SsangYong Rexton 2022 review

With most Australian families unable to understandably spend their holiday abroad in 2020 and 2021, sales of large SUVs have skyrocketed.

After all, they are one of the very few vehicles that can do all of this, making them a great option for anyone looking to tour our great country.

The SsangYong Rexton is one such model, and its mid-life facelift came in handy, heralding a refreshed look, more technology, a more powerful engine and a new transmission.

But does Rexton have what it takes to take on the best-selling Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? Let's find out.

The Rexton is a remarkably good large SUV based on a passenger car. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Ssangyong Rexton 2022: Ultimate (XNUMXWD)
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.2 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	8.7l / 100km
Landing	7 Places
Price from	$54,990

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

As part of the facelift, the entry-level Rexton EX model was dropped, and with it the availability of rear-wheel drive and a petrol engine.

However, the mid-range ELX and flagship Ultimate versions were carried over, along with their all-wheel drive system and diesel engine, but more on that later.

For reference, the EX was priced at an attractive $39,990, while the ELX is now $1000 more at a still very competitive $47,990 and the Ultimate is $2000 more expensive at an equally impressive $54,990. -away.

Standard equipment on the ELX includes dusk sensors, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels (with a full-size spare), puddle lights, keyless entry, and roof rails.

The only option for the Rexton is a $495 metallic paint finish, with five of the six available colors claiming that premium. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Inside is push-button start, wired support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.

And then there are power front seats with heating and cooling, heated middle seats, dual-zone climate control and synthetic leather upholstery.

Ultimate adds 20-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, power tailgate, sunroof, heated steering wheel, memory function, quilted Nappa leather upholstery and ambient lighting.

So what is missing? Well, there's no digital radio or built-in sat-nav, but the latter isn't an absolute hurdle due to the installation of smartphone mirroring - unless you're in the bush with no reception, of course.

The only option for the Rexton is a $495 metallic paint finish, with five of the six available colors claiming that premium.

Inside is push-button start, wired support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Well, didn't a literal facelift do wonders for the Rexton? Its new grille, LED headlight inserts and front bumper combine to give the car a much more attractive and modern look.

On the side, the changes aren't as dramatic, with the Rexton getting new alloy wheel sets and updated body cladding, making it stiffer than before.

And at the back, the new Rexton LED taillights are a huge improvement, and its tweaked bumper is a lesson in sophistication.

Overall, the Rexton's exterior design has thankfully taken a leap forward, so much so that I can say it's now one of the best in its segment.

Inside, the facelifted Rexton continues to stand out from the pre-facelift crowd, this time with a new gear selector and steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Out back, Rexton's new LED taillights are a huge improvement, and its redesigned bumper is a lesson in sophistication. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

But the big news is what's behind the latter: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that's standard across the range. This in itself helps to make the cockpit modern.

However, the rather lackluster touchscreen on the left hasn't grown in size, remaining at 8.0 inches, while the infotainment system powering it has largely remained unchanged, although it now has dual Bluetooth connectivity and useful sleep modes. and conversation in the rear. .

The Rexton also has new front seats that look pretty good along with the rest of the interior, which is way better than you'd expect, as evidenced by the high quality materials used throughout.

The Ultimate trim, in particular, is head and shoulders above the competition with quilted Nappa leather upholstery that adds a level of flex that is simply not associated with large ute-based SUVs.

However, while the Rexton now looks fresh on the outside, it still feels old on the inside, especially its dash design, although the B-pillar's convenient physical climate control is greatly appreciated.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

At 4850mm long (with a 2865mm wheelbase), 1950mm wide and 1825mm high, the Rexton is a bit smaller for a large SUV.

However, its cargo capacity is still solid: 641 liters with the third row folded down, folding in a 50/50 split, made easier by easily accessible tongues.

And since the second row, which folds 60/40, is also not in use, the storage area increases to a whopping 1806 liters. However, you will need to go to both rear doors to level the middle bench.

To create a level floor, there is a parcel shelf behind the third row that creates two levels for items, although it only holds 60kg so be careful what you put on it.

