KGM REXTON DIESEL ESTATE 2.2 K50 5dr Auto

KGM's seven-seat Rexton proves that a big, rugged 4x4 needn't be prohibitively expensive. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Want a large SUV that can walk the walk as well as talking the talk? What about one you probably aren't familiar with, the KGM Rexton, which once wore a SsangYong badge? If you are secure enough in yourself not to care too much about badge equity and want a large, capable, well equipped seven-seat 4x4 for sensible money, it makes a lot of sense.

Background

Increasingly, large luxury SUVs are all about image, all about badge-equity, all about fashion. Or at least most of them are. Here's one that's more practically grounded - the KGM Rexton. You might have better known it as the SsangYong Rexton, but this Korean maker has changed its name in recent times. Of all this South Korean brand's products, the Rexton is probably the one provoking most familiarity amongst UK buyers. That's because, with SsangYong badging, it's been around so long - since 2001 in fact, sold in first generation form until 2006 when a second generation version offered much the same kind of solid, practical proposition - and much the same aging 2.7-litre Mercedes diesel engine. A big step forward though, was made in 2013 with the launch of the MK3 model 'Rexton W', which got a properly modern 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel engine later uprated to 2.2-litre capacity. This fourth generation design announced in 2018 borrowed that engine, but not a lot else, showcasing the recent steps forward that this Korean maker had made in technology and quality. That MK4 design was updated in 2021, then the KGM badging arrived in early 2024, creating the car we look at here.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet, this Rexton gets a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by KGM, which delivers maximum power of 202PS and maximum torque of 441Nm. This powerplant delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start - the rest to 62mph sprint takes 10.7 seconds. More important is the way that this proven e-XDi 220 unit has been tuned primarily for the strong low-end torque typical of the Korean maker's powerplants. Transmission is a Hyundai-sourced 8-speed automatic. Like most SsangYong SUVs, this one will be ideal for those wishing to tow. Thanks to a braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, it can deal with heavier items like a double horsebox, a large caravan or a commercial trailer. Like other SUVs in this class, the Rexton features a part time 4x4 system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels. Unlike German premium brand SUVs, you get a low ratio gearbox for when off-road conditions become more demanding. Off road electronic safety aids like hill start assist and hill decent control are standard and the Rexton is best-in-class for approach and departure angles - 20.5 degrees and 22.2 degrees respectively. On-tarmac, refinement isn't up to the standards set by less capable rivals, but it's aided by a stiff body, decent aerodynamics and plenty of engine isolation.

Design and Build

This Rexton has quite a commanding presence, thanks to an imposing front grille, surrounded by LED headlamps, which gives it a more powerful, sturdy stance. The rear end features LED tail light clusters. Under the skin you get the solid body-on-frame construction that rival brands have long abandoned. The brand has standardised 18-inch alloy wheels. The Korean maker says this SUV is one of the strongest and safest cars in its class thanks to the high-strength steel construction of its body, which makes this car stiffer than many monocoque-built competitors in this category. Inside, the cabin feels reasonably comparable to European rivals, particularly with the top 'K50' model, which offers quilted Nappa leather seat upholstery. There's a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 9-inch HD centre-dash screen. These days, you only get a 7-seat cabin configuration, the second row of seats splitting 60:40 with a folding centre armrest, and giving easy access to the third row of seats, chairs that also fold individually 50:50. This seating combination gives great passenger and load flexibility, equipping the car with one of the largest load spaces in its segment: four golf bags can fit in the boot. There's 240-litres of luggage spare with all the seats upright, or 872-litres with the second row backrest upright; if you fold the second and third rows, that rises to 1,806-litres.

Market and Model

Prices are quite a lot higher than they were at this generation model's original launch but still represent decent value in the segment and now include auto transmission and seven seats with both variants. The Rexton line-up now sees an entry-level seven-seat 'K30' variant at around £40,500, but most will want to find another £2,000 for the plusher 'K40' model. At just over £46,000, the top 'K50' derivative is the range flagship. As expected equipment levels are generous. Even the base 'K30' derivative comes complete with 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a 12.3-inch full digital console, dual zone climate control and a 9-inch HD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. Plus there's power assisted steering, a heated leather steering wheel, power adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, faux-leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Safety kit includes 9 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Smart High Beam and Trailer Sway Control. Step up to the Rexton 'K40' and you also get nappa leather upholstery, powered heated and ventilated front seats, LED cabin mood lighting. The top 'K50' variant includes suede seat inserts, black side steps, a powered sunroof and larger 20-inch wheels.

Cost of Ownership

KGM has done a reasonable job in bringing the running cost returns of this Rexton up to date courtesy of its own 2.2-litre Euro 6 e-XDi diesel engine. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 32.9mpg and the CO2 figure is 225g/km, both readings slightly down on those of the pre-facelifted model. The magazines will tell you that these returns aren't up to the levels of cars like Kia's Sorento or Hyundai's Santa Fe. Well of course they're not. Those two models aren't as tough and capable, nor do they have a proper - but inevitably heavy - low range 4x4 transmission. So we need to be comparing apples with apples and pitching this car against proper tough SUVs that as well as seating seven, can easily tow heavy loads and, if necessary, take you through the Serengeti rather than simply through the odd muddy carpark. Once you do that, this Rexton actually stacks up pretty well, with running cost figures pretty similar to those of a properly rugged rival like Toyota's Land Cruiser. Residual values should be good too. Used Rextons are in high demand across KGM's dealer network. Perhaps the best bit though, is the peace of mind that comes as standard with this car thanks to KGM's impressively complete five year 100,000 mile warranty. Insurance groups are between 37 and 39.

