SsangYong Musso Review 2024

If you're looking for a workhorse that can double up as family transport, the SsangYong Musso is a strong alternative to trucks like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. It does require some compromises (it won't be cheap on fuel and ride comfort is a long way off SUV standards) but an impressive interior makes the SsangYong Musso one of the best pick-up trucks you can buy.

We'd avoid the entry-level SsangYong Musso EX – it's not that it's particularly basic, but it's only available with a manual gearbox and lacks the desirable infotainment systems of pricier models. The SsangYong Musso Saracen is a desirable choice thanks to its leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and TomTom navigation system.

With trucks like the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200, Volkswagen Amarok and Mercedes X-Class leaving the market, there's a bit of a dearth of pick-ups on sale. The Isuzu D-Max is a strong alternative with exceptional off-road ability and a wider range of bodystyles than the SsangYong Musso, while the Toyota Hilux is another extremely dependable choice. We'd also recommend the Ford Ranger, particularly for its blend of comfort and on-road handling.

Some of the hard plastics in the Musso's cabin would raise eyebrows if they were in an SUV, but they're a little more acceptable in the truck. Indeed, you get the feeling that the Musso's interior has been built to last.

That's not to say there aren't a few squishy materials and soft-touch fabrics here and there. Our SsangYong Musso Saracen test car was fitted had some lovely perforated leather spreading across the width of the dashboard, as well as some neat, knurled knobs and buttons. As trucks go, it feels pretty upmarket.

The entertainment provided in the SsangYong Musso very much depends on how much money you're willing to pay. The entry-level Musso EX comes with an old-school radio, albeit with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrade to a SsangYong Musso Rebel for an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

SsangYong Musso Saracen and Rhino models come with a 9.2-inch display with TomTom navigation. This is a pretty good system to use with sharp graphics and logical menu layouts, although it can be a little laggy in its responses. We like that there are physical shortcut buttons below the screen as well as an old-fashioned volume control, while the display itself is positioned high up on the dashboard.

You also get a seven-inch digital display sitting between the conventional dials on Saracen and Rhino models. This can be configured to show you information such as fuel economy data, your current speed or even a compass showing which direction you're heading in. It's nothing fancy and the graphics aren't the sharpest but it's still better than you'd find in trucks from relatively recent history.

You can only get a double-cab SsangYong Musso in the UK, which is good news if you want to carry more than two people – but bad news if you're looking to lug a lengthy load. The rear load bay is 1.3 metres long, though, and 1.57 metres wide – meaning it'll comfortably carry a standard Europallet in the back. The top-spec SsangYong Musso Rhino is slightly longer in length, providing a load bay of 1.61 metres.

You can buy a retractable load cover (a wise investment if you don't want your shopping to be nicked at the traffic lights), while a hard top is also available if you need more space in the 'boot'.

The SsangYong Musso can take a payload of between 1050kg and 1140kg (depending on specification) while automatic models can tow a brailed trailer weighing up to 3500kg. Avoid the manual transmission if you're planning to tow – it's limited to 3200kg.

All SsangYong Mussos are powered by the brand's own 2.2-litre diesel engine which has a maximum power output of 181PS and produces 420Nm from just 1600rpm. This low-end torque means it feels pretty effortless to drive, even when towing a trailer or tackling a steep hill.

Most SsangYong Musso buyers opt for the six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, which is pleasantly slick in its operation. It'll change up gears quite early on, which is good news for both refinement and fuel economy. You can select gears manually if you wish but, even off-road, we've never really felt the need.

The only SsangYong Musso sold with a manual gearbox is the entry-level EX model. It's a six-speed manual transmission which we're yet to sample.

Acceleration is brisk enough, taking around 11.9 seconds to reach 62mph with the automatic gearbox and 11.3 seconds with the manual. No one buys a pick-up in order to accelerate quickly, but both the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are that bit peppier.

As trucks go, the SsangYong Musso is pretty refined. There's a distinct diesel grumble, of course, but it's surprisingly unclattery at idle. You won't notice too much wind or road noise once up to speed, either – it's surprisingly easy to exceed the speed limit in the SsangYong Musso as, unusually for a commercial vehicle, it's not creating an absolute din at 60mph.

For the ultimate in car-like driver-assist technology, look for a SsangYong Musso Saracen or Rhino. Spec highlights on the higher-spec models include a lane change collision warning, which will flash a warning light on the door mirror if it detects a vehicle approaching at speed from behind when you're changing lanes, as well as a blind spot detection warning system which'll flash the same light if there's a vehicle in your blind spot.

Rear cross-traffic alert is also standard on the Musso Saracen and Rhino, alerting the driver to any approaching vehicles when you're reversing out of a parking bay.

The SsangYong Musso has not yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP.

The SsangYong Musso ought to be a very reliable choice. The manufacturer consistently ranks highly in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, while we've heard of very few issues affecting the Musso. The brand also offers a seven-year/ 150,000-mile warranty to put your mind at rest, too. The service intervals are 12 months or 12,500 miles (whichever comes sooner).

The SsangYong Musso is in insurance group 50, which means it might cost quite a lot to insure. This is pretty normal for pick-up trucks – it might be worth shopping around for quotes before you part with your cash.

Like most pick-up trucks, you'll pay a flat rate of £290/year to tax the SsangYong Musso. Six months tax is £152.25.

The entry-level SsangYong Musso EX is a short-bed pick-up that comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a basic audio system with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, six airbags, electric windows, remote central locking (including the tailgate), manual air conditioning, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

The SsangYong Musso Rebel adds roof rails, an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, faux-leather seats (heated and ventilated in the front), a heated leather steering wheel, black and silver side steps, LED front fog lights and Rebel graphics.

The SsangYong Musso Saracen is intended to be a more premium choice, with 18-inch black alloy wheels, leather seats, electric seat adjustment for the front seats, heated rear seats and dual-zone climate control. There's also a 9.2-inch TomTom navigation system, cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, black and silver side steps and Saracen exterior graphics. The SsangYong Musso Saracen also comes with a new instrument panel, LED daytime running lights, triple LED fog lights, tinted rear privacy glass, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Topping the range is the SsangYong Musso Rhino which is available exclusively in long-wheelbase form. This comes as standard with the six-speed automatic gearbox as well as dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and Rhino graphics.