Four-wheel drive utes have become seriously expensive in recent years, but a new wave of cut-price options should have tradies thinking twice about their next purchase.
VALUE
The Musso undercuts big name utes such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger on price. All models are dual-cab four-wheel drives with prices starting from $36,790 drive-away. An auto transmission adds $2000, while a 300mm-longer tray can be ordered for as part of the $1500 XLV pack, which also places the rear wheels 110mm further back.
There are alloy wheels with a full-size spare, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a $4800 step up to the Ultimate we’ve tested here, which adds smart-key entry, tyre pressure monitors, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera and fake leather trim.
Off-roaders may miss the lack of tow hooks and underbody protection (the standard shields are plastic). Still, a couple of grand in accessories (some of which are available from SsangYong dealerships) still leaves you with a ute that is a lot cheaper than mainstream rivals.
The Musso is backed by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, something that also applies to commercial use. That’s unusual in the ute market as most brands cap the kilometre limit for work use.
COMFORT
Getting into the Musso is something of a leap given its high cabin and lack of side steps (they’re optional). Once there the basics are fine.
The front seats are broad but lack some lateral support. There’s no shortage of grey plastics but some interesting finishes and an adjustable digital instrument cluster spice things up.
Those in the rear have good headroom and the mostly flat floor makes it easy to fit big feet. Leg room is not great for taller adults, though.
The tray in the XLV is longer than most, although the payload is 890kg, which is less than the class norm. Those wanting to tow can lug up to 3500kg and still have more than half a tonne of payload to play with.
SAFETY
The Musso has plenty of safety kit, including auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Its lane departure warning system is too sensitive and sometimes gave false warnings, prompting us to switch it off, even in the suburbs.
The centre rear seatbelt is an old school lap-only system, which is inferior for occupant protection.
DRIVING
The Musso is powered by a 133kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 420Nm for the XLV (those with the shorter load area make 400Nm).
There’s a delay when taking off while the engine gathers its thoughts but once under way it’s relatively refined. Outright grunt is down on rivals, but the honest six-speed auto mostly slots itself into an appropriate ratio.
Our car was fitted with optional Ironman springs and dampers, which add about $1400. It was the “Constant Load” suspension system, designed to deal with a heavier vehicle, such as one loaded with tools or camping paraphernalia. Ours was unladen for most driving and the stiffer springs make for some jostling over bumps. The steering can feel oddly weighted at country road speeds.
ALTERNATIVES
GWM Cannon X, from $45,490 drive-away
Terrific showroom presentation and a generous spread of standard gear but 2.0-litre turbo diesel is undernourished and thirsty. Solid payload but tow capacity of 3000kg is half a tonne off many rivals.
LDV T60 Luxe auto, from $47,884 drive-away
Hearty engine let down by an ageing body, something most noticeable in the cabin. Towing tops out at three tonnes and the sexier Luxe – with its wheel arch flairs and black sailplane – also limits the payload to a measly 750kg.
Isuzu D-Max XS, from about $55,000 drive-away
Small 1.9-litre engine has grunt around town where it’s needed but is not as suited to freeway running. Rugged basic package is competent – including 3.5 tonne towing and generous payload – but only has steel wheels and vinyl flooring.