2026 KGM Musso EV review

For decades now, Australians have been familiar with the SsangYong Musso name.

What was a value alternative to the off-road SUVs of the 1990s – winning over many with the promise of ‘a diesel engine (licensed) from Mercedes-Benz and later became reborn as if it had been referred to as an dual-cab ute.

SsangYong’d-reput flopped reputation, however, due to quality issues with the ageing Musto ute (the second-generation model – 12 years after the first was discontinued punche well above its weight.

During this decade, it took the longest time for shoppers to believe the name of Musso; buyers finally began trusting the large and well-equipped dual-cab with its competitive package beating out many Japanese utes as well as newcomers from China.

In a long period of financial turmoil for the Korean brand, it was eventually purchased by the KG Group and led to an automaker being named “KG Mobility – or KGM for short-term”.

The KGM Musso EV ute is one of the first models since the company began its new age, though it’s clear this latest generation of models had been developing behind the scenes long before the takeover and rebrand.

A front- or all-wheel drive model of the 2026 KGM Musso EV is now the lowest electric dual-cab ute on sale in Australia. The AWD variant is the range-topping version, which has been tested here as a test for its range.

Like most of the industry, we’re keen on hearing whether the new Musso EV can help usher in a new age of prosperity for KGM and still provide value to Australian ute buyers.

How much does the KGM Musso EV cost?

The KGM Musso EV, as mentioned above, is the cheapest electric ute in Australia to date – but it’s not clear how long will that title remain with several competitors on the line.

| Model | Drive-away pricing |
| — | — |
| 2026 KGM Musso EV 2WD | $60,000 |
| 2026 KGM Musso EV Black Edge | $62,000 |
| 2026 KGM Musso EV AWD | $64,000 |

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What is the KGM Musso EV like on the inside?

One of the most impressive aspects about the outgoing diesel-powered SsangYong Musso was its cabin which provided a much larger space for passengers than its Japanese competitors, and quality switchgear and materials.

So it’s so curious that KGM has decided to move on with a smaller cabin for the Musso EV. Although the decision was largely justified by financial reasons, it does seem to be an intentional move by the South Korean automaker – its back on a major selling feature of the Musso and positioning the newer MusSo EV as more like lifestyle ute.

Unlike the old Musso was pretty bland inside, the new electric version is bright, modern and clearly trying to play on the same level as its domestic competitors Hyundai and Kia.

A double-wide monitor, inside, combines a 12 with. Most of the control on the car is accessed via the touchscreen, with 3-inch infotainment centre having an identical digital instrument cluster. The stipulation of buttons is kept to an absolute minimum.

The modern and edgy look in pictures, though this wheel of hexagonal shapes is not as effective in the actual world. guys, we don’t need to literally reinvent the wheel.’ Cars have been part of modern life for more than a century now and aren’T just as much fun as they do today?

A passenger sits noticeably higher than the exterior proportions would suggest, assuming that the battery is under the seats of the car. Nevertheless, the seats are comfortable and the seat heating is strong – a joy on those cold, early mornings.

Those with large heads have plenty of headroom, but ergonomics are not as good as in the older diesel model.

In some places inside, things are slightly undercooked. A. cheaper, hollow feeling to the dash and interior of the new electric vehicle is whereas the diesel Musso felt solid and well-built as it was when an expensive (and more modern) model has been replaced by this “electric ute” with a lower quality than that found in the older version). No doubt it was like a that was made and produced to ‘budget, the way it is.

I think it may have been rushed through development, as is the case with . Cupholders, for example, will not be enough to hold a large McDonald’s drink. Maybe KGM’s engineers are just good eater, but it seems like an oversight that is a misplaced word for “healthy eater” in the context of their engineering.

For example the rear windscreen is at just the right angle, and thus reflects tail-lights from your front windshield forward on you’s own sidewindscreen. Other than when we were sitting at an intersection, more than once did we have red brake lights directly into our eyeline (such as some giant warning light from the head-up display) or a little bit of “head-down” flashing. very annoying and potentially dangerous.

The Musso EV is only available with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, perhaps worst of all. Often, even the most expensive cars on sale have wireless smartphone connectivity (not including it on a $60k-ute) isn’t really acceptable by any measure.

If you are given the second row, there’s a lot of space for two adults to stay comfortable.’ It is certainly not as roomy or more comfortable than the older Musso – but it will surely do the job and long drives with laid back angle on the seats will make longer drives bearable.

