The fifth generation of the 7-seater SUV arrives in Spain with authentic 4×4 attributes and without a trace of electrification, with a single diesel engine, central differential lock and reduction gear.
In the midst of an avalanche of electrification and excessive correction in the automotive sector, it is appreciated that, from time to time, exceptions appear such as the SsangYong Rexton, which go against fashion and remain faithful to their style despite the difficulties. The fifth generation of the Korean SUV has just arrived in Spain with the capacity to transport 7 people, authentic off-road attributes, a single diesel engine, central differential lock and, of course, all-wheel drive with reduction gear. There is nothing!
But let’s go by parts. The first thing that strikes you about the Rexton is its sheer size. At 4,850mm long, 1,960mm wide, and 1,825mm tall, it measures exactly the same as the model launched in 2018. Even the wheelbase is the same (2,865mm), so it’s hard to believe it’s try a new generation (that’s what the brand says). Rather, it looks like an evolution of the fourth generation, although it is true that the design has been quite renewed (outside and inside) and it also offers some new features in terms of security and technology.
The most important aesthetic changes are concentrated in the front part of the vehicle, with a new, much larger grille with a three-dimensional effect, a bumper with angular lines and more stylized and sporty headlights. On the side, the wider wheel arches, the chrome window moldings, the rear-view mirrors with integrated turn signals and the black protectors for the lower body area stand out, in addition to the 20-inch chrome diamond-cut wheels ( there are also 17″ and 18″).
Behind also change the bumper and the optical groups (with LEDs just like the front ones). And in terms of colors, the bodywork is available in six shades and the only novelty is Marble Grey.
Inside, important changes can also be seen, starting with the instrument panel, now larger with a 12.3-inch digital TFT LCD screen (only in the superior finish). The center console (with a larger armrest and more storage space), the automatic transmission lever and the flattened steering wheel at the bottom are also new, while the central screen of the multimedia system is still 8”, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on all versions.
The quality of the materials has also improved and the prudent presence of hard plastics does not raise the concern of mud splashes or scratches. The front seats are spacious, comfortable, support the body well and are also ventilated, heated and electrically adjustable.
The interior space is enormous thanks to a wheelbase of almost three meters and offers great modularity with up to seven seats available and 40:60 folding seats in the second row. The third row is not just for children and can travel up to two medium-sized adults without too many restrictions.
The trunk is also very spacious and the cargo space ranges from 240 liters with all seats occupied, 872 liters with the third row folded and 1,806 with the last two rows unoccupied.
Under the hood there are also new features, although it continues to bet everything on a single mechanical variant. The heart of the new Korean SUV is now an e-XDi 220 diesel engine, with four cylinders in line and 2.2 liters of capacity that develops 202 CV of power, 21 more than that of the model it replaces, and maximum torque of 441 Nm, 21 more than that of the Rexton 2018.
This engine is associated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with longer developments, a lower noise level and more precise gear changes to improve performance, consumption and emissions. In addition, it is equipped with connectable all-wheel drive in all versions, reduction gear and rear differential lock in the Limited version.
In terms of performance and consumption, SsangYong has not provided the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, although it will be around 12 seconds as in the previous version. We do know that it can reach a maximum speed of 184 km/h and homologates an average consumption of 7.74 l/100 km in the WLTP combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 203 g/km, for which the C label of the DGT. In urban use, with short gears, the average consumption can exceed 9 liters per 100 kilometres.
There is one thing very clear with the new Rexton: it is a car to get out of the city, travel comfortably and fearlessly face any type of terrain. SsangYong proposed us to make a 120-kilometre journey by highway between San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) and Sigüenza (Guadalajara), where a small 4×4 circuit awaited us to test the off-road capabilities of the seven-seater SUV.
On the road we were surprised by the good response of the engine, the good behavior of the chassis, the high ride comfort and the absence of noise and vibration inside the passenger compartment (the body separated from the frame reduces the mechanical sound that reaches the cabin).
Under normal conditions, the Rexton runs in 2H mode, transmitting its power through the rear wheels. The 202hp, 441Nm diesel engine pushes well at low revs and imparts enough agility to a vehicle that is nearly five meters long and weighs 2,200kg in curb.
Through a selector on the center console you can choose three driving modes (Normal, Sport and Winter) that are complemented by the paddles located behind the steering wheel, very useful for reducing and activating the engine-brake before braking (inertia are unavoidable in such a large car).
Off the beaten track, or when trail conditions get tough, the Rexton unleashes its superb off-road capabilities, starting with the 63% ultra-high-strength steel frame and cross member chassis and lockable engageable all-wheel drive. center differential. In addition, it offers surprising obstacle clearance angles (attack, exit and breakover) and a ground clearance of almost 25 cm (even better than that of the Toyota Land Cruiser).
And if the situation gets even more complicated, and more torque and maximum traction are needed, we can select the 4L mode and activate the all-wheel drive with reduction gear, which offers off-road performance typical of a true off-roader and differentiates the Rexton from the rest of the Large SUVs on the market. In addition, it has a towing capacity of 3,000 kilos with brake and 750 kg without brake. You can not ask for more!
In terms of prices, the SsangYong Rexton is 20,000 euros cheaper than its rivals in the premium segment (BMW X5, Land Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler or Mercedes-Benz GLE) and almost 10,000 euros cheaper than the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The new SsangYong Rexton is available in three versions (Pro, Premium and Limited), with a price from 37,200 euros with a commercial campaign of 1,700 euros discount, to which another discount of 1,000 euros of loyalty can be added (delivering another car of the brand) and 3,000 euros more with a financing offer.
The version with an intermediate finish, called Premium, is priced at 41,800 euros with a commercial campaign, while the top-of-the-range version, called Limited, can be purchased from 49,800 euros.