SsangYong Rexton Ultimate 4WD 2022 Review

Rexton Ultimate– SsangYong isn’t a name that springs readily to mind when shopping for 4WD wagons, but the Rexton is something that should be on the consideration list       Rexton comes in two models, ELX and Ultimate.

The difference is bling and features.

All are powered by a 2.2L Turbo 4 Cyl diesel engine that delivers a respectable 148kW and 442Nm. This drives through dual range 4WD on demand system and an 8 Sp sports AT.

It will also tow 3500kg and has excellent fuel economy thanks to its low torque delivery.

One thing that differentiates the Rexton from other 4WD wagons like the Fortuner, Everest and Pajero Sport, is the ride. It’s super smooth.

Think of the Rexton more as a seven seat SUV that has dual range 4WD capability.

The Ultimate specifically is jam packed with little luxuries like heated and ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, dual zone climate controlled A/C,

Rexton is priced from $47,990 to $54,990 drive away and represents particularly good value.

SsangYong has had a few problems over the last few years, but that behind them now and we should see even more product development in the future from them.

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The Medium 4WD Wagon segment has been popular over the last few years and is extremely competitive.

Perhaps you could look at Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado

If your tastes go more to the AWD SUV direction, look at Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder,

SsangYong Rexton Ultimate Overview

Rexton was reintroduced to Australia some 4-5 years ago, and at the time it was a good thing. Unfortunately not long after that the parent company got into financial trouble and things pretty much stagnated.

However this is in the past now and we look forward to seeing further development of the Rexton and other SsangYong vehicles.

Rexton Ultimate Exterior, what’s it like?

Let’s be blunt here, SsangYong has built some atrociously designed vehicles over the years. Who could forget the early version Stavic, previous Musso Ute or in fact previous Korando models?

That’s all changed and the current Rexton isn’t too bad.

There is a large bold grill framed by integrated projection dusk sensing LED headlights that displays a cohesive appearance to the front.

The projection headlight units also comprise daytime running lights.

There are additional LED fog lights with cornering feature, side and indicator lights.

Having 18inch alloys allows more tyre choice if you are heading off road.

At the rear there are LED combination side lights, air spoiler with high-mounted LED stop light and LED number plate lights.

Add to this powered tailgate, powered sunroof and roof rails.

Rexton Ultimate – what is it like inside?

Comfortable and relaxing are the first two words that come to mind.

You immediately notice the premium quilted Nappa leather interior with powered front seats. These are electronically adjusted with additional lumbar support, ideal for my ageing back.

Front seats are both heated and ventilated and the middle row outer seats are also heated.

In front of the driver is the heated leather steering wheel that has both reach and height adjustment. Some Ute based wagons miss out in this feature.

It’s nice and thick at the 10-2 position where you have your hands and has thumb support. Especially important when you are off road driving to always keep your thumbs out. There are a heap of usual controls on the arms and the flat bottom adds a nice touch. Transmission paddles are unobtrusive.

Driver’s instrument binnacle is a 12.3 inch twin dial digital cluster that can be customised to a point. Its white on black design ensures clarity.

For the driver, the higher waist line means that the elbow rest for the right elbow is a little high and hard on the point of your elbow. The door arm although is soft touch. In fact almost everywhere you would rest your elbows are soft touch points.

The centre console is reasonably comfortable and a good height. Headroom will allow a hat to stay on the head.

Driver ergonomics

Driver ergonomics are good and all round visibility is good, with the usual caveat for a thick ‘A’ pillar. The whole centre console and stack is well laid.  Electrochromatic interior mirror is appreciated.

The central storage bin has reverted to a single padded lift up lid and the area is adequate.

In front are twin cup holders, 4WD selection control, other driving controls and a push/pull style transmission lever. I’m usually not a great fan of these but the Rexton one works well.

Having the navigation based on your smart phone works well where there is reception.

It’s amazing how quickly things change and the 8.0 inch touchscreen now seems really dated. The interface also needs some work, not because it is poor, it just feels dated now. The infotainment and connectivity has wired smart phone mirroring and wireless charging.

Other features include ambient interior lighting, Illuminated front door scuff plates and touch-sensing front door locks with walk-away auto-door locking.

Behind the driver

Middle row seats are great for two people, tight for three. However they are comfortable with reasonable leg, head and shoulder room. There are twin air vents, a 12V and USB port. A folding arm rest also accommodates cup holders.

Visibility for middle row passengers is good, encouraging the kids to look outside rather than at a screen.

