SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) Review
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SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) At A Glance
Stylish exterior. Well-equipped as standard. Impressive warranty.
Disappointing interior. Poor refinement from 2.0 diesel engine. Steering is vague and lacks weight.
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.
Reviews for SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 Diesel 2WD to 2.2 Diesel Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 26–46 mpg
The Korando is not a refined SUV. Vocal at start-up and prone to high levels of vibration and road noise, it feels very much like a throwback to the 4x4s of the 1990s. While it’s far from terrible, the original 2.0-litre diesel is nowhere near as smooth as the engines offered in the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. The disappointing 2.0-litre unit was replaced by a better 2.2 diesel in late 2015. It's still on the noisy side but is far smoother and there's less vibration in the cabin.
On the road, the Korando feels stable, with little body roll in the bends. It also chugs along well at low revs, producing enough torque to make steady, decent progress without frantically reaching for the gear stick. It rides well over speed bumps and potholes too, but at higher speeds - such as on a dual carriageway - it feels less stable and secure, with small lumps and undulations in the road relayed to the cabin, rather than absorbed by the suspension.
It's also reasonably capable off-road, although it doesn't have the ground clearance to climb steep hills or navigate over deep troughs. Nonetheless, for those who live up a farm track or need to cross fields its competent enough.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine - while a little gruff - is willing and powerful, producing 175PS. The 2.2-litre that replaced it has 178PS but it's the 400Nm of torque which really stands out. It means the Korando pulls strongly in gear which makes for effortless motorway progress and is ideal for towing.
What’s more impressive is the reasonable (if not exceptional) fuel economy it offers. SsangYong claims 47.1mpg for the 2.0D 2WD manual models. This improved significantly to 53.3mpg with the introduction of the 2.2-litre.
Unfortunately there are a few bugbears – most notably the slow and numb steering that makes it difficult to judge the direction and grip levels of the front wheels. Ssangyong addressed this issue with a 2015 update, but the handling is still far from perfect.
The manual gearbox has a long shift between ratios and feels a little old fashioned, plus the clutch is sprung in a non-linear way, making it difficult to control the biting point when pulling away from a standstill. Luckily, cars with the automatic gearbox are much, much better. The auto is likeable and suits the relaxed character of the car much better than the manual – perhaps why SsangYong expects it to be the more popular choice.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 38 mpg | - | 175 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 | 47 mpg | 9.9 s | 157 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 Automatic | 39 mpg | 10.4 s | 194 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 2WD | 46–49 mpg | 9.9–10.7 s | 147–157 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 2WD Automatic | 38–39 mpg | 9.9–10.8 s | 194–199 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 4WD | 44–46 mpg | 9.9–10.7 s | 159–169 g/km |
| 2.0 Diesel 4WD Automatic | 38 mpg | 9.9–10.8 s | 199 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel | 53 mpg | 9.9 s | 139 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel 2WD | 53 mpg | 9.9 s | 139 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel 2WD Automatic | 44 mpg | - | 169 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel 4WD | 49 mpg | 9.9 s | 152 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel 4WD Automatic | 33–49 mpg | 9.9 s | 152–185 g/km |
| 2.2 Diesel Automatic | 44 mpg | 9.9 s | 169 g/km |
Real MPG average for the SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019)
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
SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 486–1312 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4410 mm |
| Width | 1830–2090 mm |
| Height | 1675–1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
The Korando’s exterior styling may be handsome, but unfortunately it’s not the same story in the cabin. The layout - while neat - looks dated and build quality is patchy. For example, there is a non-stick material inside a storage compartment in the centre console – a nice touch that’ll keep things from sliding around making a din – but the hatch for accessing it clatters open and is made of thin, scratchy plastic.
The large steering wheel looks and feels like it has been lifted from a 1990s 4x4, while the cheap switches give the dashboard the ambiance of a 1980s' Hi-Fi system.
Aesthetics aside, there is a rugged, functional appeal to the cabin, along with some nice features. The driving position is high up and offers a good view all around, plus the seats are easily adjusted to suit most drivers. In ES and EX trim, the seats are trimmed with leather and heated in both the front and the back – a nice premium touch. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable too.
