and crossbars.

As we have already said, it is the largest model marketed by the brand in our market. Its dimensions position it in one of the largest SUV segments on the market. 4,85 meters long, 1,96 meters wide and 1,82 meters high. To that we must add a battle of 2,86 meters and a not inconsiderable weight of 2.180 kilograms in running order. As it is a pure off-roader, its offroad dimensions are important. Free height of 24 cm, and entry, ventral and exit angles of 20, 22 and 20 degrees respectively.

Thanks to its long wheelbase and large size, the Ssangyong Rexton has a large interior space. A space that can be used by a maximum of seven passengers. The last two have a retractable third row of seats under the boot floor. That also leaves us with a highly variable cargo volume. 236 liters is the minimum capacity, with all three rows unfolded. 641 liters is its normal volume, and 1.806 liters is the maximum volume that we can achieve by folding down the second row of seats.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the SsangYong Rexton

European emissions and pollution regulations and legislation have made the SsangYong Rexton only available with a single diesel engine that has been upgraded in the 2022 facelift. It is a self-manufactured block that receives the name D22 DTR. Its structure is made up of four turbocharged in-line cylinders with a displacement of 2.157 cc. It develops 202 horsepower at 3.800 revolutions and 441 Nm of torque between 1.600 and 2.600 revolutions.

As of 2022 the mechanical options are limited. Although in the past Ssangyong allowed to have all-wheel drive or 4 × 2, in the new edition only permanent all-wheel drive with reduction gearbox and seven-speed automatic transmission is allowed torque converter type. Although no electrified systems of any kind are offered, the mechanical revision has made it possible to reduce the environmental impact, lowering the approved average consumption to 7,6 liters per 100 kilometers travelled.

Equipment of the SsangYong Rexton

One of the keys to the evolution of the SsangYong Rexton is its improvement at the interior level, which has also been made clear in the 2022 facelift. We are not only referring to more equipment, but also to a important step forward in terms of quality and manufacturing. Without being the best in its category, the Rexton offers a very well presented cabin with careful details and refined elements. Its feeling of durability is high, as is the feeling of quality and comfort.

The Rexton equipment offer is divided into three levels: Pro, Premium and Limited. In its standard equipment we find elements such as the multimedia system with an 8-inch display and connectivity for mobile devices and Bluetooth, light and rain sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and climate control, among other elements.

If we reach the highest levels we discover how the Rexton can have very outstanding equipment for itself. In the Limited finish we find solutions such as keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, sunroof, digital instrumentation, parking camera, interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, partially digital instrument panel, and the well-known SsangYong Active Safety System SASS.

The SsangYong Rexton on video

The SsangYong Rexton of Km 0 and Second Hand

As is often the case with SsangYong, there are not too many Rexton models for sale in the second-hand and Km 0 channels. As it is a brand that is not very well known, there are barely 200 units available on the second-hand market. That leaves us with affordable prices in most cases.

Prices start at approximately 2.500 euros for 2005 models with mileage between 150.000 and 200.000 kilometers or more. On the contrary, the most expensive and best finished units correspond, as expected, to Km 0 units in stock. These units show significantly lower prices than those offered by the brand in its concessions. Most of them correspond to models with access finish corresponding to the 2022 update.

Rivals of the SsangYong Rexton

While not the most popular niche of all, D-SUVs see very steady sales from year to year. For that reason almost all manufacturers fight in the segment. Such is so the rivals of the SsangYong Rexton can be counted by dozens. Among them, the presence of models such as the KIA Sorrento’s most emblematic landmarks, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s most emblematic landmarks, the SEAT Tarraco’s most emblematic landmarks, the Skoda Kodiaq’s most emblematic landmarks, the Nissan X-Trail or Peugeot 5008. All of them are rivals for size and capacity, although the Rexton is the one with the best skills as a 4×4.

Highlight

off-road behavior
good equipment
Interior space

To improve

High consumption
short benefits
Without Start&Stop

SsangYong Rexton Prices

Over the years and constant improvements, SsangYong has become a brand that offers great value for money. The Rexton, despite not being a very popular model, delivers on this philosophy with lower selling prices than most of its rivals. The starting price of a SsangYong Rexton is 39.900 euros for the access version with Pro finish. On the opposite side we find the Rexton D22 4 × 4 with automatic transmission and Limited finish, which has a sale price of 52.500 euros. All this without offers or promotions.