KGM Musso Review: Comfortable as an SUV, Capable as a Real Off-Roader, for Less Than a Well-Equipped Dacia Duster

As a professional or recreational vehicle with a thirst for adventure, pickup trucks are gaining ground in Spain: the forecast for 2026 places them around 14,000 units. Several players cover this segment, and the latest entry comes from KGM, formerly SsangYong. This is the KGM Musso, a deep update of the already compelling pickup launched three years ago: more technology, enhanced 4×4 capabilities, and now with short- and long-box versions.

All of this, with hardly any price increase: it starts at 27,000 euros, or 28,000 euros with the wider box. This makes it one of the cheapest large pickups available, and a very attractive option for work or outdoor leisure.

The keys of the new Musso

A different look. Compared with the 2023 debut, the KGM Musso essentially changes in its styling. The front end has been completely redesigned, with certain nods to the Ford F-150 Raptor, such as the C-shaped headlights or the bold nameplate dominating over its massive grille. The rear is also entirely new, with narrower taillights, the KGM initials on a large dark plastic trim, and more generous bumpers. The wheel arches, in dark gray, are also wider.

Beyond that, we’re looking at the same pickup as the SsangYong predecessor: there are no changes to the chassis, suspension; nor the mechanicals or transmission. It continues to offer five seats in a double cab, with spacious front seats. The rear space is somewhat limited for legroom, but a person around 1.80 m tall does not end up pressing knees against the seatback.

Two bodies. This thoroughly renewed KGM Musso is offered in short-bed and long-bed (Musso Grand) versions. In the former, the bed length from the cab to the tail is 1.3 m, while the Grand Musso bed extends to 1.61 m. The width of both is 1.57 m, with a height of 57 cm, and eight tie-down points on the side walls, four each. It is open, but can optionally be fully closed either with a retractable tonneau cover or with a rigid module, turning the bed into a massive trunk.

More capable off-road. It also improves as a 4×4, thanks to a 3 cm increase in ground clearance, reaching 24.8 cm on the short-bed version and 24.5 cm on the Musso Grand. But above all, it improves attack, ramp, and departure angles, enabling it to clear more demanding off-road obstacles and slopes. It demonstrated this on a highly technical circuit.

Like a car. The perceived quality of this pickup, even in its base trim, is very good, with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doors, plus metallic trim. The two screens are added: the instrument cluster and the central multimedia display, both 12.3 inches.

But the interior of the new Musso is not fully digital: all climate control is handled from three knobs and two tactile buttons, which are quite large so they can be used by touch as well. Likewise, driving and traction modes: the former with a button at the base of the gear lever and the latter with a dial. On the steering wheel all controls are physical, either by button or by keys.

Only diesel with 202 CV. The mechanical lineup of this KGM Musso, as before, is limited to a single 2.2-liter diesel engine with 202 HP, which can be selected with either manual or automatic transmission. Torque is 441 Nm in automatic and 400 Nm with the manual box.

Those 200+ horsepower move the vehicle to just over two tons and 2.2 tons, depending on bed length and trim. The towing capacity is up to 3.5 tons, so you can haul a large caravan without fear of overburdening the engine.

Driving the KGM Musso

“Climb” into the driver’s seat of the KGM Musso (ground clearance about 35 cm counting the body) is facilitated by the door-frame handle. The seating position is upright and comfortable, with good back support, so long hours behind the wheel are feasible. We tested both body styles, both with automatic transmission.

Truth be told, at the wheel it feels like a car too and, although you sit higher, it’s stable and you can cruise at 120 km/h or more on the highway, which is where we drove it essentially. Visibility is excellent thanks to the higher stance, with large side mirrors that minimize blind spots for overtaking: you don’t miss the blind-spot detector, which it doesn’t have.

Its 202 HP are more than adequate to move the up to 2.2 tons, in both the short and long body, with not much difference even with the extra 200 kg. It offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Winter, designed for rain and lower-traction situations. In Normal mode, the KGM Musso responds well to throttle input, with smooth gear changes. In Sport, torque comes earlier, shifting up the RPM and slightly stiffening the steering, which is already fairly firm.

Where you will notice a difference between the two bodies is in the suspension: the shorter version uses Multilink, delivering a more comfortable ride, while staying balanced and not wobbling excessively on curves or bumps. The Musso Grand’s leaf-spring setup is a touch stiffer, with more noticeable vibrations when driving fast.

