SsangYong Rexton 2023
By Ian Strachan.
The first thing you notice about the latest SsangYong Rexton is just how big it. This big, muscular 4×4 is huge, with a high front end, a purposeful road stance and big sidesteps.
The Rexton has been on our roads for 22 years. Now – with the fifth generation – it’s better than ever, with more space and practicality, great handling, high levels of luxury and a raft of safety aids.
The SsangYong Rexton may not be the obvious choice for people looking for a versatile four wheel drive SUV. But it certainly deserves to be on choice lists. The Rexton is versatile, well-equipped and bristling with technology. And it consistently wins industry awards.
It’s also good value for money The top-of-the-range 2.2 litre diesel-powered Rexton Ultimate Plus which I tested comes in at a shade under £46,000, which is about half the price of its more vaunted competitors.
The latest Rexton is innovative, easy on the eye, exceptionally well-equipped, handles like a dream, and has good off-road ability. This vehicle can mix it with the big guys and their more established SUVs.
Despite its price, the Korean-built Rexton has high build quality, good interior trim materials of leather and suede, not to mention seven seats in a very roomy interior with great load-carrying capacity. It’s also a first-class towing vehicle.
The Rexton has a quality feel to it inside and out. It is certainly a good looker with a strong side-on presence helped by a high waist and neatly sculpted side panels. Handsome 20-inch alloys add to its side-on style.
Inside, the car has a lot of class about it. My test vehicle had premium leather upholstery of a very high quality. The dash is simple and attractive, with a central 9.2 inch touchscreen satellite navigation system which also controls the DAB radio and media system, with USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, with steering wheel mounted controls.
Interior space is very good and can be further improved with the folding split rear seat down. Interior specification on the Ultimate Plus includes panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors with 3D around-view camera, automatic air conditioning throughout the vehicle, electronic cruise control, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, metallic paint and that option we never knew we wanted but now can’t do without – the heated steering wheel.
Other standard features include all-round electric windows with rear seat sunblinds, powered tailgate, all-round airbags, LED front fog lights and projection automatic high-beam headlights, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, light and rain sensors and electronic parking brake with hill-hold. You also get a host of driver assistance and safety features including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist and safety distance alert.
I drove the 2.2 litre turbo-charged diesel-powered Ultimate Plus which gives out a more than adequate 202 bhp. Linked to a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size.
Fuel consumption of up to 32.9 mpg in mixed driving is just about respectable for a substantial all wheel drive vehicle.
My test vehicle came with a tow-bar, making this an ideal caravanning vehicle. On the road price for this specification is £49,950 . That is extremely competitive for such a high specification, and you get a lot of car for your money.
It’s difficult to fault this offering from SsangYong. It’s a an impressive vehicle – capable of turning heads – with a very keen price representing excellent value for money.
