Say hello to…
…the KGM Musso pick-up, which is based on the brand’s seven-seater SUV Rexton, and, unlike its rivals, is only offered as a double cab.
Its name is derived from the Korean term for ‘rhino’ and its aim, according to KGM (formerly Ssangyong), is to be a working vehicle that also looks good.
There are four trim levels to choose from: the entry-level EX, mid-spec Rebel, the high-spec Saracen in a standard-bed model (which we tested), and the top-spec Saracen+ in the long bed variant only.
The Saracen and Saracen+ are the best-sellers and come with 18-inch wheels (rather than 17-inch on the EX and Rebel), black and silver roof rails, Nappa leather seats and TomTom navigation. All versions except the entry-level EX have a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Rebel, Saracen and Saracen+ models have heated and ventilated front seats, with the top trims also featuring electric adjustment and heated rear seats, as well as a leather-covered heated steering wheel.
Is The KGM Musso Suitable For My Fleet
As a double cab with a payload of more than 1 tonne, the Musso is currently treated as a commercial vehicle for tax purposes, which means a flat benefit-in-kind van rate of £3,960 for the 2024/25 tax year. That translates to £792 for a 20% tax payer and £1,584 for a 40% tax payer despite CO2 emissions of 236g/km.
However, from 6 April 2025 the rules change and double cab pick-ups like the Musso will be classed as company cars and attract a higher benefit-in-kind rate.
The good news is that HMRC has put a transitional period in place so if you have a double cab pick-up on your fleet or you order one before the new tax year you’ll benefit from the existing tax treatment until the earlier of disposal, lease expiry, or 5 April 2029.
Pick-up trucks will continue to be treated as commercial vehicles for VED purposes, which means an annual payment of £335 for the Musso, rising to £345 from April 2025.
Leasing A KGM Musso
Gateway2lease is offering the KGM Musso top-spec Saracen+ long wheelbase for £508.94 a month on a 3+36 contract (excluding maintenance) with 20,000 miles a year.
Driving A KGM Musso
Pick-up trucks by their nature don’t boast impressive fuel economy figures but we found the 2.2-litre diesel Musso we tested was capable of exceeding its official 32mpg (WLTP combined cycle) figure as we averaged 35mpg during our week-long test.
The most the Musso carried during our test was some rolls of carpet to the local waste recycling centre but it can take up to 1,025kg and tow a braked trailer up to 3,500kg at the same time – something rivals can’t boast.
If you’re towing heavy loads you can switch from the normal two-wheel drive mode into four-wheel drive low-speed mode. There’s also a four-wheel drive high-speed mode for wet or icy roads or off-road terrain.
The Musso has excellent visibility thanks to its high seating position, there’s plenty of headroom for all three passengers, and the interior could almost be described as plush.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The KGM Musso
If your business requires a value for money pick-up then the KGM Musso is a good bet, particularly as it comes with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty but you’ll need to act quickly to beat the tax changes.
KGM Musso
- Model: Musso Saracen 2.2-litre diesel auto
- Power: 202hp
- Torque: 441Nm
- Max speed: 113mph
- 0-62mph: 11.9 seconds
- Official fuel figure: 32mpg
- Test fuel figure: 35mpg
- CO2 emissions: 236g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: £792/£1548
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