The old SsangYong Rexton was cheap, but had too many rough edges.

The new Rexton may not be perfect, but it is now a credible rival for the likes of the Kia Sorento – especially if you want a 4×4 that’s genuinely capable off road.

The old-fashioned body-on-frame construction contributes to the car’s prowess in the mud, and makes for a very high kerbweight.

However, the SsangYong doesn’t deliver a particularly sophisticated ride. The suspension is relatively soft but not very controlled, so the Rexton doesn’t handle as well as a Sorento or Land Rover Discovery Sport.

It’s reasonably stable at 60mph, but when we pushed on to 70mph the SsangYong felt less composed. When slowing from high speed, the Al-Ko ATC sensors picked up some sway but not enough to worry the driver.

The hill-start test was straightforward. In two-wheel-drive mode there was a brief moment of wheelspin, but this was easily cured by switching to four-wheel drive.

Inside, the Rexton is a world away from the old model. It’s much better made, and the commanding driving position is comfortable over long distances.

There’s reasonable head and legroom in the middle row, but seats six and seven are quite cramped and anyone who does shoehorn themselves in place may feel claustrophobic because of the thick rear pillars.

With the third row folded the boot is huge, and the high noseweight limit is another plus. The reversing camera gives a good view of the towball and will be useful when hitching up.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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