The loading lip is also small when the parcel shelf is removed, which means that loading larger items is not too difficult. And in the trunk there are two hooks and four clips for bags, as well as a 12V socket at hand.

Now how do you access the third row? Well, that's relatively easy, as the second row can also tip forward, and along with the large rear door openings, getting in and out is relatively easy.

However, you'll need some help to get out, as while the slide-out table allows third-row passengers to easily fold the second row down, they can't exactly reach the lever needed to tip it forward. Close, but close enough.

Of course, the third row is clearly meant for little kids, because there isn't much room for teens and adults to move around. For example, with my height of 184 cm, my knees rest against the back of the second row, and my head rests against the roof even with a bent neck.

Unfortunately, the second row doesn't slide to offer more legroom in the third row, although it does recline so some relief can be achieved, but not much.

In any case, third-row passengers aren't treated as much, lacking cup holders and USB ports, and only the passenger on the driver's side gets directional vents. However, both have a long, shallow tray that can be used to store... sausages?

Moving on to the second row, where behind the driver's seat I have a few inches of legroom and decent headroom. And the center tunnel is quite small, so there's enough legroom for three adults standing abreast on shorter trips.

The top three tethers and two ISOFIX anchor points are for child restraints, but they are only located in the second row, so plan accordingly if you have child restraints.

In terms of amenities, there's a fold-down armrest with a shallow tray with a lid and two cup holders, while drawers on the rear doors can hold as many as three extra regular bottles each.

Clothes hooks are near the rooftop handles, and map pockets are on the backs of the front seats, and there are directional vents in the rear of the center console, a 12V outlet, two USB-A ports, and a decent-sized open bay.

In the first row, the central storage compartment has a 12V outlet and is on the larger side next to the glove box. Up front are two cup holders, two USB-A ports and a new wireless smartphone charger (Ultimate only), while the front door baskets hold two regular bottles.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10

Rexton comes with a good, if not exhaustive, security package.

Advanced driver assistance systems in the ELX and Ultimate extend to AEB at city speeds (up to 45 km/h), brake-based lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and tire pressure monitoring.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate is also getting surround view cameras.

In Australia, regardless of class, the installed cruise control is not of the adaptive type, despite being available from the factory after the facelift.

Rexton comes with a good, if not exhaustive, security package. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

And in any market, the crossroads assistant is not available together with the emergency steering assistant.

Other standard safety equipment includes nine airbags, but unfortunately none of them extend to the third row. There's also hill descent control, hill start assist, anti-skid brakes (ABS) and the usual electronic traction and stability control systems. In addition, all seven seats are now equipped with seat belt reminders.

Interestingly, neither ANCAP nor its European counterpart, Euro NCAP, has assessed the crash performance of the Rexton and given it a safety rating, so keep that in mind if that matters to you.

While we didn't test it in this review, Rexton also added "Trailer Sway Control" which gently applies brake pressure if lateral movement is detected while towing.

Speaking of which, traction with the brake is 3500kg which is the best in the segment.

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What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

As mentioned, the Rexton used to be available with two four-cylinder engine options, while the entry-level EX, now discontinued, is motivated by a rear-wheel drive 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine.

But with the facelift, the Rexton is now powered by the exclusive mid-range ELX engine and the flagship Ultimate 2.2-liter turbodiesel with a part-time all-wheel drive system that includes a low gear transfer case and rear differential lock. .

However, the 2.2-liter turbodiesel has been upgraded: its power has increased by 15 kW to 148 kW at 3800 rpm and 21 Nm to 441 Nm at 1600-2600 rpm.

The Rexton is now powered exclusively by the mid-range ELX engine and the flagship 2.2-liter Ultimate turbodiesel with all-wheel drive. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

For reference, the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine developed more power (165 kW at 5500 rpm) but less torque (350 Nm in the 1500-4500 rpm range).

What's more, Mercedes-Benz's seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 2.2-litre turbodiesel has been replaced with a new eight-speed one.

