Budget Korean 4x4 pair score upgrades

KGM SsangYong has upgraded its two best-selling models in Australia with a model year 2026 update that includes some changes to the line-up, as well as fresh standard gear with the caveat of a modest price bump.

Refreshed versions of the Musso dual-cab pick-up and the mechanically related Rexton seven-seat SUV are rolling into KGM SsangYong (formerly just SsangYong) dealerships now.

The Korean manufacturer has tweaked the model grades for both vehicles, with the Adventure grade swapped out for the new Advance. For the Musso the Ultimate now includes features from the previous top-spec Luxury Pack so that pack is now discontinued.

Other changes for the Musso include the addition of electric power steering for the short-wheelbase models from ELX up - the long-wheelbase XLV continues on with hydraulic power steering - while the shorter ELX also gains lane keep assist and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Both ELX body styles now come with steering wheel reach adjustment and silver roof rails.

The new Advance grade adds more advanced driver safety features like blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change collision warning and safe exit assist. It also gets a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear door tinted glass.

The Musso Ultimate is distinguished from other variants thanks to a grade-specific grille, blacked out elements including the grille and roof rails and a slightly restyled front bumper. It also now comes with a powered sunroof, LED headlights, eight-way powered front seats, powered driver lumbar support and heated rear outboard seats.

All Mussos continue to be offered with a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine offering outputs of 133kW/400Nm for the short-wheelbase and 133kW/420Nm for the XLV.

Pricing has increased by between $2500 and $4000 across the Musso line-up, depending on the grade and it now kicks off at $42,500 drive-away for the ELX, topping out at $53,000 for the Ultimate XLV.

That pricing is still quite a bit more affordable than the mainstream rivals like the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger, and is even cheaper than the LDV T60, while being on par with the likes of the JAC T9 and GWM Cannon.

The Rexton large SUV, meanwhile also gains new features and comes with a price increase of between $2000 and $3500. It now starts at $52,000 drive-away for the ELX and caps off with the Ultimate at $61,500.

All Rextons now come with electric power steering, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist as standard, while the ELX now gains synthetic leather sweats and new daytime running lights.

The Advance adds rear door manual sunblinds, while the Ultimate now comes with a wireless phone charger. Adding the Sport Pack to the Ultimate for $2700 nets you black leather and suede seats, suede door and dash trim and a gloss black steering wheel bezel.

Each Rexton grade is powered by the same 2.2-litre engine from the Musso, but with power and torque dialled up to 148kW/441Nm.

2026 KGM SsangYong Musso drive-away pricing 
 

Variant	Cost
ELX	$42,500 (+$2500)
ELX XLV	$44,000 (+$2500)
Advance	$46,500 (+$4000)
Advance XLV	$48,000 (+$4000)
Ultimate	$51,500 (+$3500)
Ultimate XLV	$53,000 (+$3500)

2026 KGM SsangYong Rexton drive-away pricing 
 

Variant	Cost
ELX	$52,000 (+$2000)
Advance	$57,500 (+$3500)
Ultimate	$61,500 (+$3500)