The total payload is a decent 902kg for the 2WD model, dropping to 805kg in AWD car. The car’s self-levelling suspension will keep the front from pointing up at the sky, and put some weight in back though, while .

| Dimensions | KGM Musso EV |
| — | — |
| Length | 5160mm |
| Width | 1920mm |
| Height | 1750mm |
| Wheelbase | 3150mm |

To see how the KGM Musso EV lines up against the competition, check out our
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What’s under the bonnet?

The front-wheel drive or dual-motor all- wheel drive are available for buyers, either 152kW of power and 339Nm of torque; or 266kW and 630NM respectively.

| | 2WD | AWD |
| — | — | — |
| Maximum power – front motor / rear motor | 152kW / – | 152kW / 152kW |
| Maximum torque – front motor / rear motor | 339Nm / – | 339Nm / 339Nm |
| Combined system output – power / torque | 152kW / 339Nm | 266kW / 630Nm |
| Transmission | 1-speed auto (reduction gear) | 1-speed auto (reduction gear) |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Battery capacity | 80.6kWh | 80.6kWh |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| AC charge rate | 10.5kW | 10.5kW |
| DC charge rate | 300kW | 300kW |
| Electric range (WLTP) | 420km | 380km |
| Energy consumption (combined, WLTP) | 23kWh/100km | 26kWh/100km |

One battery, with the 80 being a single . The AWD model has an 420km of range 6kWh pack, or 380km for the Awd (as in 2WD models) and 460km.

The Musso EV can recharge from 20 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes on a 300kW DC fast-charger, KGM says, although finding ‘the plug with that much Oomph’ in Australia could be difficult.

The Musso EV has one notable feature, its vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging system that allows owners to drive the car into powering 240V electrical appliances such as power tools and camping gear or even the household fridge if you’re in a blackout.

How does the KGM Musso EV drive?

It’s a lot of fun to drive, especially when it comes to the Musso EV (based on the brand’S new electric SUV), giving it ‘an intelligent and easy character’ in the road.

However, that character is relatively far removed from the commercial flavour of the previous model it shares a name with.

Approach it with the same kind of expectations, and you may well be disappointed.

In comparison, the new Musso is not a hard off-roader or tough tradie car. It’s not like a lifestyle car, no more than – he says A family hauler that can be used for Bunnings trips at the weekend.

While it may sound like a dream to an Aussie ute lover, the lifestyle uter segment is quite popular in North America with such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick following up there.

Aside, there is an upside The Musso EV does not handle like an off-road car with a ladder-frame chassis. That’s what you’re after… except, of course, that’r (unless, at least for the most part, is your favourite).

The KGM ute, an electric car-based vehicle (EV) has far better on-road performance with light inputs and the SUV-like ride. If you’re getting a lower mid-size SUV, what kind of ride comfort would you expect from if it was less expensive to be comfortable?

It’s not mind-blowing performance, but it’t bad overall. The Musso seems like it’s probably not as torque-less as on take-off – although this may be more to do with pedal mapping but once it is going, there’ll be a decent flow of power on tap.

The auto brake holding – which is used when the ute is stopped – adds to that off-the-line response, or lack thereof that’sexacerbated by an even greater delay between squeezing the throttle and the car releasing the brakes. It’s more obvious in practice, but we’re talking tenths of a second.

AWD doesn’t feel like a fast, having two electric motors (which are healthy and nearly double performance) as well as the 2WD model.’ After saying that ‘The Awr is not just an example of how to say it has been said by its own words but also with health benefits?

Can you imagine if the 2WD Toyota HiLux had one 2 s? The bonnet-mounted 8-litre turbo-diesel was a 44 version with s 2nd 2 and the 4-4, which had an 8–litre Turbo-Die. 8 litre engine in tub. This is a joke, but that’s what KGM has done with the AWD Musso EV. Except you don’t lose load in the tub, a doesn’s note.

A little surprised with the shift selector, which was back in Musso EV. In reverse, we tried to choose park on more than one occasion and it didn’t register. It would not immediately go into reverse from park another time, and then return to park from reverse. All that was so slow to respond and frustrating when it wouldn’t give me the gear I wanted.

