Likes
- Driving dynamics that rivals utes asking way more money
- Loaded with features
- Low asking price
Used SsangYong Musso review
Dislikes
- Infotainment system is crap
- Won’t stroke the ego like a HiLux or Ranger
- Some have been poorly modified
Stuff you should know
When it comes to Korean car manufacturers, two names should be all too familiar: Kia and Hyundai. But do you know about a third one, SsangYong?
SsangYong, now known as KGM Mobility, is the oldest Korean car manufacturer currently in operation, with a lineup consisting exclusively of crossovers, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Some may know the brand for producing some of what we termed among various automotive media as ‘the ugliest cars in the world’, with the honours going to their uniquely styled’ SsangYong Rodius, as the predecessor to the ute/truck here, the SsangYong Musso.
If you have never heard of the SsangYong Musso, it’s currently the only ute/truck that Ssangyong produces in its current lineup. The Musso was first launched in 1993, and fun fact, was developed in conjunction with Daimler-Benz, utilising German engines and transmissions sourced from Mercedes-Benz.
Fast forward to today, and the current generation Musso, known internally as the Q200, has been on sale since 2018. It no longer utilises any German underpinnings, now riding on a body-on-frame platform shared with the second-gen SsangYong Rexton. In markets that sell it, including Australia, the Musso now uses SsangYong’s own turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Since its introduction to the Australian market in 2018, you’ll find most examples in these trims/models for locally delivered SsangYong/KGM Mussos. Note that some model names may vary depending on your market/what model years you are looking at, because 2024 onwards, SsangYong was taken over by the KG group – rebranded into ‘KGM Mobility’. This also explains why in newer examples (2025-2026 model year), they’re branded as KGM Mussos.
In terms of trims, the ELX/EX serves as the cheapest, entry-level spec grade, Adventure/Advance are the mid-spec models, with slightly better comfort features onboard, while the Ultimate models are the top-of-the-line trim, with the most amount of features and cabin tech available – such as heated/ventilated leather seats, a sunroof, 360-degree view camera, and on more newer models, dual-zone climate control, USB-C ports, and a heated steering wheel.
Plus, throughout each year, there have been various option packs made available that add a variety of equipment.
In terms of safety, all SsangYong Mussos received the usual standard fare of anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and in safety tech, base-spec models feature automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning as standard. Newer and higher-spec models added attention assist, distance warning alert, and more comprehensive safety tech.
SsangYong made small improvements throughout each year of production, with the most substantial updates to the Musso being rolled out for the 2021 model year, as well as the 2022 and, more recently, for those produced for 2024. Most notably for the recent updates, a very prominent, large front grille was added, as well as an updated infotainment system with more up-to-date connectivity features expected of vehicles of the current era.
The Musso was also available in a variety of suspension configurations, which were also paired with different tray/tub designs that allow for various degrees of payload capacity.
- SWB – multi-link coil suspension, carries up to 790 kg
- XLV Adventure/Ultimate – coil suspension, up to 880 kg
- XLV ELX – rear leaf springs, up to 1025 kg
These can vary by each model year and what trims were on offer, but in general – longer tub configurations come with leaf springs as standard and can carry the heaviest payloads, but have a less stable ride when not fully loaded. Meanwhile, shorter tub configurations primarily came with coil springs and have a more comfortable, road-friendly driving experience, with the trade-off of being able to only carry smaller payloads.
But say you are looking for a midsize ute on a stricter budget, and options from more recognisable brands like Ford, Nissan, or Toyota are out of question. After all, SsangYong Musso are currently priced at the bottom end and appear to be very affordable – but is it because they are cheap for a reason or are they secretly excellent value for money as a reasonably priced ute?
What goes wrong?
Exterior Issues:
On all models but more recent examples of the Musso, old-school bi-xenon headlights were standard – they can be a bit dull when lit up and show their age, especially when much of the competition at this time feature more up-to-date LED or daytime running lights.
A small number of owners also report the paintwork on the body fading, as well as plastic exterior trim or rubber sections showing signs of wear.
But when it comes to issues surrounding the build quality of the body panels and exterior, that’s where most of the negatives end. One reason for this is likely due to an important element of the Musso’s body construction and platform – it’s made of ‘Giga’, or Ultra-High-Strength Steel. This means it has a higher tensile strength and superior durability compared to other utes in this class, making it less likely to experience problems with panel fit and finish, paint quality, and other bodywork issues.