These seats fold and slide forward for access to the third row. Like most 4WD’s and AWD SUV’s in this category, these seats are tight for anyone over 150cm tall.

Both third and middle row seats fold flat to give a cavernous load area. Third row is 50/50 and middle row is 60/40 configuration. Considering the third row seats don’t fold into the floor, there is a shelf provided to allow a flat boot area. There are A/C vents back there for passenger comfort.

Overall the interior of the Rexton Ultimate is luxurious and comfortable and feels like it should cost thousands more.

Rexton Ultimate Engine and Drivetrain

Rexton is powered by a 2.2L turbo diesel engine delivering maximum power of 148 kW @ 3,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 441Nm @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm, matched to an 8-speed sports automatic. It’s important to note that the Rexton engine is Euro 6 compliant.

It runs a part time dual range 4WD system with shift on the fly between 2WD and 4WD High. There is an automatic locking centre differential and an automatic locking rear diff.

Power is delivered permanently to the rear wheels, with front wheel drive dialled in electronically as required, with high and low ratios available as conditions demand. The system includes hill descent control and hill start assist to provide optimum grip, traction and safety.

Rexton Ultimate driving experience

The current Rexton has reasonable performance and very good road manners. The double-wishbone suspension at the front and 10-link independent suspension at the rear up certainly helps with a compliant and quiet ride.

The combination of firm but compliant suspension, responsive engine and steering and good chassis dynamics means that the Rexton rivals the best of the md sized 4WD wagons, in this price bracket and above. It even rivals many AWD SUV’s.

The combination of 8 speed AT and the low torque means that drivers can extract the best from the engine.

Steering is a touch light, but has enough feel when needed. It is speed sensitive and tightens up to be responsive and well balanced.

I drove the Rexton on a mix of urban, freeway, dirt roads and beach driving. It handled all with ease.

The biggest issue is the approach and departure angles. They are a little less than others in the same class. See the tables below.  SsangYong also has a front bash plate as an option.

One very positive aspect is that the hill descent control is amongst the best in class and maintains speed without any hint of running away. Excellent feature!

Towing

Rexton will tow 3500kg. The tow ball is rated at 350kg and there is trailer sway control as well. I haven’t tested that yet, but anecdotally the low torque delivery should allow easy towing.

Interestingly SsangYong have optional towing suspension set up along with load distribution hitches and electronic brake controllers. Four wheel disc brakes also greatly assist.

Having these fitted as options means they get the vehicle warranty.

Rexton Ultimate Safety features

The Rexton doesn’t have an ANCAP safety rating at this stage.

However safety features highlights include:

• AEB with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lan Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
• Lane Change Assist (LCA).
• Change-Collision Warning (LCW)
• Safety Distance Warning (SDW)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Smart High Beam (SHB)
• Front Vehicle Start Warning (FVSW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCTW)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• 360° camera
• Reverse camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

Rexton Fit for Purpose

Even amongst the 4WD wagon brigade, there are different wagons that are better suited to different purposes.

The SsangYong Rexton is aimed at the recreational family buyer that heads off road and wants to tow something. It is good off road, but will probably be used more by the part time adventurous brigade, and even the Grey Nomads, who will appreciate the luxury and towing capability.

Think of it as more like a luxurious SUV that g=has true dual range 4WD Capability.

Given the slightly larger interior space it suits a family more than some other similar wagons. These buyers will also look for value over brand badging.  The SsangYong Rexton fits this criteria well.

SsangYong Owner benefits

All SsangYong’s come with a full 7 year unlimited km bumper to bumper warranty. This is added to a 7 year road side assistance program.

There is also a 7 year service program with 12 months and 15,000km service intervals.

Rexton Ultimate final thoughts.

SsangYong Rexton is a well-priced, comfortable and practical family 4WD Wagon. Its outstanding value for money and comes with a 7 year owner support package.

It sits somewhere between full on 4WD like the Fortuner or MU-X and some seven seat AWD SUV’s like the Sorento and Santa Fe.

Take one for a drive, it will surprise you.

Some Other Rexton Articles

• SsangYong Rexton Adds Limited Edition for 2022 MY
• SsangYong is Back with the Rexton
• 2019 SsangYong Rexton 4WD Review
• SsangYong Rexton Ultimate 2019 Review
• OzRoamer 2022 4WD $45,000 – $65,000 COTY Award
• OzRoamer Car of the Year awards for 2019
• 2018 Car of the Year Awards 4WD and AWD SUV

*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)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

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