Rexton Vs Koleos Vs Outlander: 3 SUV Comparison For Families

Mid-size SUVs like the SsangYong Rexton, Renault Koleos, and Mitsubishi Outlander offer families versatile options for daily drives, long trips, and occasional adventures. These models balance comfort, capability, and affordability, but each excels in different areas: the Rexton prioritizes towing and ruggedness, the Koleos emphasizes refined driving, and the Outlander delivers proven space and reliability.

Overview of the Contenders

The SsangYong Rexton stands out as a body-on-frame SUV with traditional off-road credentials, powered by a robust 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 179 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. It supports up to seven seats and boasts a class-leading towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

Renault Koleos brings a crossover feel with its 2.0-liter diesel engine delivering 175 horsepower and 380 Nm, focusing on smooth on-road dynamics and premium interior touches. It’s priced competitively around £34,700 and appeals to those seeking style without sacrificing practicality.

Mitsubishi Outlander, with its 2.2-liter diesel offering 148 horsepower and 360 Nm, emphasizes family-friendly seven-seat configuration and rugged versatility, though its towing limit sits at 2,000 kg. It’s known for spacious cabins and dependable performance.

Performance and Engine Breakdown

Under the hood, these SUVs use efficient diesel powertrains suited for real-world demands. The Rexton’s 2.2-liter turbodiesel edges ahead in torque at 420 Nm from 1,600 rpm, enabling strong low-end pull ideal for towing heavy loads. It achieves 0-60 mph in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph, with in-gear acceleration like 30-50 mph in 4.5 seconds on kickdown.

The Koleos’ 2.0-liter unit revs to 175 horsepower at 3,750 rpm, posting a quicker 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds and superior mid-range punch at 3.7 seconds for 30-50 mph. Its CVT gearbox feels noisy under hard acceleration but delivers responsive shifts in normal use.

Outlander lags slightly with 148 horsepower but matches the Koleos’ 0-60 time at 9.5 seconds, thanks to 360 Nm from 1,500 rpm. Third-gear 30-50 mph takes 3.6 seconds, making it competitive for overtaking.

Fuel economy favors the Rexton at 32.6 mpg in tests, though real-world figures hover around 7.6 liters/100 km combined. Koleos and Outlander manage similar efficiency, with the Outlander benefiting from a 55-liter tank versus Rexton’s 70 liters.

Driving Experience and Handling

On tarmac, the Koleos shines with composed handling and minimal body roll, making it the most engaging for spirited drives. Its steering is precise, though the CVT drones at full throttle.

Rexton prioritizes comfort over agility; its seven-speed automatic is smooth in daily use but hunts gears when pushed. At 70 mph, it’s the quietest at 66 dB, undercutting Koleos (70 dB) and Outlander (71 dB), with low wind noise enhancing long-haul refinement.

Outlander feels rugged yet planted, with good third-gear responsiveness but a less sophisticated auto gearbox that lags in higher ratios. Braking distances reveal Rexton’s weakness at 61.8 meters from 70 mph, versus Koleos’ 51.5 meters and Outlander’s 54.6 meters.

• Rexton: Best for quiet cruising and towing stability.
• Koleos: Top pick for dynamic road handling.
• Outlander: Balanced for mixed family duties.

Practicality and Interior Space

All three offer seven seats, but execution varies. Rexton’s third row is usable for adults on short trips, with a massive 784-liter boot when folded. It tows 3,500 kg, far exceeding rivals.

Koleos provides a premium cabin with soft-touch materials and intuitive controls, boasting good legroom but a smaller 1,650 kg tow rating. Boot space is ample for five passengers.

Outlander maximizes family utility with flexible seating and 495 liters boot capacity (expandable), plus standard safety tech like AEB and blind-spot monitoring. It’s rugged inside, suiting active lifestyles.

Running Costs and Ownership

Priced from £34,000-£34,700, all are competitively matched. Rexton holds 44.1% residual value after three years, close to Koleos’ 44.8% and Outlander’s 43.8%. CO2 emissions range 218 g/km for Rexton, with road tax at £140 annually.

Maintenance is affordable across the board, with Rexton’s diesel efficiency and large tank reducing fill-up frequency. Warranty coverage enhances long-term value, especially for SsangYong’s improving reliability.

Safety and Technology Features

Standard kits include forward collision warning, lane departure alerts, and parking sensors. Rexton adds a 360-degree camera and auto-locking diff for off-road safety. Koleos offers blind-spot monitoring, while Outlander includes rear cross-traffic alert.

Infotainment screens are user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto common. Koleos feels most upmarket with ambient lighting.

Off-Road Capabilities

Rexton’s part-time 4WD with low-range gearing and locking diff makes it the off-road king, ideal for trails. Outlander handles light duties well with its 4×4 system, while Koleos’ on-demand AWD suits wet roads over rough terrain.

Which One Wins?

For towing and value, choose Rexton. Driving enthusiasts pick Koleos. Families needing space opt for Outlander. Test drive to match your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the best towing capacity?

SsangYong Rexton leads with 3,500 kg, perfect for caravans or boats.

Is the Renault Koleos good for highways?

Yes, its smooth handling and quiet cabin excel on long motorway runs.

Does the Outlander seat seven comfortably?

It offers flexible seven seats with ample space for kids and cargo.

What about fuel economy?

All achieve around 30-32 mpg, with Rexton slightly ahead in tests.

Are these SUVs reliable?

Outlander has strong reputation; Rexton and Koleos have improved significantly.