Interior Issues:
The interior is much like the outside – not a lot of common complaints, thanks to the no-frills, function-first approach to the design and construction. Many owners report very few electrical gremlins, with the build quality and fit/finish of the interior materials proving to be very resilient.
It’s easy to see why, given the materials SsangYong has used throughout the cabin – it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but the no-frills approach means these are very resilient. Special mention goes to the artificial ‘leather’ upholstery – it’s a bit excessive for a ute, but owners compliment how it’s very tough and easy to wipe clean, yet very comfortable for occupants.
The only complaint about the interior we heard from Musso owners is one case of the footrest breaking, but even when rare interior imperfections like this come up, they’ve been fixed under warranty.
However, the infotainment system, depending on the model year, can be problematic. Early models had a smaller screen that had limited functionality and were severely outdated, even during their debut. Later models, mainly those made from 2021 to 2024, did appear to have updated screens, but owners and technicians who have worked on these mentioned that they’re a lower quality unit.
Even with updates that brought a larger screen and improved user interface, along with the addition of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, many owners have experienced connectivity issues with devices dropping out or refusing to connect altogether, inconsistent Bluetooth audio, unresponsive screens, and other UI gremlins are all too familiar in modern car infotainment systems.
The rear-view camera display is also reported to be very poor, the the point that it’s barely worth using.
It’s definitely worth exploring the potential for an aftermarket head
Exterior Issues:
On all models but more recent examples of the Musso, old-school bi-xenon headlights were standard – they can be a bit dull when lit up and show their age, especially when much of the competition at this time feature more up-to-date LED or daytime running lights.
A small number of owners also report the paintwork on the body fading, as well as plastic exterior trim or rubber sections showing signs of wear.
But when it comes to issues surrounding the build quality of the body panels and exterior, that’s where most of the negatives end. One reason for this is likely due to an important element of the Musso’s body construction and platform – it’s made of ‘Giga’, or Ultra-High-Strength Steel. This means it has a higher tensile strength and superior durability compared to other utes in this class, making it less likely to experience problems with panel fit and finish, paint quality, and other bodywork issues.
Interior Issues:
The interior is much like the outside – not a lot of common complaints, thanks to the no-frills, function-first approach to the design and construction. Many owners report very few electrical gremlins, with the build quality and fit/finish of the interior materials proving to be very resilient.
It’s easy to see why, given the materials SsangYong has used throughout the cabin – it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but the no-frills approach means these are very resilient. Special mention goes to the artificial ‘leather’ upholstery – it’s a bit excessive for a ute, but owners compliment how it’s very tough and easy to wipe clean, yet very comfortable for occupants.
The only complaint about the interior we heard from Musso owners is one case of the footrest breaking, but even when rare interior imperfections like this come up, they’ve been fixed under warranty.
However, the infotainment system, depending on the model year, can be problematic. Early models had a smaller screen that had limited functionality and were severely outdated, even during their debut. Later models, mainly those made from 2021 to 2024, did appear to have updated screens, but owners and technicians who have worked on these mentioned that they’re a lower quality unit.
Even with updates that brought a larger screen and improved user interface, along with the addition of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, many owners have experienced connectivity issues with devices dropping out or refusing to connect altogether, inconsistent Bluetooth audio, unresponsive screens, and other UI gremlins are all too familiar in modern car infotainment systems.
The rear-view camera display is also reported to be very poor, the the point that it’s barely worth using.
It’s definitely worth exploring the potential for an aftermarket head unit system, and possibly for some upgraded in-car speakers as well, given the factory speakers have quite poor performance.
More recent examples of the Musso have plenty of safety features onboard to ensure it meets all of Australia’s requirements for ADAS features – the problem is that many owners, especially from reviewing complaints online, report that the various beeps, warnings, and alerts can sometimes be oversensitive and distract drivers, which is the opposite of what they’re intended to do. If these problems come up, resetting the systems through a dealer may be an option.
Mechanical issues:
Just like any other ute, the Korean-manufactured and engineered Musso can experience several issues, but nothing we would class as ‘common’ issues.
