SsangYong Rexton (03 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 29 September 2005

Last Updated: 04 January 2010

SsangYong may not be a familiar name, but it's growing in reputation for building robust yet good value for money vehicles. The Rexton is its most popular model - a large 4x4 that is available with seven seats and a strong diesel engine but costs around the same as smaller offroaders such as the Nissan X-Trail. It's an impressive machine off road and can tackle tough terrain, but unfortunately this comes at the expense of on road handling. It's cumbersome, heavy and feels dated. The drab and old-fashioned cabin do it few favours either, but as a workhorse-type vehicle, the Rexton can make an affordable choice. It was facelifted in 2006 and changes to the suspension improved the handling considerably.

3 out of 5

Other SsangYong reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£20,020 - £24,020

View all new prices

Used price range:

£3,172 - £17,433

View all used prices

Get a SsangYong Rexton (03 on) information pack

Next steps

SsangYong Rexton cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 25 models like this for sale, starting at £3,450.

Find used SsangYong Rextons for sale

Affordable for a large 4x4, powerful diesel engine, impressive off road ability, good workhorse

Uninspiring on road, dated interior design, lacks refinement, cumbersome handling on pre-2006 models

Driving & Performance

Performance

3 out of 5
"Two engines were offered initially. A 2.9-litre diesel (badged 290) and a 3.2-litre petrol (badged..."
Handling

3 out of 5
"The Rexton is narrower than most large 4x4s, causing it to have a higher centre of gravity. The..."

Comfort

Comfort

3 out of 5
"The Rexton is large 4x4 and as you'd expect there's enough room for five adults and their luggage in..."
Practicality

4 out of 5
"At more than 4.5 metres long, it's no surprise that the Rexton boasts a large boot, although it's..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"All models have dual airbags with seat belt pre-tensioners, side airbags, side impact beams, ABS,..."
Behind the wheel

2 out of 5
"A lot of bright plastic wood and an old-school layout date the interior. The steering wheel adjusts..."

Costs

Running costs

2.5 out of 5
"The early 290 diesel was thirsty and needed a service every six months or 6000 miles. The later 270..."
Green credentials

2 out of 5
"The Rexton scores fairly badly on the eco front, even compared to other large 4x4s. The lower power..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

2.5 out of 5
"The Rexton hasn't been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Twin airbags are standard along with seatbelt..."
Reliability

3 out of 5
"SsangYong has a reputation for mechanical durability and the Rexton uses a gearbox borrowed from..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2 out of 5
"In April 2009 SsangYong increased the warranty on new cars from three years/60,000 miles to an..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"If you're after a cheap and robust 4x4 then the Rexton could be a good choice second hand. Thanks to..."
Selling

2 out of 5
"Despite the unfamiliar name, the Rexton is very well equipped and competitively priced for a large..."