Written by Keith Adams Published: 9 January 2025

Overview

The Korando’s gone through a bit of a transformation over its long lifetime. Starting out as a badge-engineered Jeep built by SsangYong, it moved through its off-roader stage before maturing into a fully-fledged family SUV. In 2024, it was rebranded to become the KGM Korando, and in the process it received a raft of cosmetic and spec updates.

Central to the Korando’s appeal is its large size, low price, standard part-time four-wheel drive and consequently, it has become a particularly popular tow car thanks to a high kerbweight and 2,000kg towing limit. The current model, which dates back to the 2019 SsangYong Korando, features plenty of sophisticated tech and comfort features for the money.

But there’s revised a new pricetag, placing the Korando at the lower end of the Skoda Karoq, Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai model ranges. It’s also in contention with specced-up versions of true budget champions such as the Dacia Duster and MG ZS, which clearly have plenty to offer in their latest forms.

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What’s it like inside?

The Korando’s interior is, for the most part, a model of common sense. Controls are largely where you’d expect them, with big, chunky and well-labelled buttons throughout. You get support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is great. The system is also fitted with a TomTom sat-nav system, which works well and serves up clear instructions.

The big selling point has always been lots of metal for the money. A six-foot adult can comfortably sit behind another, with plenty of room. The front seats are raised enough to allow feet to be slid under them, too, and the rear bench is fairly flat making carrying three passengers realistic. Big windows also help – they provide lots of airflow, and a great view out, minimising car sickness.

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Boot space

The Korando’s 511-litre boot looks impressive on paper, but open up the tailgate and you might be surprised at how shallow the space actually is. That’s mainly due to the adjustable boot floor – lower it, and you’ll liberate a far more useful space. The floor can also be positioned upright and used as a boot divider.

However, with the boot floor in its lowest position there’s a large load sill to lift items over, and when the rear seats are lowered there’s a large hump in the load floor. The rear seats also aren’t especially clever – doing without the sliding, reclining or individual folding that you get in a Skoda Karoq.

Safety

The Korando gained a full-five-star rating by Euro NCAP – a big leap for its maker, as the previous model wasn’t assessed. But that was back in 2019 in SsangYong form, and things have moved on considerably since then.

Despite this, it’s still reasonably competitive, with this model featuring lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and six airbags are also part of the package. Four-wheel drive is also a desirable string to its bow, especially at this price point.

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What’s it like to drive?

There’s only one engine to choose from – an advantage if you’re overwhelmed by choice. The petrol unit has been around since 2020 and is pleaingly punchy for its size, producing a very useful 163hp. Acceleration isn’t sparkling, though, with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 112mph. It’s only available with two-wheel drive form, and in six-speed manual or automatic forms.

This is a car that doesn’t particularly like to be hurried, although it doesn’t particularly put a foot wrong. It’s quite firmly sprung, which helps its handling in the bends – bodyroll is well controlled and the car grips tenaciously. However, this translates to a ride that easily becomes unsettled over rough roads, with the result that the Korando rarely feels totally composed except on smooth motorways and A-roads.

The Korando ends up clattering over lumps and bumps in the road – made worse by the large, 19-inch alloy wheels. A Hyundai Tucson is certainly more comfortable, especially over rutted surfaces. The KGM’s seats also lack a bit of lateral support – they’re quite wide and flat, comfortable on a run but you’ll be sliding about a bit in fast corners.

The steering is accurate enough but is quite low-geared, requiring lots of arm-twirling round town. And while this translates into good motorway stability, it’s quite difficult to modulate on bendy roads. Four-wheel drive works well in poor conditions, and is especially useful in winter driving.

Ownership costs and maintenance

Running costs are offset by their low purchase price, and there shouldn’t be any concerns when it comes to the Korando’s reliability. Economy and emissions are unexceptional – 34.9mpg WLTP Combined and 184g/km. KGM builds its cars to take some punishment, and they last well – owners tend to be very satisfied with their purchases.

Dealers also tend to be smaller, more local garages, and that should allow buyers to build more of a relationship with their garage, as opposed to dealing with a faceless corporate-styled main dealer. The warranty on the Korando is seven years of coverage, and it lasts 150,000 miles, too. That should give real peace-of-mind to those buyers who keep their cars for a long time.

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What models and trims are available?

There’s just one trim level – the K35 – and it’s well equipped for the money, and the only. As standard, you get a premium leather interior, heated steering wheel, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and 19-inch alloy wheels. Options are limited to towing packs and luggage compartment accessories.

For our full, expert verdict on the KGM Korando, keep reading – does its bargain price make up for some of its shortcomings?  If you’d like to learn more about how we reached our decision on the car, check out our how we test cars explainer page.