Engines:
The diesel engines can experience the typical issues that affect diesel powertrains as a whole – such as DPF (diesel particulate filter) and EGR complications. There can also be issues like intercooler leaks, turbo & variable geometry control failures, camshaft failures, timing chain rattles, or complete engine failure.
Turbocharger failure and rear main oil seal leaks can also be potential issues.
There was a widespread recall issued for the engine cooling fan fuse on models made from 2020 to 2024, which could cause the engine to overheat or loss of power, or the fuse itself shorting out and catching fire. We’d recommend making sure that fix has been done for peace of mind. To maximise the life of the powertrain, we recommend regular servicing every 10,000 kilometres.
Transmissions:
The automatic transmission is made by Japanese brand Aisin, and is a heavy-duty unit used in a number of different commercial vehicles/utes, so in theory, it should be very durable. However, owners report that when towing or under hard acceleration, they’ve experienced transmission overheating issues – with a solution to this being to slide it into manual shifting mode.
Although, others have complained that Musso’s manual shifting mode can operate intermittently – refusing to ‘change’ gears at all or the shifts getting slower or rougher over time. Owners have been told that a software update from dealers should resolve these automatic transmission problems.
Some owners also report shuddering sensations – this could also point to driveline angle problems.
Drivetrain
Owners report that Mussos can consume brakes fairly quickly, but the tires, oddly enough, last far longer. While some report it’s possible to travel many kilometres on one set of tires, most recommend for optimal performance, on or off-road, to change to more premium tires immediately, or even all-terrain tires if this ute will be used to its maximum potential.
Many owners also recommend changing the suspension to aftermarket units, especially if you intend to use the SsangYong ute for any type of off-roading of towing.
There are plenty of options available, but make sure any non-original modifications have been installed correctly. Installing a suspension lift kit, for instance, without properly setting it up can also lead to the shuddering issues mentioned earlier.
Tailshaft vibrations can also be caused by poorly set-up modifications – look into supplemental parts like tailshaft spacers to reduce the likelihood of encountering problems like these.
In short, to maximise the chances of getting a reliable Musso – ensure it’s been serviced regularly, and any modifications installed, especially those that effect handling, have been done without sacrificing the health or standard operation of any other drivetrain components.
Exterior Issues:
On all models but more recent examples of the Musso, old-school bi-xenon headlights were standard – they can be a bit dull when lit up and show their age, especially when much of the competition at this time feature more up-to-date LED or daytime running lights.
A small number of owners also report the paintwork on the body fading, as well as plastic exterior trim or rubber sections showing signs of wear.
But when it comes to issues surrounding the build quality of the body panels and exterior, that’s where most of the negatives end. One reason for this is likely due to an important element of the Musso’s body construction and platform – it’s made of ‘Giga’, or Ultra-High-Strength Steel. This means it has a higher tensile strength and superior durability compared to other utes in this class, making it less likely to experience problems with panel fit and finish, paint quality, and other bodywork issues.
Interior Issues:
The interior is much like the outside – not a lot of common complaints, thanks to the no-frills, function-first approach to the design and construction. Many owners report very few electrical gremlins, with the build quality and fit/finish of the interior materials proving to be very resilient.
It’s easy to see why, given the materials SsangYong has used throughout the cabin – it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but the no-frills approach means these are very resilient. Special mention goes to the artificial ‘leather’ upholstery – it’s a bit excessive for a ute, but owners compliment how it’s very tough and easy to wipe clean, yet very comfortable for occupants.
The only complaint about the interior we heard from Musso owners is one case of the footrest breaking, but even when rare interior imperfections like this come up, they’ve been fixed under warranty.
However, the infotainment system, depending on the model year, can be problematic. Early models had a smaller screen that had limited functionality and were severely outdated, even during their debut. Later models, mainly those made from 2021 to 2024, did appear to have updated screens, but owners and technicians who have worked on these mentioned that they’re a lower quality unit.
Even with updates that brought a larger screen and improved user interface, along with the addition of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, many owners have experienced connectivity issues with devices dropping out or refusing to connect altogether, inconsistent Bluetooth audio, unresponsive screens, and other UI gremlins are all too familiar in modern car infotainment systems.
The rear-view camera display is also reported to be very poor, the the point that it’s barely worth using.
