SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV 4WD Ute 2022 Review

Musso Ultimate XLV – SsangYong Musso isn’t a name that first comes to mind when buying a 4WD Ute and that may be a mistake for buyers.

The Musso comes in two models, two wheelbase lengths and a couple of option packs.

I drove the Ultimate XLV and the first thing I noticed was the interior space. It’s just a little bit bigger and wider than normal Utes and its welcome especially in rear leg room

The second thing is that the rear coil suspension provides what could be the best on road ride of any Ute available.

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Little luxuries like heated leather seats, dual zone A/C, multi configurable driver instrument binnacle, 12 inch central screen and LED Headlights all add to the value equation.

It’s ideal for beach and forest trail driving, but slightly lower approach and departure angles means care is needed for more rutted trails. A selectable part time 4WD system and rear diff lock do assist though.

Power is provided by a 2.2L 4 Cyl turbo diesel EURO 6 engine. At 133kW and 420Nm it’s adequate and cruises easily on the freeway as well as towing up to 3500kg.

SsangYong Musso provides Korean build quality at Chinese Ute prices and its outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Some other SsangYong Ute reviews

• 2021 SsangYong Musso updates its style and features for MY21
• 2019 SsangYong Musso Ultimate Review
• 2019 SsangYong Musso XLV Review
• SsangYong Musso Long Tray Radio Review
• 2018 SsangYong Musso Dual Cab Ute Range Launch Review
• 2018 SsangYong Musso 4WD Dual Cab Ute Radio Segment
• 2012 Ssangyong Introduces its New Actyon Dual Cab Ute Range
• SsangYong Actyon Sports Ute (or) Finding Religion Review
• 2011 SsangYong Actyon 4X4 Ute Review

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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More Musso Ultimate XLV details

What does the Musso Ultimate look like?

It’s actually an unusual looking Ute. A big bold grill signals intent. A smooth bonnet and neat light housings along with lower foglights make for a stylish front end.

Profile is a little slab sided and the longer wheelbase is noticeable. However high waist lines curved front and rear character lines do an excellent job of softening the bulk.

Rear view is big and solid tailgate framed by taillights.

The tub is big, the biggest of any normal size Ute. And it shows in its ability to cater for bulky items.

Markedly different from its competitors, the Musso allow users to choose between two load bed lengths and capacities, depending on their use and needs. The Musso offers a load area of 1,011litres and Musso XLV with its extra 300mm of bed length, provides a load volume of 1,262litres, almost 25% more than shorter wheelbase Musso.

Wheels and tyres are 18×7.5 Alloys with 255/60 R18 road biased tyres. The alloys look quite good, especially against the white body.

What about inside the Musso Ultimate?

Here is the surprise package. Its spacious, particularly comfortable and well laid out.

The front seats are especially comfortable. Wider in the seat squab for larger drivers.

I would opt for the Luxury pack with electronic control and additional lumbar support. They are ventilated and provide support for longer trips. For taller drivers the positioning of the central arm rest and door sill is almost perfect.

The leather steering wheel is thicker at the bottom and fits comfortably in the hands.

Height and reach adjustable it frames the driver instrument binnacle for clear vision.

One very noticeable feature is the little storage spaces along with twin bottle holders in the doors.

The central area, storage bin, transmission tunnel and central stack is well laid out. There is a little tray in front of the transmission lever with a spot to lean a phone. It’s unusual but handy. Above that is USB inputs for charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

As the Musso is a little wider than most the additional space is noticeable as is the additional leg room for rear passengers even behind myself as the driver.

In fact I would guess that the Musso has best in class rear leg room.

Overall visibility is pretty good, but the “A: pillars can be a little in the way.

What are the Musso Ultimate Features?

• Cruise control
• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• Leather steering wheel
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Nappa leather seats
• 3-inch digital LCD instrument cluster
• 8-inch touchscreen smart audio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front and rear seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Sunroof
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Smart key with auto locking

Driving features

• Part-time 4×4 with low & high range
• Auto-locking rear differential
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• HID headlights

Musso Ultimate option packs

XLV Pack Price $1500

The Musso is available in an XLV Pack which ads a 300mm longer tub giving you an additional 251L rear tub capacity, along with a 110mm longer wheel base.

Increase your tub capacity and payload. The XLV Pack also increases Max Torque to 420Nm at 1600-2600rpm with automatic transmission only.

Luxury Pack Price $3000

• Ride in comfort with luxury upgrades:
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Sunroof
  • Nappa leather seats
  • Powered front seats and drivers lumbar support
  • Heated rear seats

Musso Engine and drivetrain

Musso is powered by a 2.2L EURO 6 4 cylinder turbo diesel. It produces power of 133kW @ 4,000rpm and torque of 420Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600rpm (400Nm for the MT). This drives a part time selectable 4WD system through a proven AISIN six speed sports automatic transmission.

Around town and on the freeway it’s more than adequate and cruises smoothly. The low rpm delivery of maximum torque aids in towing and especially helpful for sand driving.

I mentioned that the Musso has perhaps the best on road ride of standard Utes. This comes mainly from the rear multi-link coil suspension. It does feel the weight for towing, but SsangYong has a number of aftermarket accessory suspension kits available from dealers that accommodate this.

What is the Musso like to drive?

Well, smooth on road obviously. On dirt roads it soaks up bumps more than most Utes. On the sand it’s a breeze.

The steering is responsive to direct inputs as is the accelerator. The steering is lighter than many other Utes but as this Ute would be mainly used on road that is a good thing.

In heavy off road situations the shallower approach and departure angles mean that some degree of extra care is needed.

To say it drives more like an SUV comes from the fact that SsangYong designed the Rexton first then the Musso Ute after, rather the other way around like almost every other manufacturer.

Cruise control will hold the speed up hill and slightly run over downhill.

Musso’s strength and toughness starts with its high-grade steel construction that includes an ultra-high-strength Quad-frame. The rigid body-on-frame design with eight large mounting points contributes to Musso’s low levels of road noise, and quality driving refinement, somewhat unique in the segment.

Musso Ultimate Safety features.

The Musso doesn’t have an ANCAP rating but is chock full of safety features such as:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• 6 airbags
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Active Rollover Protection (ARP)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Front Vehicle Start Warning (FVSW)
• AEB with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCTW)
• Lane Change-collision Warning (LCW)
• 360° camera

SsangYong Owner benefits

SsangYong offers owners peace of mind with a full 7-year, unlimited km, bumper to bumper warranty, along with a 7 year road side assistance program.

Whatever your commute, trade or vocation, SsangYong Australia will back you.

There is also a 7-year Service Pricing Menu to provide owners with a straight forward, transparent price list so that you know what the minimum cost is for your next service.

SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV final thoughts

The Musso is a hidden gem.

It has Korean build quality for Chinese pricing.

It’s possibly the best riding on road Ute available as it has the best in class load area and rear seat leg room.

Even amongst Utes there are horses for courses.

The overwhelmingly majority of 4WD Utes are used for recreational 4WDactivities such as towing, family transport and, towing recreational vehicles.

The Musso is ideal for these activities.

Given the owner benefit package and the level of comfort, buyers would have to be nuts to not take one for a test drive.