Summary

Let's get down to the facts here. There is no other properly capable large SUV in the same price bracket as this KGM Rexton, which has a little more of a premium feel in this latest guise. If you want something really comparable with seven seats that can tow as much or go as far off the beaten track, then you'll need to pay around 30% more for a Land Rover Discovery or Toyota LandCruiser. This basic point appears to have been ignored by most reviewers who seem to insist on comparing this KGM to rivals not capable of even thinking about tackling the tough tasks this Rexton will take in its stride. Yes of course the properly tough underpinnings necessary to achieve this mean that this car won't tackle the tarmac twisties like a BMW X5 - but then no SUV that's this big and practical can do that. Approach a drive in a Rexton remembering this, with expectations based around the things this car has been designed to do, and you're likely to be very satisfied with what it delivers.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows

Tinted windows

Rain sensing wipers

Privacy glass (rear door, quarter and tailgate)

Aero blade wiper

Intermittent rear wiper

Brakes

Traction control

Hill descent control

Electronic Stability Programme

4 channel Anti-lock Brake System

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Autonomous emergency braking

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Lane departure warning system

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Rear cross traffic alert

Driver attention warning

Blind Spot Detection (BAS)

Electronic cruise control

3D around view camera monitoring system

Lane change warning

Speed limit warning

Hydraulic and speed sensitive power steering

Driver Convenience

Keyless ignition with push button start

Smart power tailgate

Driver Information

Apple CarPlay and Google Android auto

Emergency call service

12.3" full digital instrument cluster

Rear cabin talk and sleep mode

12.3" HD screen with Tom tom Navigation

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Electrochromatic rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Programable auto dipping door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Suede accents to front door trims and dash

Entertainment

6 speaker sound system

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

USB and auxiliary socket

Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming

DAB radio

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Body colour bumpers

Power sunroof

Shark fin antenna

Rear spoiler with high mounted LED stop light

Visual VIN plate

Black side steps

Body colour door handles with hidden key buttons

Black and silver roof rails

Chrome trimmed statement grille

Touch sensing front door handles

Rear bumper with dual pipe detail

Rear side wing doors

High gloss skid plate under front and rear bumpers

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED rear lights

LED rear number plate lights

LED front fog lights

LED Indicators

Auto dipping headlights

Smart high beam

LED combination rear fog lights with reversing lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear air vents

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Cabin air quality control system

Automatic internal air recirculation mode

Automatic de-misting system

Third row air conditioning

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Illuminated glovebox with lock

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Front centre console and armrest

Leather covered steering wheel with bright accents

Illuminated sun visor with sliding extension

Overhead console with touch controlled LED cabin lamps

Illuminated front door sill finisher

Grab handle in B pillar

Variable rear boot shelf

Stainless steel front and rear door trim

Rear passenger manual door sunblinds

Premium nappa leather seats with suede inserts

Interior Lights

Front door courtesy lamps

LED cabin mood lighting

Tyre parking direction indicator

Safety

Rear side airbags

Height adjustable seatbelts

Front seatbelt pretensioner

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Drivers knee airbag

Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger

Dual front airbags with passenger off switch

3x3 point rear seat belts

Curtain airbags for front and rear passengers

Front vehicle start alert

Side airbags for front passengers

Safety distance warning

Childproof safety locks

High strength steel construction

Ultra rigid quad frame for greater strength

Door impact beams for added protection from side collisions

2nd row seatbelt with pre-tensioners and 3 point centre seatbelt

Active roll over prevention protection

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

Rear headrests

Height adjustable front head restraints

50/50 split/folding 3rd row of seats

Front seat ventilation

Driver seat memory function

2 seat bench in 3rd row

3 seat bench in 2nd row

8 way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

ISOFIX child seat anchorage

6 way power adjustable front passenger seat

60/40 split/double folding 2nd-row seats with folding centre armrest

Single front passenger seat

Driver easy access mode for passenger seat

Security

Steering column lock

Anti theft alarm and immobiliser

Smart key system with window control and auto closing function

Towing

Trailer sway control

Wheels - Alloy

20" 10 Spoke bright finish alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 227

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

CO: 0.082

HC: 0.055

NOx: 0.018

HC+NOx: 0.071

Particles: 0.0003

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 310

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 226

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 192

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 227

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: 672 960

Catalytic Convertor: No

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

CC: 2157

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 86.2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 32.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 8.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 38.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 23.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 32.6

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 33U

Coin Series: K50

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 202

Badge Engine CC: 2.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Power - BHP: 202

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.7

Top Speed: 114

Engine Power - KW: 148

Engine Power - RPM: 3800

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 325

Engine Torque - NM: 441

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 45

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R20

Tyre Size Front: 255/50 R20

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4850

Height (including roof rails): 1825

Width (including mirrors): 1960

Wheelbase: 2865

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1806

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 240

Max. Loading Weight: 770

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2950

Minimum Kerbweight: 2180

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Space Black

Metallic - Ice White

Metallic - Marble Grey

Trim - Leather

Premium nappa leather - Ash black with suede inserts