We tested the KGM Rexton on asphalt and off-road. 202 hp doesn't make a 2.2-ton SUV fast, but it turned out to be quiet, comfortable and capable of confidently traveling far beyond normal roads.
The KGM Rexton 2026 retains its classic construction
KGM is the new name of the former SsangYong. After a large-scale update, the Rexton received new LED headlights and daytime running lights, bumpers and a large radiator grille.
The car is 4.85 m long with a wheelbase of 2.86 m. Ground clearance is 224 mm. Underneath, metal protection covers not only the engine but also the transfer case.
The top version is fitted with 20-inch wheels with 255/50 tires. For bad roads, 17-inch wheels with a taller 70 profile look like the more practical choice.
The 2.2 diesel produces 202 hp in the KGM Rexton 2026
All KGM Rextons for Ukraine are equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel meeting the Euro 6d standard. It develops 202 hp and 441 Nm, available in the 1600-2600 rpm range.
The engine works together with an eight-speed automatic. During the test, this combination impressed with its smooth operation: the diesel is quiet, there is enough pulling power for everyday driving, and the gearbox matches the character of a large SUV well.
Key specifications of the KGM Rexton:
2.2-liter turbodiesel - 202 hp and 441 Nm;
8-speed automatic;
clearance - 224 mm;
0-100 km/h acceleration in the test - 11.2 s.
The dynamics are not impressive, but they are sufficient for a heavy body-on-frame vehicle. Sport mode changes the character slightly, although it cannot turn the Rexton into a fast SUV.
How the KGM Rexton 2026 drives
On asphalt, the KGM Rexton surprises most with its quietness. The diesel runs smoothly, the doors have additional seals, and the wheel arches received extra sound insulation.
The steering makes three turns from lock to lock and is tuned primarily for comfort. The SUV holds a straight line well, so long highway trips are not tiring.
Instead of the old hydraulic power steering, an electro-hydraulic power steering is used. This allowed the integration of the lane-keeping system and adaptive cruise control.
The suspension is comfortable, but 20-inch wheels get in the way
At the rear, the KGM Rexton has a multi-link suspension. On asphalt it works comfortably, and on smooth uneven surfaces and off-road it isolates the body well from impacts.
However, on broken roads the top version with 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires already feels noticeably firmer.
Therefore, for regular driving on bad roads, 17-inch wheels look more optimal. The taller tire profile better matches the capabilities of a body-on-frame SUV.
The KGM Rexton's four-wheel drive was tested off-road
The KGM Rexton uses a classic part-time four-wheel drive system. On asphalt the car is rear-wheel drive, and for more difficult conditions the front axle can be engaged.
There is a 4H mode, and for heavy off-road there is 4L with a low-range gear. The rear differential locks automatically; there is no separate button for forced locking.
The off-road arsenal includes:
rear-wheel drive for normal roads;
4H for slippery surfaces and off-road;
4L with a low-range gear;
automatic locking of the rear differential.
On wet grass, sand and inclines the system worked confidently. When the wheels lacked traction, the rear differential lock helped the car keep moving.
Geometry has its limitations
The 224 mm clearance allows the KGM Rexton to move confidently through deep ruts. At the same time, the long wheelbase and large overhangs force you to choose your trajectory carefully.
On undulating terrain the front bumper can touch the ground. Therefore, the capabilities of the transmission sometimes exceed what the body geometry allows.
The standard road tires also become a limitation on sand. For regular off-road use, tires with a more aggressive tread would suit the car better.
The KGM Rexton's interior surprised with its equipment
The interior looks conservative in places due to the large number of controls, but the materials in the top trim are unexpectedly expensive. There is soft plastic, perforated Nappa leather and suede inserts on the doors and front panel.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and the central display also has a 12.3-inch diagonal. A separate touch panel provides quick access to climate control.
The top version's equipment includes:
power adjustment and memory for the front seats;
ventilation for the front seats and heating for the front and rear seats;
a digital instrument panel and 12.3-inch multimedia;
a sunroof and an extended set of assistants.
The seating position is comfortable, and the large amount of space matches the car's dimensions.
There really is a lot of space in the second row
The 2.86 m wheelbase gave the KGM Rexton a spacious second row. There is room for legs, shoulders and head, and the backrest angle can be adjusted over a wide range.
In the top version, the rear passenger on the right can use buttons to move the front passenger seat and change its backrest angle. There are two USB-C ports, a 12 V socket and a wide central armrest.
In Ukraine, the KGM Rexton is sold in a five-seat configuration, although the seat design provides for the possibility of access to a third row in other markets.
The KGM Rexton's trunk holds 872 liters
Behind the second row there is 872 l of luggage space. The rear seats can not only be folded but also raised vertically, freeing up a significant part of the cabin for large cargo.
After the update there is an important downside: there is no longer a spare wheel. Its former place under the floor is now occupied by the tank of the system the diesel needs to comply with Euro 6d.
Instead of a spare wheel, only a repair kit with a compressor is provided. For a car designed for serious off-road use, this is not the best solution.
Real fuel consumption of the KGM Rexton
The manufacturer claims an average consumption of approximately 7.8-8.2 l/100 km. During the test, the 2.2-liter diesel consumed about 9-9.5 l/100 km.
Considering the weight of about 2.2 t, the result is quite acceptable. The fuel tank holds 70 l, so depending on driving style, the range can approach 800-900 km.
How much the KGM Rexton costs in Ukraine
On the Ukrainian market, the KGM Rexton is offered in three trim levels. At the time of the test, the base version cost UAH 1.65 million, and the top one - UAH 1.99 million.
A discount of UAH 100,000 applied to the two more affordable trim levels: their price was UAH 1.55 and 1.77 million respectively.
It is the entry-level and mid-range versions that are interesting, and not only because of the price. Their 17-inch wheels are better suited to the car if it regularly leaves the asphalt.
Autoportal's conclusion
The KGM Rexton remains an old-school car in the good sense. It has a frame, a diesel, a classic automatic, part-time 4WD, a low-range gear and automatic locking of the rear differential.
On asphalt, the Rexton wins not with dynamics but with comfort. 202 hp and 441 Nm are enough for calm driving, the sound insulation pleasantly surprises, and the real 9-9.5 l/100 km looks adequate for a 2.2-ton body-on-frame vehicle.
Off-road, the transmission proved effective, although the long overhangs, road tires and 20-inch wheels of the top version limit its potential. For such conditions, it is more logical to choose the Rexton on 17-inch wheels.
The downsides include the lack of a spare wheel and mediocre dynamics. On the other hand, a spacious interior, an 872-liter trunk, a smooth diesel engine and a serious all-wheel drive system make the KGM Rexton one of the few affordable body-on-frame diesel SUVs in Ukraine.