SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) Review

SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) At A Glance

3/5

+Stylish exterior. Well-equipped as standard. Impressive warranty.

-Disappointing interior. Poor refinement from 2.0 diesel engine. Steering is vague and lacks weight.

Insurance Groups are between 19–26
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

The SsangYong Korando is a compact SUV, similar in size to the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. Spacious and practical, it marks an improvement over previous SsangYong efforts, thanks to generous kit levels and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. However, while it's decent value, the Korando's appeal is muted by an uninspiring drive and disappointing interior.

A facelift in 2013 brought some much needed improvements while late 2015 saw the introduction of a new 2.2-litre diesel. This replaced the previous 2.0-litre engine with more power and better economy, while the optional six-speed automatic marks a significant upgrade over the old, slow and indecisive auto option.  

SsangYong expects the Korando to be popular with caravan owners – claiming it offers 'best in class' towing performance. It’s rated to pull a two-tonne braked trailer, and produces plenty of torque from fairly low down the rev-range, so towing over long distances should be easy. However, the Korando isn't particularly refined, with lots of road, engine and wind noise at all speeds. 

Base models (S and ES trim) are front wheel drive and the top spec EX model features on-demand four-wheel drive. All are well-equipped as standard, with air conditioning, electric windows, parking sensors and cruise control. However, while the equipment levels may be generous, the interior leaves a lot to be desired in terms of quality, with an abundance of cheap materials. The cabin also feels dated in style and layout, especially when compared to key rivals from Hyundai and Kia.

It might be a little rough around the edges and lacking in refinement somewhat, but the Korando offers strong performance and plenty of standard equipment. That coupled with the impressive warranty and a very affordable price tag means it has appeal for high mileage drivers, along with caravan owners looking for a no-nonsense tow car. 

SsangYong Korando 2013 facelift road test

Real MPG average for a SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

84%

Real MPG

26–46 mpg

MPGs submitted

81

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

SsangYong Korando new propshaft bearing, will manufacturer contribute?

"I have a 2016 SsangYong Korando 2.2 ELX4 auto. I had to have a new prop shaft fitted (£1,453) due to failure of the centre bearing. I accept the vehicle is out of warranty, but a failure at under 28,000 miles suggest faulty materials to me. The supplying dealer attempted to get a cost contribution from SsangYong who refused. I wrote to them direct on 7 December but had no contact from them, not even an acknowledgement of my letter. Is there any assistance you can give me please?"
It will be difficult to prove this is a manufacturing fault but it's worth following up your letter to SsangYong to see if they will change their mind about making a contribution.
Answered by Sarah Tooze

Can you recommend a towing vehicle for a small budget?

"I want to buy an SUV which tows at least 2-tonnes, it must be auto and ideally have 4WD as well. I tow a horse trailer which has a 1600 kg MAM and travel about 250 miles per week to work. But I only have about £4000-6500 to spend. I have looked at the Kia Sorento (would be about a 2004-2006 model with 80,000-100,000 miles at this price), Hyundai Santa Fe (can find slightly newer than the Sorento), also Tiguan, Shogun (possibly a bit too much for what I need), Land Cruiser (same as Shogun, but a lot pricier). I have avoided anything Land Rover due to reliability issues I have read about. Are there any you would recommend for this purpose in this price bracket, any you'd strongly avoid, or any I may have not considered? Thank you."
You're certainly thinking along the right lines - we'd be avoiding Land Rovers at this price, too, and the Kia Sorento/Hyundai Sante Fe/Mitsubishi Shogun/Toyota Land Cruiser all sound like more sensible options. Have you considered a SsangYong Korando? They're very popular with the towing fraternity due to their two-tonne towing capacity. You should be able to find a fairly tidy 2012 model within budget. We'd also recommend a Honda CR-V. Certain models can tow up to 2000kg. It should be a very reliable choice, too.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What do you think of the Ssangyong Korando?

"I am interested in buying a new SsangYong Korando Ex Auto 4WD which seems a lot of motorcar at a reasonable price. Would you recommend this car as being reliable? "
I have no reader feedback because too few were sold in the UK. Having driven one I can tell you it suffers from appalling understeer. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ssangyong/korando-2010/
Answered by Honest John
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