Tickled up for 2022 is the striking new SsangYong Musso dual cab ute with its new streamlined design. It’s a modern take on what a beaut ute should look like. The Musso is a very versatile dual-cab ute that has plenty of space, practicality and refinement. Like it? Yes I do.
If you want a smart looking dual cab ute, then look no further. The 2022 SsangYong Musso is one of the best value utes in its class. It must be cutting corners, then? I’m hearing you asking this question, but no, no corners cut in this machine. It offers loads of premium features while undercutting its rivals big time. Top spec models of the newest Musso are loaded to the hilt. Top of the range Musso utes get a $3000 luxury pack and a $1500 XLV wheelbase extension so you can ride in amazing comfort and enjoy even more space inside and out. You also get to enjoy the big 18-inch alloys. Three models of the Musso are offered.
All 2022 models get the lego-like block grille that seems to slot in at the front. It’s all made of glossy chrome and gives the new Musso a powerful stance. Either side of the grille are inset panels that host a set of driving lights. These indentations remind me of the Triton ute’s nose, and they definitely add to the nicely proportioned Musso face. The headlights top the corners of the grille, and they are neatly designed and more streamlined than the outgoing model. The side view is strong and tough, particularly with the 18-inch alloys, and the rear lights and tailgate design is a balanced, neat affair.
Hop inside, and the SsangYong Musso is totally impressive, particularly the top-end models. You will be comfortable; the seats are superb, and the cabin is wide and spacious. It is possibly the most comfortable ute out there. Back seat passengers will enjoy plenty of leg, head and shoulder space; back here, the room is really good for its class. The back seats are heated in top versions of the Musso, and you’ll even find under seat storage.
Then it’s packed with all the goodies that include premium features and superb tech. The heated steering wheel has tilt and reach adjustment, so combined with the powered front seats, your driving position is easy to locate. Flagship models get Nappa leather upholstery, there is lumbar support, and you get the ability to cool or heat the front seats – brilliant! Dual-zone automatic climate control makes for a nice drive for all occupants.
Quality materials are used throughout the cabin and the styling is attractive. There is plenty of storage compartments, even for bottles and cups. A powered sunroof and all the techie inputs for smartphones and other electronic devices are present. There is even an old fashioned cigarette lighter! You’ll find that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 8-inch touchscreen. Select reverse, and you get a nice view of what not to run into, and the 360 degree visual of the ute’s surrounds can be brought up on the screen as well. Front and rear parking sensors are also part of the package. In between the speedo and rev counter sits a 7-inch driver’s displaye which looks sharp and offers nice bits of info with good graphics.
Under the hood is the venerable turbo-diesel engine that puts out 132 kW and 400 Nm which is a blend that sings sweetly on and off the road. No, it’s not the most powerful motor in a dual cab ute, but this one is a sweety, remaining refined throughout the rev band. You can tow 3.5 tonnes with the Musso, so work and play potential won’t make Sam a dull boy.
2H, 4H and 4L are the options and can be dialled in by the round swivel knob down by the gear lever. This is such a simple and easy-to-use system, however it does without a locking rear differential that many of its rivals have. Still, it takes some balls to get this machine stuck or into trouble off the road. You get a superbly smooth six-speed transmission that sends power out to the rear wheels for the most part. Select 4WD low, and the set-up is predictable and useful when conditions get slipery. A seven year/unlimited km warranty will raise the eyebrows, showing that SsangYong are backing their product. After sales support is second to none.
At 1600 mm, the SsangYong Musso dual cab range has the longest tray in its class. An 880 kg payload ensures you can take a fare bit of stuff on the back. This weight restriction is lower than on other models of its class but that’s also due to it having coil springs instead of leaf springs at the rear, which also means it rides pretty neatly. Combined with under seat storage, a lockable lid option and plenty of compartments in the cabin, the Musso is a handy dandy ute.
Safety is paramount when out and about on the roads. The SsangYong Musso ticks a lot of the right safety feature boxes but no ANCAP test has been done on it yet. Automatic emergency braking, stability control, rollover stability, hill descent control, hill hold assist, high beam auto dipping, blind spot warning, rear traffic alert, a reversing camera and attention assist are some of the features that are standard.
Out on the road the new SsangYong Musso has nice and light steering that is direct and stable at all speeds. There is loads of grip for cornering duties, and the brakes bite nice and furtively to bring you to a quick stop when required. Acceleration is good at all road speeds, with plenty of punch to push you passed slower traffic. The turbo-diesel is a gem in this respect, and it remains refined and quiet by nature. If you are set to be doing big mileages, then a new Musso is a lovely, relaxed and comfortable machine for the job. It’s a good long distance cruiser. Even on gravel it remains composed and in control. At 9.0 litres/100 km, you’ll be putting plenty of kilometres on the odo before needing a refill.
A lot of people find it hard to make the jump from an established brand like a Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara to a Korean made alternative. Thing is, most people I know who have switched to a Korean made vehicle are stoked! It might just be your time to slip inside a brand new SsangYong Musso and enjoy the experience.
The 2022 SsangYong Musso models include the:
For any more information on a new SsangYong Musso or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of SsangYong dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!