SsangYong Korando Review 2026

March 2019

2019 SsangYong Korando revealed at Geneva Motor Show

Traditionally seen as a budget rival to the Nissan Qashqai and KIA Sportage, the new Korando moves upmarket with good looks and impressive interior quality.

It features a similar design to the smaller Tivoli and is available from launch with a 1.6 litre chain cam diesel engine. An alternative 1.5 turbo petrol engine expected to be the best seller is on sale from January 2020.

An electric version is set to follow, previewed by the e-SIV concept which had a range of 280 miles. If the production Korando EV combines a useable electric range with an affordable price tag, it could be a huge deal for the brand, which currently remains quite a niche player in the UK.

The new Korando is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. With the rear seats left up, it has a generous boot space of 551 litres - bigger than most its mainstream rivals, though in models with a spare wheel designed for towing caravans, this reduces to 408 litres.

There’s a good amount of head- and legroom for front and rear passengers, while some of the technology on offer mimics that of much more expensive competitors. This includes a 10.25-inch digital display behind the steering wheel in place of conventional dials, along with a nine-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety kit includes an advanced emergency braking system along with adaptive cruise control and high beam assistance.

The 1.5-litre GDI petrol engine produces 163PS and 280Nm of torque. Fuel consumption figures are yet to be confirmed, but SsangYong says it’s targeting a CO2 figure of 146g/km.

The diesel automatic, has a power output of 136PS and 324Nm of torque, with a CO2 rating of 151g/km for the 2WD and 171g/km for the 4WD (WLTP figures)

August 2019

SsangYong Korando prices and specs announced

The new SsangYong Korando SUV launched with prices starting at £19,995 for the 1.5 petrol turbo manual with 2WD, though that is on sale from 'early 2020'.

More stylish than its predecessor, the new Korando is an affordable rival to the KIA Sportage, Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai.

Initially available with a 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 136PS and 324Nm of torque and automatic transmission, the 2WD Korando is capable of returning 48.7mpg under WLTP tests and CO2 emissions of 151g/km. It covers 0-62mph in 12 seconds. The 4WD Korando diesel automatic manages 43.5mg and 171g/km CO2 WLTP.

A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol arrives in the UK January 2020, providing 163PS and 280Nm of torque.

The entry-level Korando ELX, with its £19,995 price tag, is only available with the 1.5 GDI petrol engine, manual transmission and two-wheel drive. It features cloth trim, 17-inch alloy wheels paired with all-weather tyres, cruise control, DAB radio with Bluetooth, six airbags and auto wipers/lights.

The Venture starts at £22,995 and is also only available with the 1.5 petrol engine and manual gearbox with two-wheel drive. It adds faux leather combined with deluxe fabric seat upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, electronic parking brake, 10.25-inch full LCD cluster, eight-inch touchscreen media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Aimed at the caravan and towing market, the Korando Pioneer starts at £26,495 and comes with the 1.6 diesel engine with an automatic transmission, available with two- or four-wheel drive. It has a two-tonne towing capacity, features faux leather combined with deluxe fabric seats, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-weather tyres, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, a full-sized spare wheel, 3.5-inch LCD cluster, eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-view camera.

The top-spec Korando Ultimate comes in two variants, starting at £26,495. A petrol two-wheel-drive model with manual or automatic gearbox, or a diesel engine with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It features leather seats (with driver's lumbar support), dual-zone air conditioning, a nine-inch touchscreen media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, rear privacy glass, LED headlights, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, mood lighting and a power tailgate.

All models come with a seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty on major components.