In short, although it was born to be a work and field vehicle, the Musso is as comfortable as it is capable on asphalt, making it versatile. In the city, despite its 5.15 m length, it handles well even in tight streets, and its good turning radius aids maneuvering. At low speeds, it offers excellent torque for climbing inclines like Jaén’s steep streets without breaking a sweat in Normal mode.

A true all-terrain vehicle

From asphalt to earth, it was time to test KGM’s revamped pickup in the setting it was built for: the countryside. In addition to the driving modes and the improved attack and departure angles, the Musso features several off-road ingredients, starting with the three traction modes: front-wheel drive, 4×4 (designed for sand or snow) and 4×4 Low (low range). The descent control and rear differential lock are also added.

The off-road circuit we faced was extremely technical, with long climbs between 45° and 60° of incline, deep crossing over bridges (nearly 1 m high in places) that could leave the vehicle resting on just two or three wheels, and sections with lateral tilt. In all cases the Musso excels with the low range engaged and without needing dedicated off-road tires: tackling these obstacles becomes very easy for anyone, regardless of experience. Even more so with the automatic transmission. The descent control works very well, holding steady even on very steep slopes without the need to brake.

And on dirt roads, where we can also travel in low gear at 20–30 km/h, it performs perfectly. Also in mud and when climbing, without needing much throttle assistance.

The only thing I’ve missed compared with other off-roaders I’ve piloted on dedicated off-road routes is the function of an invisible hood for blind spots during climbs or turns on descents, which forces you to know the path or rely on guidance. It’s enjoyable, but above all it becomes a superb mount for work off the beaten path, along forest tracks or even more demanding terrain.

Two finishes and well equipped

This KGM Musso can be ordered in either of its two cabs with two trims: the base Pro and the more complete Limited. The base can be ordered with either short- or long-bed, and with both manual and automatic. The Limited is only available with a short-bed and automatic transmission.

The Pro is already very well equipped, featuring 17-inch wheels, halogen headlights or LED daytime/running lights and fog lamps, power and folding mirrors with integrated indicators, and pre-wiring for a tow hitch. In terms of comfort you’ll find it has tri-zone climate control, two 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster and central multimedia) with built-in navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a rearview camera with parking guidance.

Its suite of assistance systems is also generous, including automatic emergency braking with forward collision alert, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist (both deactivatable), Intelligent Speed Assist (also deactivatable), rollover protection, cruise control, road sign recognition and fatigue alert. Descent control and the traction modes and driving modes come as standard on this finish as well.

The flagship Limited adds 18-inch wheels with the same design, LED main headlights, aluminum roof rails, leather seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support, heated front and rear seats, a heated leather steering wheel, LED interior lighting, one-touch windows, and wireless charging for mobile devices.

In addition, the new KGM Musso again offers the optional Adventure Extreme package (only for the short-bed version), featuring Öhlins suspension kit that raises the vehicle by another 3 cm to further improve angles, an aluminum engine oil pan, or alloy wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. This option also increases the track width. Installation is carried out by the dealership, including homologation, and carries a price, including labor, of 9,500 euros.

Other purely 4×4 extras are available, such as the retractable cover or rear anti-roll bar, wider off-road side steps, the engine cover, or a hard-top cover.

From 27,000 euros

The KGM Musso is now available, with a price range between 27,000 and 33,000 euros depending on body style, transmission and trim. These prices are without VAT, as this is a vehicle aimed at professionals who may benefit from a complete VAT exemption if used for business purposes. Autonomous workers are thus the main target customers, though administrations—from rescue vehicles to civil protection to forestry fleets—are also in the sights.

But it is also an option for private individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, live in mountainous areas, or like towing camper trailers. In fact, the bed can host either camper modules or an integrated tent from specialists in this type of pickup camper conversions.

The big appeal of the KGM Musso lies in its price compared with the major best-sellers in this segment, such as the Ford Ranger (about 34,300 euros) or the Toyota Hilux (35,938 euros), both prices excluding VAT. In addition to being cheaper, it offers a good price-to-equipment-to-off-road performance ratio, making it a very interesting rival to both pickups.

Images | KGM