It’s definitely worth exploring the potential for an aftermarket head unit system, and possibly for some upgraded in-car speakers as well, given the factory speakers have quite poor performance.
More recent examples of the Musso have plenty of safety features onboard to ensure it meets all of Australia’s requirements for ADAS features – the problem is that many owners, especially from reviewing complaints online, report that the various beeps, warnings, and alerts can sometimes be oversensitive and distract drivers, which is the opposite of what they’re intended to do. If these problems come up, resetting the systems through a dealer may be an option.
Mechanical issues:
Just like any other ute, the Korean-manufactured and engineered Musso can experience several issues, but nothing we would class as ‘common’ issues.
Engines:
The diesel engines can experience the typical issues that affect diesel powertrains as a whole – such as DPF (diesel particulate filter) and EGR complications. There can also be issues like intercooler leaks, turbo & variable geometry control failures, camshaft failures, timing chain rattles, or complete engine failure.
Turbocharger failure and rear main oil seal leaks can also be potential issues.
There was a widespread recall issued for the engine cooling fan fuse on models made from 2020 to 2024, which could cause the engine to overheat or loss of power, or the fuse itself shorting out and catching fire. We’d recommend making sure that fix has been done for peace of mind. To maximise the life of the powertrain, we recommend regular servicing every 10,000 kilometres.
Transmissions:
The automatic transmission is made by Japanese brand Aisin, and is a heavy-duty unit used in a number of different commercial vehicles/utes, so in theory, it should be very durable. However, owners report that when towing or under hard acceleration, they’ve experienced transmission overheating issues – with a solution to this being to slide it into manual shifting mode.
Although, others have complained that Musso’s manual shifting mode can operate intermittently – refusing to ‘change’ gears at all or the shifts getting slower or rougher over time. Owners have been told that a software update from dealers should resolve these automatic transmission problems.
Some owners also report shuddering sensations – this could also point to driveline angle problems.
Drivetrain
Owners report that Mussos can consume brakes fairly quickly, but the tires, oddly enough, last far longer. While some report it’s possible to travel many kilometres on one set of tires, most recommend for optimal performance, on or off-road, to change to more premium tires immediately, or even all-terrain tires if this ute will be used to its maximum potential.
Many owners also recommend changing the suspension to aftermarket units, especially if you intend to use the SsangYong ute for any type of off-roading of towing.
There are plenty of options available, but make sure any non-original modifications have been installed correctly. Installing a suspension lift kit, for instance, without properly setting it up can also lead to the shuddering issues mentioned earlier.
Tailshaft vibrations can also be caused by poorly set-up modifications – look into supplemental parts like tailshaft spacers to reduce the likelihood of encountering problems like these.
In short, to maximise the chances of getting a reliable Musso – ensure it’s been serviced regularly, and any modifications installed, especially those that effect handling, have been done without sacrificing the health or standard operation of any other drivetrain components.
Should you buy one?
On the used market, the SsangYong Musso start at $17,000 for the cheapest, likely-abused examples, and tops out at around $55,000, and this is where the SsangYong shines when compared to its rivals – as other well-known utes may ask twice as much when it comes to price.
The top-of-the-range Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux currently asks around the $50,000 range, but the equivalent SsangYong Musso trim, depending on model year, can be had for just $25,000.
Even when considering other ute options, like the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Triton, these are available nowhere close to the SsangYong’s price range.
While the Musso faces far cheaper rivals available today, as budget-friendly utes from Chinese brands such as the LDV T60, JAC T9, and GWM Cannon have started to enter the market – these are beginning to report their own share of concerns surrounding their build quality, reliability, and issues with aftersales support. Crucially, they can’t match the Korean brand for refinement and overall payload capacity at this price point.
However, while the SsangYong Musso may be attractive to those on a stricter budget for a secondhand ute, the trade-off of owning a vehicle from a lesser-known or non-mainstream brand like this can mean that after-sales support and maintenance through dealerships can be a headache.
Plenty of owners we spoke to report that SsangYong’s after-sales support here in Australia has been near to non-existent, to the point that dealership staff have even expressed their own frustrations in trying to
On the used market, the SsangYong Musso start at $17,000 for the cheapest, likely-abused examples, and tops out at around $55,000, and this is where the SsangYong shines when compared to its rivals – as other well-known utes may ask twice as much when it comes to price.
