In Brief
The new KGM Musso pickup, unveiled at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show, won’t be sold in France. Powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel producing 181 horsepower and packed with a host of modern conveniences, it is aimed at markets where pickups are in demand. Despite its technical and styling merits, the absence of KGM badging in France and the severity of the country’s eco tax make its arrival impossible. In the United Kingdom, it is expected to start at around €38,000.
It has everything going for it to win over pickup enthusiasts: a completely redesigned design, a one-ton payload capacity, four-wheel drive, and a proven diesel engine. Yet this new rival to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger will never be marketed in France. Unveiled at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show, the second-generation KGM Musso is paying the price for a French market that has become hostile to this class of vehicles.
A Show Dedicated to Commercial Vehicles in Birmingham
The “Commercial Vehicle Show” in Birmingham is the major annual event dedicated to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, held this year from April 21–23, 2026. Numerous brands participated, such as ISUZU which unveiled an updated version of its D-Max pickup (available in electric and diesel versions), Chery with an all-electric van reminiscent of the new Renault Trafic E-Tech, and BYD with a cargo version of its compact electric Dolphin, named the Dolphin e-Cargo Van. In addition to Japanese and Chinese manufacturers, another South Korean brand was present: KGM. For context, KGM was established in 2023, succeeding the former SsangYong. Acquired in 2022 by the KG Group conglomerate, the brand has been modernized and expanded (Actyon, Torres, Torres EVX, Musso Sports…). It came to the West Midlands to reveal its all-new Musso pickup. This competitor to the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and ISUZU D-Max finally benefits from a highly anticipated second generation, eight years after the launch of the previous one.
A Diesel-Powered Pickup with a Refined Design
The new Musso sports a far more refined look than its predecessor, which struggled to hide its roots as a Rexton SUV turned pickup. This time, it is a genuine pickup, featuring a sleek silhouette and well-balanced proportions, enhanced by stylish lighting signatures and a bold grille that underscores its rugged presence. The model remains a double-cab, capable of carrying up to 1,000 kg and towing up to 3,500 kg. While the interior had not yet been shown, it is expected to include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Under the hood sits a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing 181 horsepower, sourced from the Rexton, paired with an automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain. The KGM Musso also features a limited-slip differential and a “Clear Sight Ground View” system that lets you view underneath the vehicle via a camera, handy for fording streams or negotiating rough terrain. In the United Kingdom, pricing is expected to start around €38,000. In France, it won’t be marketed because KGM isn’t distributed in the country, and it wouldn’t pass the ecological tax, a French peculiarity that is regrettable.
Comparison Table
| Model | Powertrain | Power | Payload (kg) | Towing capacity (kg) | Drivetrain | Base price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KGM Musso | 2.2L turbodiesel | 181 hp | 1,000 | 3,500 | 4×4, automatic | ~€38,000 |
Key Takeaways
- The new KGM Musso was unveiled at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in 2026.
- This Korean pickup is offered only in a double-cab version with a 2.2L turbodiesel producing 181 horsepower.
- It offers a payload of 1,000 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
- Modern features like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
- The Musso is not available in France due to the absence of KGM distribution and the eco tax.
- The UK price is estimated from around €38,000.
FAQ
Why isn’t the new KGM Musso sold in France?
The Musso pickup isn’t marketed in France because KGM isn’t distributed in that market, and the vehicle would be penalized by the country’s ecological tax.
What are the main specs of the new Musso?
It features a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine producing 181 hp, an automatic transmission, 4×4, a payload of 1,000 kg, and can tow up to 3,500 kg.
What modern equipment is available on the Musso?
The Musso offers a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a limited-slip differential, and the optional “Clear Sight Ground View.”
What is the UK price for the KGM Musso?
The base price for the KGM Musso in the United Kingdom is expected to start at around €€38,000.
What competitors are named for the KGM Musso?
The rivals cited are the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, and ISUZU D-Max.
