The What Van? Road Test: Ssangyong Musso

Date: Monday, May 15, 2023

Rear 3:4 Copy

Operating

The Musso is protected by a five-year/100,000-mile warranty – down from seven years/150,000 miles for the old model – while service intervals are set at 12 months/12,500 miles. That sounds a little on the short side, but regular workshop visits are no bad thing if your 4x4 pick-up is in receipt of a constant off-road hammering.

Something else that seems on the short side is the six-year corrosion perforation guarantee. The paintwork is warranted for three years.

Average fuel economy is 31.5mpg on the combined cycle according to the official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figure, which is about what we achieved. Not outstanding, agreed, but we are talking about a big, heavy 4x4 pick-up.

No spare wheel is fitted alas. Drivers must make do with an inflator/sealer instead and will find what they need behind the rear seat back, which folds down.

SsangYong Musso Saracen Double-Cab 4x4 automatic pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £31,515

Price range (ex VAT) £24,115–£31,515

Gross payload 1,095kg

Load length 1,270mm

Load width (min/max) 1,130mm/1,570mm

Load bay height 570mm

Load volume 756mm

Gross vehicle weight 3,250kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg

Residual value 40.1%*

Cost per mile 61.7p

Engine size/power 2,157cc, 202hp @ 3,800rpm

Torque 441Nm @ 16,00–2,600rpm

Gearbox 6spd automatic

Fuel economy (combined WLTP) 31.5mpg

Fuel tank 75L

CO2 236g/km

Warranty 5yrs/100,000mls

Service intervals 1yr/12,500mls

Insurance group 50D

Price as tested £33,552

* after 48 months @ 20,000 miles a year - source - KWIKcarcost

Options

Load area cover £1,348

Load area sports bar £689

Rivals

Ford Ranger

Price range (ex VAT) £27,550–£58,900

Gross payload 652–1200kg

Braked towing weight 2,500–3,500kg

Engines 170hp, 205hp 2.0 diesel, 240hp 3.0 diesel, 292hp 3.0 petrol

Verdict: Ford has revamped its Ranger line-up with a vengeance and there is no gainsaying the in-your-face impact of the all-new Ranger Raptor. Under the bonnet you will find a V6 petrol engine power plant that bashes out almost 300hp and is guaranteed to leave all rivals in the shade. Many Ranger fans may decide they prefer the 240hp diesel however, which still packs ample punch. So for that matter does the 205hp diesel.

Isuzu D-Max

Price range (ex VAT) £23,004–£48,604

Gross payload 1045–1205kg

Braked towing weight 2,500–3,500kg

Engines 164hp 1.9 diesel

Verdict: While the recently-facelifted D-Max is a solidly-constructed working tool packed full of safety features, with only 164 horses to its name there is no denying that it is light on power. Isuzu either needs to wring more punch out of its existing diesel or offer a beefier alternative to keep pace with rivals such as Ford and Toyota. We suspect however that its engineers will now be kept busy developing an electric model which looks set to break cover in 2025.

Toyota Hilux

Price range (ex VAT) £27,378–£57,627

Gross payload 1,000–1,030kg

Braked towing weight 3500kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel

Verdict: Hilux is such a soaraway global success that it’s often said that you will find at least one in every single country on the planet. Renowned for its robust construction, in its latest guise Toyota’s enduring load lugger is up for grabs with a 200hp-plus diesel which delivers a much-appreciated power boost. Its introduction coincides with the arrival of a restyled exterior, an upgraded interior and an assortment of useful mechanical changes.

The Final Verdict

Design 8/10 – A handsome-looking, well-equipped truck that ticks most of the boxes

Cabin 8/10 – A comfortable and spacious working environment, aside from the middle rear seat

Ride 7/10 – Nervous when the vehicle is unladen but calmer the more weight you put in the back

Refinement 7/10 – Well refined with noise levels under control, but some tyre and suspension noise

Load area 8/10 – Does exactly what it says on the tin, and we like the optional cover and sports bar

Handling/performance 9/10 – The former is great for such a big truck, and few will be disappointed by the latter

Engine/transmission 8/10 – A well-matched combination with the auto box delivering power both on and off road

Standard equipment 9/10 – No shortage of goodies, heated seats and a heated steering wheel in the deal

Operating costs 7/10 – Short service intervals and arguable aspects of the mostly-sensible warranty

What Van? subjective rating 8/10 – A truck we cannot help but like and one that has a highly-competitive price.

Overall Rating = 79/100

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