New KGM formerly SsangYong Musso Review and Off Roading 2024 | A Serious Pickup Contender?

As many of you know, the Musso is probably my favourite pickup available today, as it’s versatile (towing AND payload weight at the same time) and teched up to the nine’s (heated AND ventilated seats…ooo!)

So it’s of no surprise to many of you that not only did we review the latest one, we took it off roading too. 😊

The rebranding of SsangYong to KGM has brought a fresh perspective to the Musso, a vehicle that has always been known for its practicality and durability. The new KGM Musso has a bold design that combines modern aesthetics with rugged functionality, making it a standout in the pickup truck market.

The KGM Musso boasts a commanding presence with its muscular stance and robust design elements. The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille and sleek LED headlights, giving it an assertive look. The sculpted hood and prominent wheel arches add to its rugged appeal, while the side profile showcases clean lines and a practical double-cab layout. The rear features a sturdy tailgate and LED taillights, completing the truck’s tough and stylish look.

KGM has paid close attention to the details in the new Musso. The quality of the exterior finishes is excellent, with a mix of matte and glossy surfaces that add to its premium feel. The choice of alloy wheels and optional accessories such as roof rails and side steps enhance its functionality and aesthetics.

Inside the KGM Musso, the emphasis is on comfort and practicality. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with a focus on providing a pleasant driving experience whether you’re on the road or tackling tough terrains, and offers a blend of durable materials and modern technology. The seats are upholstered in high-quality fabric or leather, depending on the trim level, and provide excellent support. The dashboard is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. The system is intuitive and easy to use, making it a breeze to navigate and control various functions.

The Musso’s cabin is designed with practicality in mind. There are plenty of storage compartments, including a spacious glove box, center console, and door pockets. The rear seats offer ample legroom and can be folded to create additional cargo space when needed. The double-cab layout ensures that there’s enough room for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile option for both work and leisure.

To truly understand the capabilities of the KGM Musso, we took it to Oxen Park for an off-road adventure. Oxen Park is known for its challenging terrains, making it the perfect place to test the Musso’s off-road prowess. Equipped with a robust 4WD system that includes both high and low-range gears, it allows you to tackle a variety of off-road conditions. The electronically controlled suspension adapts to the terrain, providing a smooth and controlled ride even on rough trails. The Musso’s ground clearance and approach and departure angles are impressive, allowing it to navigate obstacles with ease.

Under the bonnet, the Musso is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for both on-road and off-road driving. The torque delivery is smooth and consistent, ensuring that the Musso can handle steep inclines and challenging trails without breaking a sweat. The 6-speed automatic transmission is responsive and helps in maintaining control in various driving conditions.

Our off-road adventure at Oxen Park showcased the Musso’s impressive capabilities. The rocky trails and muddy paths posed no challenge for this robust pickup. The 4WD system provided excellent traction, while the suspension absorbed the bumps and dips, ensuring a comfortable ride. The Musso’s steering was precise, making it easy to navigate through tight spots and over rough terrain.

Despite the rugged conditions, the interior of the Musso remained comfortable and quiet. The advanced sound insulation and quality materials kept the cabin free from excessive noise and vibrations. The supportive seats and spacious cabin ensured that both driver and passengers remained comfortable throughout the journey.

While the KGM Musso excels off-road, it is equally impressive on paved roads. The transition from rough trails to smooth highways was seamless, showcasing the Musso’s versatility.

On the motorway, the Musso’s diesel engine provided ample power for overtaking and maintaining high speeds. The ride quality was smooth, thanks to the well-tuned suspension. The cabin remained quiet, making long-distance drives comfortable and enjoyable. The infotainment system and premium audio system kept us entertained, while the advanced safety features provided peace of mind.

In urban environments, the Musso’s compact dimensions and excellent visibility made it easy to manoeuvre through traffic and park in tight spaces. The steering was light and responsive, and the various driver-assistance features, such as parking sensors and a rearview camera, made city driving stress-free.

Safety is a top priority for KGM, and the Musso is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These features provide an extra layer of protection and enhance the overall driving experience, and the Musso includes a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to provide a safer driving environment and help prevent accidents.

The high-strength steel frame and strategically placed crumple zones absorb impact forces, while multiple airbags provide additional protection for all passengers. The vehicle also includes advanced safety technologies such as a surround-view monitor and a heads-up display, enhancing visibility and situational awareness.

In the competitive landscape of pickup trucks, the KGM Musso stands out with its blend of rugged design, advanced technology, and impressive performance. When compared to rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara, the Musso offers a unique proposition with its distinct styling and comprehensive feature set.

Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