KGM Musso Review 2025

KGM may not have the same global brand awareness as its key rivals, but the KGM Musso is proof of the company formerly known as SsangYong’s dedication to building tough, practical vehicles tailored for demanding markets.

Based on a ladder frame chassis, the KGM Musso pick-up offers a generously sized load bed with a payload capacity of up to 1085kg and a load volume of 1.2 cubic metres. It’s quite a purposeful-looking truck, with a new front-end appearance compared with the previous SsangYong Musso.

Following changes to benefit-in-kind taxation in April 2025, which mean double-cab trucks are now taxed as cars,  the KGM Musso’s core customers will be tradespeople, small business owners and those working in agriculture or construction, rather than company car users looking for a tax break – and here’s where it excels, with a utilitarian appeal akin of that of the Isuzu D-Max, but at a lower price point.

Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre diesel engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox and selectable four-wheel-drive, with a low ratio option. This is controlled on-the-fly, by means of a rotary controller next to the gear lever. There are no plans, as yet, for hybrid or electric derivatives.

Equipment levels are high, with modern safety and convenience features including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and cruise control as standard.

In the UK, the KGM Musso is available in several trim levels. The entry-level EX provides manual air conditioning, steel wheels and a robust vinyl floor, making it ideal for heavy-duty work environments. Stepping up to the Rebel trim, you’ll find alloy wheels, heated front seats, a reversing camera and upgraded interior materials for added comfort and convenience.

The Saracen trim adds further luxury touches, including leather upholstery, ventilated seats, automatic climate control and advanced driver assistance features like lane departure warning and front parking sensors.

At the top of the range, the KGM Musso Rhino has extra off-road capability, with features such as a locking rear differential, all-terrain tyres and enhanced underbody protection.

Across the line-up, standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, stability control, and hill descent control, while all models benefit from a generous 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

With an elevated driving position, visibility is good, though some may find access to the cab a bit high – certainly, it’s a loftier truck to get into than a Ford Ranger, a Volkswagen Amarok or the Isuzu D-Max.

On the road, it feels reasonably well-assured, but unladen the rear end is very firm and it tends to skip around a bit if you give it too much throttle at junctions. The steering is well-weighted and it cruises confidently at motorway speeds, albeit with a fair amount of wind and road noise.

Off-road, the KGM Musso’s selectable four-wheel-drive system and low-range gearing come into their own, easily tackling muddy tracks, steep slopes and uneven ground. There's also a hill descent control function, instilling confidence when tackling tricky gradients without the need for constant brake modulation.

The 2.2-litre engine is strong and pulls well, even when fully loaded or towing, with the Musso capable of hauling up to 3.5 tonnes, matching the Isuzu D-Max and bettering a number of rivals – it’s a tough truck.

We tested the automatic model and found the ratios well-spaced and even though it did feel a little hesitant from a standstill – this soon rectified as soon as the turbo spooled up.

Step inside the KGM Musso and you’ll find a cabin that punches above its weight for comfort and equipment, especially given its keen pricing.

Standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though we found this quite laggy and difficult to use compared with rivals.

To use smartphone mirroring you have to use a wire for your device (or buy an adaptor) as it won’t work with Bluetooth. There are USB A and C outlets, though, as well as a 12v socket.

The cabin is well laid-out, with generous storage cubbies and a central armrest. We found the heated leather seats on the Saracen to be comfortable and supportive on a long journey, with plenty of adjustment. Separate heater and climate controls on a panel beneath the touchscreen are welcome.

The rear load area is accessed via a sturdy tailgate, with ten lashing points to secure cargo. The load bed is lined with a tough, textured coating to guard against scrapes and knocks, while additional power sockets in the rear make it easy to run tools or charge devices on site. An optional retractable load bay cover is available for extra security and is electrically operated.

Visibility is superb thanks to large door mirrors and the elevated seating position, while the squared-off bonnet aids in positioning the KGM Musso in tight spaces or when tackling off-road obstacles, with parking assist in addition.

We did find the driver assistance systems rather obtrusive though, especially the drover fatigue warning and over-sensitive lane-keeping assist.

All things considered, though, if you’re looking for an inexpensive, durable pick-up, then the keenly priced KGM Musso tales a serious amount of beating.