Korean automaker KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, has introduced a revamped Musso pickup truck that aims to retain its rugged appeal while updating its design and engine options. The new Musso, now available on the South Korean market, carries forward the brand’s traditional ladder-frame chassis but sports noticeably more aggressive styling and refreshed powertrains targeting both diesel and gasoline enthusiasts.
The new Musso blends fierce looks with familiar underpinnings: its front end boasts a bulky grille, striking square headlights, and ”Musso” emblazoned boldly across the hood instead of the traditional brand badge-an unmistakable nod to its refreshed identity after SsangYong’s rebranding to KGM. Underneath, it sticks to a rugged frame, ensuring the muscular durability that pickup buyers have long valued.
Power comes from a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine delivering 202 horsepower, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline variant offers a slightly higher 217 horsepower output. This dual-powertrain approach addresses a wider customer base, balancing fuel efficiency and performance. The pickup is offered in two versions: a standard model and an extended ”Grand” variant that increases cargo bed length and swaps the rear suspension for leaf springs to boost payload capacity.
Dimensionally, the standard Musso measures 5,150 mm in length with a 3,100 mm wheelbase, while the Grand edition extends to 5,460 mm long and a 3,210 mm wheelbase. The cargo bed also expands from 1,300 mm to 1,610 mm in the Grand version, making it more practical for heavier and larger loads. These specs position the Musso as a solid contender in the midsize pickup segment, blending workhorse capabilities with updated styling.
Pricing in South Korea starts around 29.9 million won (approximately 1.6 million rubles), with the diesel-equipped version commanding a premium beginning at 31.7 million won (around 1.7 million rubles). Whether KGM’s new Musso will reach outside the domestic market, including Russia, remains uncertain amid ongoing global supply chain and geopolitical challenges.
While pickup trucks remain popular worldwide, KGM faces stiff competition from established brands like Toyota with its Hilux, Ford with the Ranger, and Hyundai’s growing share in the midsize pickup segment. The Musso’s commitment to a traditional ladder frame contrasts with a trend toward more unibody constructions, raising questions about how much innovation buyers expect in a market increasingly favoring electrification and advanced driver aids.
Still, KGM’s Musso update signals its perseverance in a niche where reliability and toughness are prized, especially in commercial and rural applications. Whether the rebrand and refreshed design will resonate beyond its Korean heartland depends on the company’s ability to navigate international markets hungry for modern yet durable pickups, particularly as sustainability and connectivity continue to reshape buyer priorities.