That said, “the lane-keep help works well,” and the energy recovery on deceleration appears, first glance at least, to be pretty well calibrated.

| Off-road dimensions | KGM Musso EV |
| — | — |
| Track front and rear | 1635mm |
| Ground clearance | 181.4mm |
| Approach angle | 20.2 degrees |
| Departure angle | 24.3 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle | 15.1 degrees |

To see how the KGM Musso EV lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

With just one equipment specification available from KGM, the lineup is essentially the same regardless of what you go for.

2026 KGM Musso EV 2WD standard equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights, tail-lights and DRLs
• Automatic high-beam
• Self-levelling rear suspension
• Dual-zone climate control
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Leatherette upholstery
• 8-way power front seats with power driver seat lumbar
• Sliding, folding, reclining and 60/40-split rear seats
• Heated front and rear outer seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient interior lighting
• Leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel
• Heated, power-adjustable and power-folding door mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless phone charger
• Durable rear tub liner with lighting and bumper corner steps

2026 KGM Musso EV 2WD Black Edge adds:

• Leather and suede seat trim
• Suede head restraints and door trim section
• Black 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black exterior highlights:

• Bonnet garnish
• Door mirrors
• Tailgate badge
• Sail plane
• Front bumper trim
• C-pillar emblem

• Black steering wheel bezel
• Dark woodgrain dash trim

Both the base 2WD and the AWD flagship are equipped with a ‘Black Leather Look’ interior trim, while the 2W Black Edge has ‘White Leather & Suede’ trim.

Exterior paint colour is only a standard, Grand White All metallic colours are subject to ‘$700 surcharges’. Only Grand White paint and Space Black metallic are used in The Black Edge.

Metallic finishes include:

• Space Black
• Blazing Gold
• Marble Grey
• Ultra Marine
• Amazonia Marine

To see how the KGM Musso EV lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the KGM Musso EV safe?

The KGM Musso EV has yet to be tested by ANCAP or its sister organisation, Euro NCAP.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Front Vehicle Start Alert (FVSA)
• Multi-collision braking
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera with 3D view
• Eight airbags

To see how the KGM Musso EV lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the KGM Musso EV cost to run?

The Musso EV gets KGM’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the vehicle’s battery getting its own 10-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

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| Servicing and Warranty | KGM Musso EV |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years or 140,000km |
| Average annual service cost | $285 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $1996 |

KGM provides fixed-price servicing for up to seven years or 140,000km – service intervals are 20,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), with each visit to the dealer costing between $215 and $498 per service.

The 2WD model uses 23kWh/100km of energy consumption, or 26kWh / 100km for the AWD version like we have here.

We saw around 21kWh/100km with an equal mixture of suburban, freeway, and peak-hour city driving during our time with it.

To see how the KGM Musso EV lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the KGM Musso EV

The history of SsangYong in Australia – now known as KGM – has been one of a rollercoaster.

But the all-new Musso EV seems like it could be a dip from the highs of the previous Mus, as years of financial turmoil and new ownership have led to an uncertain future.

The aging diesel-powered Musso was the same quality you expect from Japanese and Korean competitors – but at a lower price than most so it seems like the new electric ute is on the level of some of the cheaper products available in China.

While the diesel Musso was viewed as being underpriced for its quality, it is not that expensive but in fact this model of the Musson EV matches its price tag. Similar to a G-Shock Mudmaster and Casio digital watch, like. There are two products that provide the same fundamental product (from a similar manufacturer) but were designed for different styles and needs.

With its decades of experience building cars, where KGM has the advantage if it is with its decade-long car builder background, Where does this go? The Musso EV has been baked into that much (at least, you can tell) that is the way was.

But it’s still a feeling that this model may have been sold and received the stamp of approval before it had finished going through the process of development.

The interior is a bit cheap and hollow, the outside is overdesigned and, in fact, if there is an element of tacky.

The front-end looks really nice, but there are too many little details of the body that make it look like a concept car or as though it was built with an eBay accessories catalogue – this bright metallic mustard colour is highlighted by this very good design. While some may like it for being different and out there, a little bit of what we were really looking for in the was just as much.

The last Musso was largely understated, and that idea has certainly been lost in this new electric ute — part of the appeal to its younger sister’s look.

A more subdued colour, such as the dark blue, would be our recommendation to go for a less over-the-top style cues.

Amusso is certainly worth considering for those who are following an electric car, but want the versatility of a dual-cab ute; although we believe that the model will be improved by one year or two of updates. Just like its diesel predecessor, the battery-powered Musso may be a low burn on market.

With any luck, it could be the model that helps send KGM to new heights.

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