SsangYong Musso (2016 – 2018) Review

SsangYong Musso (2016 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Cheap to buy new, powered by a powerful and economical 2.2-litre diesel, will tow up to 3.5 tonnes.

-The ride quality isn't very good, interior feels more cheap than cheerful, load bed isn't as large as competition, lots of engine and road noise.

The SsangYong Musso is one of the cheapest double cab pick-ups you can buy. It's also cheap to run, with good fuel economy and a comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty. On the downside, it isn't as good to drive as the (more expensive) competition, nor as plush inside. But if you can look past the unfamiliar badge and low-thrills interior, the Musso is a likeable and low-cost workhorse. 

The Musso is based on the Korando Sports, but gets some important upgrades including a 178PS 2.2-litre diesel engine with the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox. The four-cylinder diesel provides lots of low-gear pull for towing and returns an official 40mpg. 

The choice of bodystyles is limited. The Musso is only available as a double cab, but all versions will carry a one-tonne payload, while also towing an additional 3.5 tonnes when hooked up to a braked trailer. Four-wheel drive, with selectable driving modes, is standard across the range, which means the Musso will easily tow a heavy caravan or horsebox on a muddy farm track or wet field.  

The Musso doesn't handle as well as other pick-ups on the road though. The steering lacks feel and the engine - which is strong on performance and economy - is extremely loud, with heavy clatter at start-up and lots of noise at motorway speeds.

The redesigned cabin is comfortable though, with lots of head and leg room for four large adults. The interior also feels hardwearing and practical, with tough plastics covering the dashboard and lots of pockets and cubby storage throughout the interior.

However, some of the switchgear looks and feels rather cheap - and someway short of the fit and finish you'd find in the L200 or Navara. The ride is also poor, with the body prone to leaning in the corners and bouncing heavily over roads that are less than perfect. 

Cheap to buy and run, the Musso is well-equipped as standard, which means you won't have to pay for any costly extras. Entry-level models get 18-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare. A heated windscreen, front fog lights and a load space liner are also included. 

Given its unknown badge and cheap price, it would be easy to dismiss the Musso given its many shortcomings. After all, it isn't particularly good to drive and the refinement levels are rather low. However, for those who care more about their budget than their status on the road, the Musso remains an appealing and affordable choice. 

Ask Honest John

Best 2.5 tonne tow vehicle?

"I need a vehicle to tow a 2.5-tonne mini-digger. Which vehicle do you recommend when it comes to reliability, economy and comfort?"
Most 4x4 pick-ups can tow more than 3 tonnes, but a lot of the newer pick ups are under-engines. To tow 2.5 tonnes any distance you need a V6 diesel or at least a 2.2 petrol engine. Any that weigh more than 2040kg are restricted to 50mph on A and B roads and 60mph on dual carriageways. Worth considering a Ssangyong Musso: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-q200-2018/ Nissan Navara probably best: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-np300-2015/
Answered by Honest John

Would you recommend the Ford Ranger over the SsangYong Musso?

"I'm looking at pickups and trying to decide between the SsangYong Musso and Ford Ranger. Both tow 3.5 tonnes, which I need. The Musso is obviously cheaper, but I want to know your opinion."
The Ford Ranger is a great pick-up, with proven off-road dynamics and a usefully large load bay. The cabin is also comfortable and car-like, which means it doubles up as a family car at the weekends: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/ranger-2011/ The SsangYong Musso has a smaller load bay than the Ford. It's also less refined on the road, with lots of juddering and body roll in the corners. However, it does have an ace up its sleeve, in the form of a huge five-year-unlimited-mileage warranty: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-2016/ As a workhorse, the Musso makes the most sense as it's backed by a warranty that Ford can't match. However, if you want a pick-up as a family car then the Ranger might suit your needs better. There is a new Musso on the way, but it's much more expensive than the outgoing model: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-q200-2018/
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best, used pick-up to buy?

"What's the best automatic, double cab pick-up truck to buy second-hand?"
The Nissan Navara is the best one-tonne pick-up in the UK. It is as comfortable as a family SUV to drive, yet hugely capable off-road with a brilliant 4x4 system. It'll also tow 3.5 tonnes and carry payloads up to a tonne in the back The seven-speed auto is smooth and promises 40+mpg, which is pretty good for a pick-up: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/navara-np300-2015/?section=driving The Ford Ranger matches the Nissan for carrying capacity and off-road driving. It's also available with a six-speed auto, but running costs will be much higher with the auto returning mpg in the mid-30s: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/ranger-2011/ At the budget end of the pick-up range is the SsangYong Musso. It can’t match the comfort or refinement of the Ford or Nissan, but it's a tough little workhorse and gets a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. This means you get considerably more peace of mind when buying used. In comparison the Ranger gets a three year warranty, while the Navara has five years that's limited to 100,000 miles: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-2016/
Answered by Dan Powell

I want to tow a horse box - what car offers the best 4WD?

"What's the best 4WD vehicle for towing a horse box?"
If price and reliability is key, a SsangYong might suit your needs as they’re all affordable and backed by a comprehensive five-year-unlimited mileage warranty. The Musso is one of the cheapest double cab pick-ups you can buy right now, with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and four-wheel drive as standard. The cabin is also large enough for four adults to ride in comfort: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-2016/ For best stability, the trailer should be less than 85 per cent of the weight of the towing vehicle. If you think the Musso will not qualify for that, the Rexton might be a better alternative. It’s large, comfortable and good off-road, with a 3.5 tonne towing capacity that should easily cope with horseboxes: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ssangyong/rexton-2017/ If budget isn’t an issue, the Audi Q7 is one to consider. It’s luxurious and refined, while its 3.5 tonne towing capacity will cut it with the best. The 3.0-litre TDI diesel comes in two versions - the more popular 272PS model which averages a very respectable official 47.9mpg. Alongside this is a more efficient 218PS version extracting 52.3 miles from every gallon. For our top 10 tow cars, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/topten/top-10-cars-for-towing
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

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