Rexton Background and Generational Changes
For the Russian market, the SsangYong Rexton was assembled in Naberezhnye Chelny until 2009 and subsequently in Vladivostok. Some units arrive fully built from abroad. Mercedes-Benz played a guiding role in shaping the model, explaining the premium equipment and high-quality materials found in many examples, with several components sourced directly from Mercedes-Benz. The second generation shows structural differences from the first, while the third generation, through 2017, represents a major modernization rather than a clean slate redesign.
SsangYong Rexton II
Strengths:
- Excellent ride comfort and strong sound insulation.
- The boot offers almost a cubic meter of space.
The stated boot capacity of 925 liters was achieved without curtains; the vehicle was sold without curtains but included a mesh divider between the rear cargo area and the passenger cabin.
Weaknesses
- Rust appears quickly on the frame in particular.
- The suspension is soft and tends toward a comfortable, “American” feel.
- There are frequent issues with spare parts supply.
Engines
All engines are modified derivatives of Mercedes-Benz units. The inline six, 3.2-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 220 hp is uncommon and known for higher fuel consumption in urban driving, around 20 liters per 100 km. It is generally reliable and can exceed 400,000 km with proper maintenance. Common problems include leaks and overheating which can affect gaskets; maintaining clean oil and monitoring temperature are important for minimizing wear.
The two-liter gasoline engine with 148 hp is rare to find. The two 2.7-liter diesel variants with cast-iron blocks and five cylinders produce 163 and 186 hp and align with Mercedes OM612 parameters. These engines are widely regarded as reliable, with many vehicles reaching beyond 350,000 km. Typical diesel issues involve fuel-system components, notably the high-pressure pump, which can cause clogged passages if it fails. Electrical systems and the EGR valve can produce fault indications. By 200,000 km, turbochargers and timing chains can show wear.
Drivetrain
The mechanical gearbox has no major questions. The four-speed Australian-built BTR M78 was prone to rapid clutch wear, potentially degrading other drivetrain components if not addressed, yet the iron-cased gearbox can endure more than 250,000 km when well maintained.
The five-speed Mercedes-Benz 722.6 automatic transmission is well regarded but can experience control-unit failures and oil leaks, including coolant intrusion. Three transmission configurations exist: permanent four-wheel drive, auto-connected, and part-time. The AWD option is less robust on loose surfaces, the part-time system has weak hubs prone to failure at low mileage, and the TOD variant is considered the most reliable and suitable for off-road use. The longevity of wheel and drivetrain components depends heavily on how the vehicle is used in mud and snow, with constant lubrication of cardan joints recommended.
The overall durability of bearings, gears, and driveshafts hinges on operating in challenging conditions and proper maintenance of all suspension and drive components.
Operational Issues
- Some suspension parts are particularly prone to wear in harsh environments, including lower ball joints, rear axle bearings, stabilizer bushings, and tie-rod ends.
- A number of components with limited spare resources have shown weaknesses such as ABS units failing, pipes and expansion tanks rupturing, parking-brake cables corroding, and power steering leaks.
- Electrical problems are common. First on the list are burnt bulbs and degraded electrical contacts that corrode harnesses, affecting seat heating, relays, electric windows, and immobilizers; climate control sensors can also be impacted. After washing, dashboard indicators or interior lights may illuminate unexpectedly.
Euro NCAP: not tested. The model lineup includes the most robust version with a 2.7-liter diesel and automatic transmission. An alternative for the same budget is a 2.7-liter diesel with manual transmission. Comparable options in the market include the Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Qashqai. The catalog notes that five-plus cars with the most capable engines are available, and a lifestyle piece titled Behind the Wheel can be found in Yandex.Zen.