Rexton Sports: A Pickup with Luxury Inside

I can't remember the last time I reviewed a SsangYong vehicle, and this time, I approached the test drive with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Today, I’ll take a closer look at the 2022 model of the newly improved Rexton Sports Khan Expedition, while reminiscing about the legendary frame-body SUV, the Rexton.

In South Korea, the Rexton Sports is the only domestic pickup truck available, right? Although its sales faced a slight dip with the arrival of impressive American pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator, it still boasts an impressive cumulative sales record of 400,000 units. It even earned the title of Pickup of the Year from the Korean Automobile Journalists Association in 2022, proving its enduring presence in the market.

Personally, I hope that not only the new Rexton Sports Khan but also the follow-up versions of popular SsangYong models like the Korando and Tivoli are well-executed, paving the way for a new leap forward.

First off, the front design has become incredibly stylish. The Expedition trim features a matte black radiator grille and front nudge bar, giving it a sportier and more robust appearance compared to previous models.

It almost feels familiar, doesn’t it? It even has a friendly vibe.

Marvel Black Panther, right?

Anyway, the Expedition-specific dress-up tuning items give it a fresh look, almost like a facelift.

In addition, although it’s imitation, the hood features air duct decorations that seem to cool a high-performance gasoline engine. The C-pillar also sports an Expedition-specific badge reminiscent of the Jeep Edition model.

The 18-inch black wheels come equipped with hefty 265/60R all-terrain tires, indicating that this truck is ready for both comfortable on-road driving and off-road adventures.

And looking at the rear, the pickup truck genre certainly provides the fun of customizing the cargo area.

The new Rexton Sports Khan offers a variety of customization options that clearly demonstrate its intended use. The test vehicle features a Bunker Roll Bar option suitable for outdoor camping and car camping life, in addition to its cargo capabilities.

The roof rack, including crossbars, makes it easy to install rooftop tents. The axe attached to the side may seem a bit unsettling, though! Haha.

Additionally, you can customize with flat covers, folding or sliding covers, sports bars, or hardtops to match your preferences. Interestingly, depending on how you decorate the cargo area, the same Rexton Sports Khan can have a completely different vibe.

On the right side of the roll bar, I noticed a step that helps you escape in various situations when the wheels get stuck, indicating that the test vehicle is set up for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy off-roading and camping.

The rear view is unmistakably that of a typical American pickup truck. However, it’s important to remember that this is a homegrown model. The large embossed lettering "KHAN" and the 4X4 emblem sit adorably in the lower right corner.

For reference, the Rexton Sports Khan has a longer cargo area compared to the standard Rexton Sports model. The deck capacity of the Khan is 1,262 liters, which is 251 liters larger than the standard model, and consequently, the vehicle's body is longer.

Just for fun, you could easily toss in about four golf bags and maybe even fit a golf cart!

When we look inside, it’s truly impressive. Even when the Rexton Sports first launched, it was surprising how luxurious the interior of a pickup truck could be. Compared to all competing imported pickups, this interior stands out for its quality.

In American culture, the idea of luxury in a pickup truck seems odd, but the interior of the Rexton Sports Khan, based on the Rexton classified as a premium domestic SUV, naturally cannot be compared.

The touch-operated 9-inch navigation monitor, along with electrically operated mood speakers that pop up and retract, adds to the luxury. The heating and ventilation seat functions are available for both the driver and passenger seats. Although it feels a bit aftermarket, it also includes wireless smartphone charging and an air purifier.

However, the built-in air purifier can be somewhat noisy. When set to auto mode, the motor's noise increases, which can be bothersome. But on the bright side, it reassures you that the indoor air quality is improving.

Overall, considering the price range of the Rexton Sports & Khan, which is between 2 to 3 million won (approximately $1,500 to $2,250 USD), it offers exceptional value compared to its competitors.

This is what we mean by value for money. If the Rexton Sports Khan were priced similarly to imported pickups costing over 50 million won (approximately $37,500 USD), people might have criticized its classic interior, reminiscent of the earlier Rexton models, for lacking modern materials.

Considering that the top trim, the Expedition, is priced at 39,850,000 won (approximately $29,900 USD), it still boasts an excellent interior. The second-row seating is also spacious, right?

There are even cute storage spaces under the second-row seats...

Plus, it features a 3D surround-view camera, an option usually found in high-end sedans priced at 40 to 50 million won (approximately $30,000 to $37,500 USD). I want to highlight how impressive the overall value is.

The 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with the Aisin 6-speed transmission delivers a maximum output of 202 horsepower and a torque of 45 kg·m, showcasing a well-validated powertrain that performs adequately overall.

However, it doesn’t mean the ride comfort or performance feels like a luxury sedan. You must consider the stiff chassis typical of SsangYong's frame-body design, the large tires, and the inherent bounciness of the pickup truck structure.

On the bright side, the quadruple steel frame, ultra-high-strength quad frame, and the 79.2% application of high-strength steel, along with the panoramic type 6 airbags, ensure exceptional safety.

Reflecting on my test drive of the SsangYong vehicle after a long time, I realized that car prices, both domestic and imported, have significantly increased in recent years. While they offer refined designs and high-quality materials, it’s worth pondering whether consumers are receiving adequate value for the higher prices.

The SsangYong Rexton Sports Khan has now achieved cumulative sales of 400,000 units, and it’s clear why it holds over 80% of the domestic pickup market share, competing effectively against American imported pickups known for their originality.

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