Of course, heating the rear seats is pointless if nobody can fit in them, but that’s another area in which the Korando scores highly – there’s enough room in the back for three adults. There’s also a large boot of 486 litres and it can be expanded easily thanks to rear seats that fold completely flat.
All models are well-equipped as standard, with air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, Bluetooth and puddle lamps, which are built into the wing mirrors. Mid-spec models get electric door mirrors, auto levelling headlights, seven-inch touchscreen and a rear view camera.
SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4410 mm |
| Width | 1830–2090 mm |
| Height | 1675–1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1591–1828 kg |
| Boot Space | 486–1312 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 250000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Alternative | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,995–£23,195 |
| Insurance Groups | 19–26 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–J |
| Official MPG | 32.8–53.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 2.2 ELX 4X4 5dr | £22,330 | 48.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 ELX Auto 5dr | - | 32.8 mpg | - |
| Estate 2.2 LE 5dr | - | 53.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 LE Auto 5dr | - | 43.5 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 SE 4X4 5dr | £18,830 | 48.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 SE 5dr | - | 53.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 Ultimate 4X4 Auto 5dr | - | 39.8 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until April 2019
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 2.0 SE 5dr | £15,830 | 37.6 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 2.2 ELX 4X4 5dr | £21,565 | 48.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 ELX 4X4 Auto 5dr | £23,195 | 41.5 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 EX 4X4 5dr | £19,315 | 48.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 EX 5dr | £17,570 | 53.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 LE 5dr | £18,370 | 53.3 mpg | - |
| Estate 2.2 LE Auto 5dr | £19,070 | 43.5 mpg | - |
| Estate 2.2 SE 4X4 5dr | £18,065 | 48.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.2 SE 5dr | £16,320 | 53.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until April 2017
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 2.2 LE 5dr | £17,995 | 53.3 mpg | - |
| Estate 2.2 LE Auto 5dr | £18,995 | 43.5 mpg | - |
On sale until November 2015
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Estate 2.0 ELX4 5dr | £19,995 | 45.6 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.0 ELX4 Auto 5dr | £21,500 | 37.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.0 SE 5dr | £14,995 | 47.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Estate 2.0 SE4 5dr | £16,495 | 45.6 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until March 2014
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 Diesel 149 ES 5dr | £19,495 | 48.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 149 EX 4WD 5dr | £21,445 | 45.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 149 S 5dr | £16,995 | 48.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 ES 5dr | £19,495 | 47.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 ES Auto 5dr | £20,945 | 38.7 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 EX 4WD 5dr | £21,445 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 EX 4WD Auto 5dr | £22,995 | 37.7 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 2.0 Diesel 175 S 5dr | £16,995 | 47.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 Diesel SX 4WD 5dr | £18,795 | 45.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until July 2013
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 Diesel SE 5dr | £14,995 | 48.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until June 2012
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) ES Auto 5dr | £20,945 | 38.7 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) S 5dr | £16,995 | 47.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until April 2011
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) 5dr | - | 47.1 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) Auto 5dr | - | 38.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) High Line 5dr | - | 47.1 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (2WD) High Line Auto 5dr | - | 38.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (AWD) High Line 5dr | - | 44.1 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 2.0 Diesel (AWD) High Line Auto 5dr | - | 37.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
Model History
- November 2010: All new SsangYong Korando unveiled
- February 2012: SsangYong launches limited edition Korando LE
- June 2012
- October 2015: Korando improved for 2016
- May 2017: Korando revised with new look
- October 2018: Seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty announced
November 2010
All new SsangYong Korando unveiled
On sale from January 2011, five models from launch in the UK, with the option of two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual and automatic, and two trim levels.
Power from a new Euro5 2.0 litre diesel engine, which delivers reasonable fuel economy and 157g/km CO2 emissions. Coming below the critical 160g/km level permits a 25% tax reduction, especially important for the user/chooser, a key part of the fleet market. The new 175PS diesel engine makes Korando one of the most powerful in its class, and with a full two tonne towing capacity, also one of the best tow-cars.
Ssangyong states: "a maintenance-free poly grooved one belt and timing chain drive have been fitted."
