Ssangyong Rexton Sports (2021 minor change)

Ssangyong's Rexton Sports is a midsize sport-utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport-utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001 and with the advent of its 2021 minor change, the only pickup truck made in Korea gets even more bravado than when it was first unveiled three years ago.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports Khan

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

The Rexton Sports, like the pre-facelifted version, is offered in two body styles to choose from such as the normal one, which is priced at 24,590,000 Korean Won, and the longer Khan variant, which is priced at 28,760,000 Korean Won.

For the facelifted versions, both the Rexton Sports and the Rexton Sports Khan now gained a monstrously huge front grille, which is as big as Big Bertha's mouth. It's scary and it will make your feet crawl. The rear view, meanwhile, draws some inspiration from today's Ford F-150 and that's not a bad thing for this facelift, of course.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

What about the interior? Unlike the SUV it was based on, the Rexton Sports' interior remains almost unchanged. Yes, you still have the same 7-inch instrumental cluster, heated and ventilated seats, and 9.2-inch AVN, among many others, and it still fits up to five people. It still comes with smartphone connectivity that works with both iPhones and Android phones alike of course. However, the facelift features two new interior colors such as black and brown.

The Rexton Sports still uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its SUV equivalent but it's capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque, which is pretty much less than its SUV equivalent. For the normal Rexton Sports, it can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT built by AISIN. The KHAN, meanwhile, is offered only in a 6-speed AT. In terms of fuel economy, the Rexton Sports is good for a combined 11.3kmpl while the KHAN is good for 10.3kmpl.

Both of these variants are good on and off the road because of their part-time 4WD system and five-link dynamic suspension but the KHAN is the better one because of its available power lift suspension that allows this truck to carry as much as 700kg of bed space. That's more than what the Toyota Hilux is capable of.

As always, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

Think you are up for these updated Korean-made pickup trucks despite their monstrous Big Bertha-esque grilles that will make your skin crawl? Looking forward to seeing you try.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton (2021 minor change)

Launched in 2017, the reborn Ssangyong Rexton promised to be the most technologically advanced and the most capable Rexton to date and despite its hopes, it's somewhat failed to attract some attention from SUV buyers who are tempted to go for the established ones like the Kia Sorento or the Hyundai Santa Fe. In response, a 2021 minor change was implemented and looks like the Rexton's getting a whole new lease on life.

With pricing starting at almost 38 million won plus additional costs, the latest minor change gives life to the reborn crossover in times of dire situation Ssangyong's facing right now.

Starting with the design, the latest minor change saw the Rexton gain a monstrous front grille because, in today's automotive trends, big grilles are king, and at the back, apart from the revised rear lamps, you will notice some faux exhaust tips below the bumper because car designers like to fool around in today's trends. Although it's a bit of nonsense to some, the revised exterior design really made a bold statement that it may be down but it's not out of the running. Of course, there's a lot of stuff to do with the reborn Rexton.

The interior's slightly revised with the new steering wheel design, new 12.3-inch digital cluster, INFOCONN connected service, and they've repositioned the shift lever near to the driver. Those slight improvements really made an impact on the updated model and despite changes, it is still offered in five-seater and seven-seater configurations, making the new Rexton the ideal vehicle for all walks of life, be it for work or for weekend trips.

Like the previous model, the Rexton still comes with a 4TRONIC four-wheel-drive system that has been proven from Ssangyong's years of 4WD experience as Korea's SUV specialist. It features part-time 4WD with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels while the drive to the front wheels can be selected electronically with either a high or a low ratio, depending on road conditions.

The 2021MY Rexton is still powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine producing 202PS of power and 45kg-m of torque but the previous model's Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a new 8-speed FR-type AT built by Hyundai. The new gearbox is smoother and more advanced compared to the previous model and fuel economy is a combined 11.6km/L for rear-wheel-drive variants and 11.1km/L for 4WD variants.

Apart from the high-strength body-on-frame construction it possesses, the 2021MY Rexton features a wide array of safety features that will make the trip home even safer than ever.

With the latest improvements, will the updated Rexton be enough to woo the crowd by buying the underdog that does all things that the established competition can't do?

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Ssangyong Motor Company rings out the new year with a brand new model and this one is, you guessed it, a midsize sport utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001. Meet the Rexton Sports, the pickup derivative of last year's G4 Rexton.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Let's have a quick history lesson first before getting to know more about Ssangyong's latest SUT. Back in 2001, Ssangyong brought us South Korea's first pickup, the Musso Sports (later called Musso SUT) and while the pickup body is new, it's actually a decade-old Musso underneath and it feels as refined as a PUJ that was still smoking the roads for a lifetime. In 2006 and 2012, there were the Actyon Sports and the Korando Sports and while they're known to be the modern-day equivalent of the banger truck it replaces, the bed seems a bit shorter than its predecessor and annoyingly not the best truck to live with.

