SsangYong Musso: trim levels updated and long-bed variant added

Two years after the Musso was totally revamped, the workhorse pick-up truck has had a complete redesign to offer improved practicality, versatility and style.

Top five things you need to know about the SsangYong Musso

• Four updated trim levels available - EX, Rebel, Saracen and Rhino
• Rhino is debut of new long-bed variant
• One-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity
• Quad-frame body and proven four-wheel drive system delivers rugged off-road capability
• Comprehensively equipped and one of the largest interiors

SsangYong Musso space

Perhaps the biggest feather in Musso’s cap is its unparalleled ability to tow a trailer at maximum weight and carry a full payload at the same time. With a class-leading gross train weight of 6450kg (manual), 6750kg (automatic) and 6900kg (Rhino), Musso has the highest total load capacity of any pick-up on sale in the UK and can tow 3.5-tonnes (automatic) concurrently to give the highest total load capacity in the segment.

The SUV-based Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a workman-like load deck that will accommodate a full-sized Euro pallet in the short-bed, and the long-bed offers an additional 310mm in the back.

The load deck affords an extremely useful cargo area that is large enough to carry a one-tonne payload and equipped as standard with a tough fitted load liner, a 12V/120W power outlet and rotating hooks to help strap-down tools and equipment.

SsangYong Musso engines and performance

The Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton and delivers a maximum power of 181ps and a maximum torque of 420Nm. It is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

This highly efficient, quiet and proven engine offers up to 29.4 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and achieves 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds (auto) and 11.3 seconds (manual).

A selectable four-wheel drive system features with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels, and front wheel drive dialled in electronically as required. The system includes hill descent control and hill start assist to provide optimum grip, traction and safety, with high and low ratios available as on and off-road conditions demand.

A combination of double wishbone suspension at the front and five-link independent suspension at the rear (short-bed) on models with automatic transmission deliver great ride-quality, while the ride, handling and driving stability are enhanced thanks to the well-balanced weight distribution.

SsangYong Musso styling

SsangYong has realised that it’s no longer enough for a pick-up truck to just be robust, and the exterior styling of the new Musso reflects that. It’s bold and brawny and now features the same purposeful front-end design as others in the SsangYong range, with sporty fog lamps and daytime running lights on all models, and stylish roof bars on the Rebel, Saracen and Rhino.

The doors are designed to cover the sills along the lower part of the body to ensure passengers don’t pick up dirt from the side of the vehicle when getting in and out, while bold 18-inch wheels on the Rebel and Saracen tell you this is no ordinary pick-up.

SsangYong Musso interior

The interior reflects this new approach away from being purely robust and workman-oriented, with Nappa leather seats offered on the top of the range models for added luxury and comfort. 

DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity feature across the range, while all but the entry level model feature a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-fi mirroring.

Top of the line models offer a 9.2-inch screen with TomTom navigation.