Korando range
- Two-wheel drive, manual
- Two-wheel drive, manual - High Line
- Two-wheel drive, automatic - High Line
- All-wheel drive, manual - High Line
- All-wheel drive, automatic - High Line
Offers a comprehensive five-year or 250,000 mile warranty, decent fuel economy, low running costs and initial affordability in the rapidly growing compact crossover segment. Production of right-hand-drive vehicles began November 2010 with deliveries to the United Kingdom from end of 2010, and on sale date in January 2011.
February 2012
SsangYong launches limited edition Korando LE
Distinguished by its special 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass, the Korando LE includes luxury touches inside such as heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, and for extra safety and convenience, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design, this latest addition to the Korando crossover line-up is covered by the standard 5 year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong cars and priced from just £17,995 on the road.
Available in Grand White as standard, metallic Vitamin Red or Space Black, the Korando LE is powered by an advanced 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque withemissions of only 157g/km. The LE has the same mechanical specification as the two wheel drive Korando S.
June 2012
The Korando SX is powered by a new low CO2 version of the Korando power unit. Developing 149PS@4,000rpm, this 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions reduced to 157g/km, while providing a full two tonne towing capability. Priced at £18,795 on the road.
The SX features the Torque on Demand 4x4 system fitted to EX models, and like all Korandos is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist. Its specification is similar to the Korando S - which also now features this new engine - but in two wheel drive form brings reduced CO2emissions of 147g/km.
It comes equipped with a number of luxury touches including roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there is a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth, remote audio controls and six speakers.
The Korando SX features a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback.
However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels. An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a sodden field when towing a caravan or horsebox.
| Korando | ||||||
| Specification | S | SX | ES | ES | EX | EX |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual | Manual | Auto | Manual | Auto |
| 2WD | 4WD | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | |
| On the road price | £16,995 | £18,795 | £19,495 | £20,945 | £21,445 | £22,995 |
October 2015
Korando improved for 2016
The improvements are the result of a major upgrade to the engine which now employs a new Euro 6, 2.2 litre diesel engine, and offers the choice of two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and either a 6-speed manual or new Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changing and an enhanced driving performance
Maximum power is increased to 178PS and torque to 400Nm. Maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1400rpm Big strides have also been made with CO2 emissions which have been reduced to 139g/km, down from 147g/km on the previous two-wheel drive, manual transmission model, while fuel economy is considerably improved and now up to 53.3mpg for the 2-wheel drive manual compared with 47.1mpg on the model it replaces.
Externally, it now sports stylish clear glass direction indicators, a new piano black radiator grille with additional chrome detailing on the ELX, and new-look 16-inch & 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on the top of the range model.
There are further improvements inside with an upgraded infotainment system on all models. The SE gets an RDS audio system with an MP3 player, Bluetooth, iPod / iPhone connectivity, while the EX features a 7-inch high-resolution touch screen with audio streaming from smart devices and a link to the rear view camera. The top of the range ELX also benefits from a TomTom navigation system, and all feature a USB memory slot, Aux port and HDMI port.
| Model range | £ |
| Korando 2.2 SE | £15,995 |
| Korando 2.2 SE 4x4 | £17,495 |
| Korando 2.2 EX | £17,495 |
| Korando 2.2 EX 4x4 | £18,995 |
| Korando 2.2 ELX 4x4 | £20,995 |
| Korando 2.2 ELX 4x4 automatic | £22,495 |
May 2017
Korando revised with new look
It now has a new grille and headlight treatment, adopting the new SsangYong ‘look’ first seen on the Tivoli and Tivoli XLV, and on the new Rexton announced recently. It features daytime running lights and on the inside a new ergonomically designed steering wheel.
There are four models in the range: the two-wheel drive SE at £17,000; SE 4x4, £18,500; ELX 4x4, £22,000; and ELX with automatic transmission from £23,500. The new car goes on sale with immediate effect.
All models come with electrically operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps, RDS radio and iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, tinted glass and roof rails. The ELX adds a raft of additional equipment including front & rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 7-inch touchscreen, RDS radio and TomTom sat nav, distinctive new 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, leather seats, heated steering wheel and heated front & rear seats.
The new Korando is powered by a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel. Maximum power is 178PS and torque to 400Nm.
October 2018
Seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty announced
SsangYong introduces upgraded warranty for all its models. Covers all major mechanical components including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints and shock absorbers. Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake pads are covered for one year of 12,500 miles. Battery and paintwork covered for three years.
