The SsangYong Musso is the South Korean brand's ticket to the booming midsize pickup truck segment in the Philippines. It is the product of SsangYong and Daimler-Benz collaboration. To give you an idea, 'Musso' is the Korean term for rhinoceros which should translate to power and rigidity being its concept. However, the name 'Musso' was originally a moniker for the South Korean brand's midsize SUV in the early '90s. It was just in the early 2000 when SsangYong introduced the pickup body. To start off, the Musso uses SsangYong's latest body-on-frame platform utilizing the Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). It also features the same exterior styling observed on the brand's midsize SUV Rexton. Its lines are well pronounced, complementing the overall shape of its exterior. Like most Ssangyongs, the overall exterior design is cleanly executed, portraying not only a sense of sportiness but also mixed with a stash of style. Open the door and you are immediately greeted with a clean and well-appointed cabin. Aside from its spaciousness, the Musso comes with generous amount of tech. Including its state-of-the-art infotainment system which includes an 8-inch HD screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity and a Dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioner. Being marketed as a luxury utility truck by SsangYong, the Musso has some premium touches in its interior, such as Nappa leather-trimmed seats for that luxurious feel and superior comfort. Under the hood, the Musso's beating heart is a 2.2-liter Euro 4 engine. Producing a healthy number of 179 hp and maximum torque of 420 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which transmits power on the rear axles.
Launch
The SsangYong Musso was launched in 2018. It serves as the Korean SUV specialist’s entry into the pickup market. It comes with a diesel power plant and rear coil spring suspension. It is currently available as its normal variant and the Musso Grand variant. The differences between the two are seen in the bed as the Musso Grand has a much larger bed.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
Powering the SsangYong Musso is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine. The diesel fed powerplant produces 179hp and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is attached to a 6-speed ASIN automatic transmission with drive mode selection. Power for the Korean pickup is sent exclusively to the rear wheels for the sole variant. For suspension, the pickup has a double-wishbone at the front and a 5-link coil spring at the rear. The Musso Grand, on the other hand, has a live axle rear with leaf springs. This is due to the Grand’s bigger load capacity and a bigger bed. Stopping powering comes from ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the back.
The SsangYong Musso with its 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine is refined. The diesel gruffness does rear its head when the vehicle starts up but it quickly disappears leaving a quiet cabin. The pickup features three power modes that give the vehicle distinct driving characteristics when chosen. Acceleration is smooth and you don't need a lead foot to get the vehicle going. Boost comes in early but not abruptly. The steering feel of the vehicle is nicely weighted making turning the wheel in tight spaces easy and traveling on the highway nicely weighted.
Technology Features
For infotainment, the SsangYong Musso comes with an 8-inch LCD smart audio head unit that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable. Airconditioning controls come in the form of dual-zone climate controls with rear vents. The pickup also comes with two 12-volt sockets, one located in the front and the other is located in the bed of the vehicle. A USB outlet can also be found in the interior of the vehicle.
Exterior
The SsangYong Musso can either be had with HID projector headlights for the Grand variant or halogen projectors for the regular Musso. The headlamps on both variants come with LED daytime running lamps. The side mirrors get power-folding and adjust along with integrated turn signals. The cargo bed of the pickup comes with deck hooks and a 12-volt outlet.
Interior
The interior of the SsangYong Musso can be had in either Nappa leather brown or in black leather. Depending on the variant heated and cooled seats are available. The rear seats also have the option to be heated depending on the variant. Depending on which variant of the Korean pickup is chosen the driver’s seat can come with heated and ventilated 8-way power-adjustability.
Safety
For safety, the Korean pickup comes with ABS and EBD along with a traction control system. The vehicle also comes with 6-airbags located at the front for the driver and passenger and along the sides of the vehicle. A review camera is standard for select variants in the model range.
Pros & Cons
What you might like about the SsangYong Musso is that it has a topnotch cabin. The pickup’s engine is also quiet and powerful. It’s refined to the point that you don’t need to stab the accelerator to get the pickup moving. Another attractive feature of the Korean workhorse is that it has a seamless infotainment system syncing and the vehicle itself has a lot of creature comforts.
What you might not like about the vehicle is that the ride quality can be a bit on the stiff side but it is to be expected of a pickup. It also lacks driver aids that other pickups in its category have.
We unbox the SsangYong Musso Grand on AutoDeal. We go over several key characteristics that make this midsize pickup different from its smaller brother.