The top-of-the-range Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux currently asks around the $50,000 range, but the equivalent SsangYong Musso trim, depending on model year, can be had for just $25,000.
Even when considering other ute options, like the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Triton, these are available nowhere close to the SsangYong’s price range.
While the Musso faces far cheaper rivals available today, as budget-friendly utes from Chinese brands such as the LDV T60, JAC T9, and GWM Cannon have started to enter the market – these are beginning to report their own share of concerns surrounding their build quality, reliability, and issues with aftersales support. Crucially, they can’t match the Korean brand for refinement and overall payload capacity at this price point.
However, while the SsangYong Musso may be attractive to those on a stricter budget for a secondhand ute, the trade-off of owning a vehicle from a lesser-known or non-mainstream brand like this can mean that after-sales support and maintenance through dealerships can be a headache.
Plenty of owners we spoke to report that SsangYong’s after-sales support here in Australia has been near to non-existent, to the point that dealership staff have even expressed their own frustrations in trying to reach out to the manufacturer’s head office to try and assist owners as best they can.
In addition to inconsistent communication from official SsangYong channels, owners have also complained of challenges attempting to source replacement parts – especially long wait times to receive simple items and consumables. However, its worth pointing out brands like SsangYong aren’t alone in this, with more established brands also experiencing issues with their supply chain when it comes to spare parts.
These details aside, though, we reckon it’s worth considering the SsangYong when exploring options for a secondhand ute, but you want to avoid the inflated prices or owners’ egos that come with well-known models from Japanese or European brands.
We especially like the Musso’s level of refinement on models equipped with a coil rear-end suspension setup, which allows it to deliver a more composed, easier-to-manage ride and handling that is a welcome relief in this segment.
Suppose the badge is not a critical factor in your purchase and you want a ute that can serve as a decent mode of transport with good levels of refinement. In that case, a secondhand SsangYong Musso that passes a pre-purchase inspection with flying colours is an option to consider compared to other utes in this class.
Should you buy one?
On the used market, the SsangYong Musso start at $17,000 for the cheapest, likely-abused examples, and tops out at around $55,000, and this is where the SsangYong shines when compared to its rivals – as other well-known utes may ask twice as much when it comes to price.
The top-of-the-range Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux currently asks around the $50,000 range, but the equivalent SsangYong Musso trim, depending on model year, can be had for just $25,000.
Even when considering other ute options, like the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Triton, these are available nowhere close to the SsangYong’s price range.
While the Musso faces far cheaper rivals available today, as budget-friendly utes from Chinese brands such as the LDV T60, JAC T9, and GWM Cannon have started to enter the market – these are beginning to report their own share of concerns surrounding their build quality, reliability, and issues with aftersales support. Crucially, they can’t match the Korean brand for refinement and overall payload capacity at this price point.
However, while the SsangYong Musso may be attractive to those on a stricter budget for a secondhand ute, the trade-off of owning a vehicle from a lesser-known or non-mainstream brand like this can mean that after-sales support and maintenance through dealerships can be a headache.
Plenty of owners we spoke to report that SsangYong’s after-sales support here in Australia has been near to non-existent, to the point that dealership staff have even expressed their own frustrations in trying to reach out to the manufacturer’s head office to try and assist owners as best they can.
In addition to inconsistent communication from official SsangYong channels, owners have also complained of challenges attempting to source replacement parts – especially long wait times to receive simple items and consumables. However, its worth pointing out brands like SsangYong aren’t alone in this, with more established brands also experiencing issues with their supply chain when it comes to spare parts.
These details aside, though, we reckon it’s worth considering the SsangYong when exploring options for a secondhand ute, but you want to avoid the inflated prices or owners’ egos that come with well-known models from Japanese or European brands.
We especially like the Musso’s level of refinement on models equipped with a coil rear-end suspension setup, which allows it to deliver a more composed, easier-to-manage ride and handling that is a welcome relief in this segment.
Suppose the badge is not a critical factor in your purchase and you want a ute that can serve as a decent mode of transport with good levels of refinement. In that case, a secondhand SsangYong Musso that passes a pre-purchase inspection with flying colours is an option to consider compared to other utes in this class.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of October 22, 2025.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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