Now, come 2018, Ssangyong finally called it quits on the Korando Sports and in return, uses the new and improved G4 Rexton, which was launched on Korean roads last year, for the basis of their best pickup yet, and here it is, it's their best-ever take on South Korea's first pickup truck or ute or bakkie, whatever you may call it.

Like I said, it was actually based on the G4 Rexton except that now, Ssangyong converted it into a pickup truck and the result is the one that used to be a crossover now comes with a rear bed possessing a biggest space than any of the Ssangyong sport trucks of yesteryears, capable of 1,011-litres of boot space, which is great for all work and all play, making it a not-so-dull pickup truck you can use every day. However, there's a big catch; it's not really a one-tonner because it can carry up to 400kg of payload, a hundred less than the Toyota Hilux's 500kg payload limit. Bad mark for Ssangyong there.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Under the hood, the Rexton Sports uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its G4 derivative, capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque. But unlike the G4, it comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an AISIN 6-speed AT. In 2WD models, a 6MT variant can return combined fuel consumption of around 11km/L and that puts it awfully close to the Toyota Hilux.

If you go for the 4WD variant, the Rexton Sports comes with a 4TRONIC part-time 4WD system with three driving modes that can be picked at the flick of a switch. Those going for a muddy Sunday drive can go for the low-range 4WD because this is where it can unleash its offroad potential, which is great when you're taking shortcuts. Thanks to its high-tensile steel plates on the bodywork and ultra-high-tension quad frame, it's as tough as a kid who keeps on playing soccer even when his knees are covered in boo-boos. Brave stuff.

If you're on normal mode, you can switch it to 2WD and have a cozy driving on your point of interest, which is kind of average for a pickup truck of this magnitude. Not good but not bad either so it's a so-so, even for a truck that comes with double wishbones at the front and multilink suspension at the back. While navigating through traffic, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

Unlike any other pickup truck, the Rexton Sports boast a very luxurious interior with very decent legroom at the back. It even has some fancy instrumental panel and an available sat-nav that comes with smartphone connectivity that works with iPhones (via CarPlay) and Android (via mirroring), giving you plenty of reasons to toy around with the interior but because the seats are leathery, if you take it for a leisurely drive around Pyeongchang in time for the games, your butt crack will fall victim to the icy menace when the leather seats are as freezing as snowballs. Better pull your pants up before seating on those, folks.

The Rexton Sports starts at 23,200,000 Korean Won and it comes with four trim levels and two drivetrains. So, thoughts on the new Rexton Sports? Well, it's basically an improvement compared to past Ssangyong pickups of yesteryears since the ancient Musso Sports, it's luxurious on the inside, surprisingly spacious, and surprisingly tough. Downside? The bed is not as tough as the Hilux's, less efficient than the Hilux, and the driving feel is average. With the advent of Rexton Sports, Ssangyong has positioned itself as the recreational vehicle specialist selling only vehicles bearing the Rexton, Korando, and Tivoli banners. The Chairman is now dead and in return, Ssangyong's lineup now only bears a truck, a minivan, and four crossovers. Looks like Ssangyong's going mainstream now and they only focus on recreational vehicles to win back profits.

Available colors: Grand White, Fine Silver, Marble Grey, Indian Red, Maroon Brown, Atlantic Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company 

Ssangyong G4 Rexton

After 15 years, the Ssangyong Rexton has been given a much-needed full-model change to keep this medium-sized crossover competitive in today's trends. Now called the G4 Rexton, the newest model promises to be the most technologically advanced and most capable Rexton to date. Let's check out the newest incarnation of South Korea's unsung crossover.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

As you might be saying, is this new model going to be another blatant minor change just like what happened to other iterations like the Chairman-faced Rexton II of 2006 and the start-over-again Rexton W of 2012? The answer is a hopeful NO because, unlike all the past Rextons in its 15-year decay, this is an entirely new model inside and out. This is no longer your dad's Rexton anymore and as you can see from its questionable hexagonal-shaped grille, new headlamps, Tivoli-styled sides, and the headlamps conspicuously similar to the Lexus RX, you know that this is an all-new Rexton and not another minor change or so they said.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton interior

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton interior

Not only the exterior of the G4 Rexton is all-new to us but also the interior as well and would you look at that, as a major overhaul compared to the stale look of the previous model's interior. Because it's longer and wider compared to the previous model, the new Rexton is now roomier compared to Hyundai's Santa Fe/Maxcruz and the Kia Sorento, so that's a big plus for the newly rejuvenated crossover that promises real change for the customers. This is the only crossover in the class that can carry rear-seat passengers and four golf bags in the boot and that sounds like a great thing for a crossover fit enough to take it on the weekends or even the holidays.

