2019 SsangYong Rodius Technology and Safety

When it comes to car buying, among the most crucial steps is to learn about the vehicle’s safety and technology features. A wise car buyer wouldn’t just look at the car’s price, rather its value for money. If, in case, you were moved by our full review of the 2019 SsangYong Rodius and have been thinking of getting one, here’s an in-depth technology and safety review to help you in deciding. 

There is only one variant for SsangYong’s mighty 9-seater MPV, the EX 4x2 AT. It’s posted at P1,690,000, which makes it a powerful contender, not only in its segment but as well as against various 7-seater MPVs and SUVs in the local market. If you are someone who’s more on the safety side of vehicle ownership, I’d say that the Rodius might come a bit short. However, it’s catching up with technology so I’d say in a few years or so and the safety features will, too.

It may not look like it but the 2019 SsangYong Rodius is well equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Yes, the interior doesn’t look flashy and modern, but SsangYong has managed to integrate its 7-inch LCD Smart Audio display with said smartphone features. 

Having an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible head unit is a big deal, especially in this day in age where a majority of car owners possess a smartphone. The convenience such a feature brings matter,s bigger than you might initially think. Without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, playing music through the center console unit is as tedious as a college enrollment process – slow, demanding, and intricate. 

Bluetooth, for example, takes time to connect and while you think successful pairing ends your problem, you’re mistaken. There are cars which do not play your music right away unless you find the right button to press. Sometimes, out of frustration, you’ll find yourself listening to the FM radio instead. I’ve done that a couple of times and I’m just glad this time the Rodius didn’t let me.

The fear of driving or parking a long vehicle is normal, especially for people who are not used to driving such vehicles. Mind you, the SsangYong Rodius measures 5,130 mm in length – even longer than a UV Express van. Good thing, there’s the rear backing-up camera supporting the rear parking sensors. Parking in reverse with the Rodius was very easy, much more so than I initially thought. 

Now that we’ve just talked about parking, I can’t help but mention that the 2019 Rodius features a foot-activated parking brake. A foot parking brake and a center console instrument panel? Sounds like the South Korean large MPV just loves doing things in an unconventional way.

When it comes to safety, I’d say the Rodius doesn’t actually impress. Of course, it’s got the basics, but its offerings fell short of my expectations for a 9-seater large MPV. There are only two airbags inside and they’re for the driver and front passenger only. That leaves seven people with seatbelt-only protection, which happens to be the entire space behind the front seats. For me, SsangYong should’ve, at least, included curtain airbags – though, I understand that doing so could blow the price tag up. 

The 2019 Rodius also is nocar seat-friendly as there are no ISOFIX anchors on any seat—not even the last row. This means you can’t bring an infant on a trip unless you have a certain type of child seat that is secured by seatbelts, which is far less safe than ISOFIX child car seats. Despite all odds, the 2019 SsangYong Rodius has anti-lock braking system (ABS) and engine immobilizer as part of its safety features. 

One thing worth mentioning is that the built-in artificial intelligence (AI) program that monitors the vehicle’s status, as well as the driver’s shifting habits. This feature enables the car to predict a precise time when changing gears for optimum performance. There’s also an auto-dimming rearview mirror that protects your eyes from high beam lights.