Honesty’s best policy for tough Rexton

It’s no style icon, but SsangYong’s big SUV is a workhorse with luxury trimmings, writes Phil Huff

There’s something inherently honest about SsangYong. The slogan on their website says “a lot more 4x4 for your money” which is clearly true; the Rexton is the size of a Range Rover, but you’ll save more than £50,000 by buying the Korean model.

Starting at £29,000, the Rexton is sold as a capable off-road- er and load-lugging towing machine that’s been built to last. That means there’s a traditional ladder-frame chassis which is cheap but strong, with an engine from Mercedes. There’s four-wheel-drive, and it’s extremely capable. Hurl- ing the behemoth around some tiny forest tracks was a breeze, with the Rexton shrug2.2-tonnes off even the deceptively difficult job of descending a steep, wet, grass covered hill. There’s even a proper lowrange gearbox option.

Attaching a horsebox, it felt like it could go round and do it all again. It’ll drag a massive 3.5 tonnes of trailer behind it, one of the largest loads you can tow with a road car.

The Mercedes-sourced diesel engine is certainly powerful enough, with a huge 310lb/ ft of torque able to drag the of SsangYong around with enough verve to keep up with traffic, although it’s far from alacritous. The seven-speed automatic gearbox, also from Mercedes, is smooth and refined.

It lolls about the road, untidily lurching round corners and rocking back and forth as you come to a stop. Despite that, it’s actually rather comfortable, especially if you’ re used to sitting in a comfy armchair on a cruise ship. This Ultimate spec model comes with quilted Nappa leather seats that are both heated and ventilated, a 9.2-inch infotainment screen, climate control, mood lighting, and wood paneling. It’s high-tech, too, with a DAB radio and Android Auto, as well as an instrument panel that’s modern and clear, with another digital screen in the centre.

The interior is enormous, too. Adults front and back, headroom legroom, etc., is all more than sufficient, and there’s even an option for another two seats in the boot.

Despite its obvious bulk, and its incredible level of luxury, the Rexton isn’t really a rival for the Range Rover, falling well short in terms of design, perceived quality and performance.Even economy is at ad second rate at 34 mpg. However, put it up against the likes of the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe and the Rexton claws back some ground. The Sorento offers seating for seven and does so with more convincing road manners, as does the Santa Fe, but their four-wheel drive abilities are limited.

The Rexton is is a bigger car for less money, and provides a far more capable experience when off-road or towing. If your average drive includes conquering fields or chasing horses and you’ re happy to have a workhorse rather than a style icon, then the Rexton really is a strong choice.