Modern pickup trucks offer a high level of utility combined with the sophistication of passenger cars. A recently redesigned mid-size SsangYong Musso owns all these characteristics plus some the class-leading values. Aside it is tough, durable and powerful it also comes with modern connectivity, safety and comfort features combined with segment-leading warranty. With all these attributes, the Korean mid-sizer targets better-known names in the industry such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.
The SsangYong Musso was all-new in 2018 and it shares an architecture, design, powertrain and equipment with the brand’s Rexton SUV. The model comes in four trim levels with the same, powerful turbodiesel engine across the range. The Musso has an attractive cabin that can be equipped with premium comfort and tech features while it meets the class-best towing of 3, 500 kg.
The newest 2020 SsangYong Musso returns on the scene with minimal changes but there is a new version available in some markets named SsangYong Musso Grand for which the brand claims it has the largest cargo bed in the class. The new version is the same structurally and visually and the same engine is under the hood as it is the case with the already available model.
2020 SsangYong Musso: Design
The 2020 SsangYong Musso shares the body-on-frame architecture made from the Advanced High Strength Steel with the newest generation Rexton SUV. Two models adopt also the same design language called Nature Born 3 Motion.
The model has SUV-like front-end styling and body contours. Its appearance is less rugged than most rivals. The front fascia is defined with the six-sided grille with the chrome stripe running in the middle. The grille is flanked by modern-looking headlights that get attention with nice LED running lights. The front bumper is also the SUV-like style with housings for the fog lights.
The profile features also the SUV-like sculpting with a defined character line and overfeeders. The model has conventional-style tailgate and taillights.
The new Musso Grand shares the same design language as the already available model but comes with the segment’s largest cargo bed as the brand claims. The new version’s bed measures 1610 mm in length, 1570 mm in width and it is 571 mm tall. This version is also longer than the non-Grand model with 5405 mm in length compared to 5095 mm of the already available Musso.
Interior, Equipment:
The Musso comes also with the SUV-like cabin and available equipment. The model has well-organized easy-to-use commands and controls. It comes in the crew cab style only with plenty of room in both rows.
The base trim includes 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, cloth trim, a trip computer, etc. The upper grades add more premium features and an upgraded infotainment system. The model offers leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and more in top grades. There is also an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto support. The model can also be had with large 20-inch alloy wheels, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, a premium sound system, a 360-degree camera and more.
On the safety front, the mid-size Musso relies on systems such as autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert.
2020 SsangYong Musso: Performance
At the performance level, every 2020 SsangYong Musso comes powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. The engine works in the combination with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The power output is rated at 181 hp while peak torque of 400 Nm is available from just 1400 rpm.
The Musso employs a selectable four-wheel-drive system with low and high range. The model can tow up 3.5 tons with the payload limit at 1085 kg. The Musso Grand version comes with the leaf springs rear while the shorter Musso has coil springs.
2020 SsangYong Musso: Release, Price
The 2020 SsangYong Musso is available in various markets with the class-leading warranty. The model starts in Australia from about $30, 000 when equipped with the manual gearbox. The base version in the UK is available at just over £18,000 mark.
The Korean brand promised the all-electric Musso version with the two-motor powertrain and range about 450 km in the near future.