How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

While we're used to seeing improvements in fuel economy with refreshed, updated and new models, Rexton has taken a different path.

Yes, the improved performance of its 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine unfortunately comes at the cost of efficiency.

In combined cycle tests (ADR 81/02), Rexton consumes 8.7 l/100 km (+0.4 l/100 km) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions respectively reach 223 g/km (+5 g/km). .

However, in our actual tests I achieved a much higher average consumption of 11.9L/100km, although a better result would inevitably come from more highway trips.

For reference, the Rexton comes with a 70-litre fuel tank, which equates to a claimed range of 805 km.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

7 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

Like all SsangYong models sold in Australia, the Rexton comes with an attractive seven-year unlimited mileage warranty, second only to the 10-year warranty offered by Mitsubishi.

The Rexton also gets seven years of roadside assistance and is available with an equally strong seven-year/105,000 km service plan with a limited price.

Service intervals, 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first, fit the category.

And the cost of maintenance during the warranty period is at least $4072.96 or an average of $581.85 per visit (based on annual service).

What is it like to drive? 7/10

Behind the wheel, the first thing that catches your eye is how much more powerful the Rexton's upgraded 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is.

Insert the trunk and the acceleration becomes stable, especially when overtaking on the highway and the like. Those 148 kW of power and 441 Nm of torque certainly make themselves felt.

However, the delivery of these results is not the smoothest. Out of turn, the Rexton oscillates before the turbo revs up and delivers maximum push from 1500rpm. In this case, the transition is quite abrupt.

Of course, once the new torque converter eight-speed transmission is out of first gear, things calm down as you're almost never out of the thick torque band.

The two-pedal setup does the job perfectly, delivering smooth (if not snappy) shifting. It's also relatively responsive to input, so consider this another step in the right direction for Rexton.

But when it comes to stopping, the brake pedal leaves a lot to be desired, lacking the initial effort you're hoping for. The bottom line is that you need to press in order for the brakes to start working properly and otherwise the performance is fine.

Power steering could have made it more agile in corners, but it isn't. Actually, it's very slow. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

In terms of handling, the Rexton is far from sporty, like any other ute-based big SUV. With 2300kg curb weight and a high center of gravity, you can imagine that body roll dominates in a hard push. And this.

Power steering could have made it more agile in corners, but it isn't. Actually, it's very slow.

Again, it's not an unparalleled feature in the segment, but it does feel like a bus at times, especially when parking and making three-point turns.

It would be great to see a more direct set up that would greatly reduce the number of wheel revolutions needed to go from lock to lock.

However, the Ultimate's speed-sensing system helps weigh it down at low and high speeds.

The Rexton's ride quality isn't too inspiring either, with its double-wishbone independent front suspension and coil-spring multi-link rear suspension seemingly promising automotive comfort but failing to deliver it.

Our Ultimate test car came standard with 20-inch alloy wheels that never bode well for comfort. (Image: Justin Hilliard)

And I know I already sound like a broken record, but ride comfort is not a Rexton class trademark. However, it's not as good as it should be, as passengers feel just about every bump and bump the roads have to offer.

Don't get me wrong, the Rexton's ride isn't tough, it's just "sociable", but certainly livable in the city.

Bear in mind that our Ultimate test car came standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, which never bode well for comfort. ELX on the 18th should work better.

Another thing you notice when cruising at speed is the Rexton's relatively high noise levels, the most obvious source of which is the engine under moderate to hard acceleration. It penetrates the cab with more ease than tires and wind.

Now, if you're curious about how the Rexton handles off-road, stay tuned for our upcoming Adventure Guide review.

Verdict

The updated Rexton is something of a sleeper in its segment. It doesn't get the same level of attention as the MU-X, Everest and Pajero Sport, but perhaps it deserves to be discussed.

Question marks about the long-term future of the financially struggling SsangYong certainly don't help, but objectively speaking, the Rexton is a surprisingly good large SUV based on a passenger car.

After all, it is well suited for large families and is more or less capable of handling the task on and off road. And for the price alone, it should be on the shortlists of more buyers, especially the ELX.