Because this is the most technologically advanced Rexton to date, it's been given smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Auto Closing, Easy Access, high-performing, dual-zone fully automated air-conditioning, a smart tailgate feature, and many more, all the more reasons to like about the new and improved Rexton.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

One thing to like about this brand new G4 Rexton is the performance it delivers, which is not bad for a family car fit for weekend road trips, and in this new model, it's been powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine and Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission at launch. It produces 181HP of power and 42.8kg-m of torque and that's pretty much about it for now. Oh and this car has a very clever 4MATIC system, which is just like it came from Mercedes-Benz too. At default, it behaves like a rear-wheel-drive saloon under normal conditions but it can engage all four wheels in ever-changing road conditions, and couple that with the double-wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, it can be a solid all-rounder for everyday use.

Back to the technologically advanced stuff, the new G4 Rexton promises to be the safest of its class. Apart from having nine airbags as well as having a more rigid body structure, it features driver aids such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Front Vehicle Start Alarm, and the first-ever 3D Around View Monitoring system for a Korean car, which monitors all sides around the car for the better observance.

Ssangyong's new G4 Rexton starts at 33,350,000 Korean Won, which makes it more competitively priced in its class, and with all of the major improvements implemented on this new model, it's good to have Ssangyong, run by Mahindra, going on the right track with the new Rexton after 15 years of having stuck with the same old thing. The aged Korean crossover has been reborn for a new era and this can get very promising for South Korea's SUV specialist.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton W

Ah the Ssangyong Rexton, quite a rubbish Korean-made SUV isn't it? Sure this car's been around for over a decade when it first came in South Korea since...um...2001 perhaps. As years came, so goes the changes, well facelifts to be exact. This car went for some facial surgery in 2004 and then it wasn't enough. Later on in 2006, it went to the surgeon again and this time it has a face of the Ssangyong Chairman. This is one of the worst SUVs no one ever heard of it unless if you're Sri Lankan, Russian, or from an emerging country. Such age means that the Rexton's going to be pass away pretty soon but when India's Mahindra took over Ssangyong, they decided to give the Rexton another lease of life and guess what? It worked, and here's the result...

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W

What Mahindra done to the Rexton is simple, revert its front face back to the year 2001 and whoa, this so-called all new Rexton W doesn't feel like a brand new car because of such looks that feels like it came out a decade ago. What's the point of this? Come on Mahindra, wake up! You took over Ssangyong and you did well with last year's Korando C, Chairman New Classic, and New Chariman W but why do you want to make the Rexton feel like old again? In their minds, the year is not 2012 and it is 2001, the year when the Ssangyong Rexton first launch. This isn't what I've expecting this, it feels like back to the age when Nokia phones are proven popular in the Philippines. 3210, 3310, these kinds of Nokias what I'm referring and because it's 2001, MMS hasn't been invented yet.

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W interior

On the interior though, it wasn't as bad as eating a durian because it has some of the features common on any Korean-made SUVs such as those premium dual tone interiors with metal grain accents, electronic adjustable driver seat, fully automatic climate control, sat-nav system, and some of the features that you commonly get on a Korean-made SUV but still, the interior design of the Rexton W isn't quite as good as a posh luxury SUV from Europe.

And then there's the way the Rexton W behaves...the e-XDi200 LET Korean diesel engine that produces about a measly 155PS of power and 36.7kg-m of torque, mated with a 5-speed automatic. Not bad though for Ssangyong standards but still it wasn't quite as good as the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento R.

As for the fuel economy, if you're on an economy drive and if you're on a 2WD variant, this will go up to 13.7km/L of fuel economy while 4WD variants get up to 13.1km/L of fuel economy, meaning the new Rexton W is more thirstier than it rivals even though this engine's Euro V compliant and not compatible on Euro II-compliant countries.

This Korean-made Rexton W though, even though Mahindra states that its an all new model, it doesn't feel like a new model. It feels a bit as rubbish as a Nokia 3310 cellphone and listening to some rubbish oldies music. What I'm thinking of that this car could be a decent candidate of being THE WORST CAR IN THE WORLD. We're going to think about it later though because it's a bit complicated to call this the worst car in the world but it takes time though. It takes time. The new Rexton W though is not the best car for me. If I were to put it in my Cool Wall, it would be SERIOUSLY UNCOOL because, well you get that idea.

Imagine that if you are the kind of person who owns this car, people think that you've came from a very poor country capable of smuggling luxury cars and then crushed by the government. If you are going to test drive one of these from your nearest Ssangyong dealer, be sure to bring a hidden camera so you can secretly record about the Rexton W's rubbishness and then upload it on YouTube. It's all in the matter of critic though because the W in the Rexton W naming means WRONG. Perhaps I should call it the REXTON WRONG. He he he....Nah just kidding, it's because of the fans...or enthusiasts...

PRICE LIST:

렉스턴 W 2WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 26,830,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 31,980,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 29,180,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 34,050,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD NOBLESSE A/T - 37,430,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 28,600,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 33,750,000 Won 

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 30,950,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 35,820,000  Won

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company