SsangYong Musso Saracen 2022: 7-Year Warranty, 3.5T Towing

The SsangYong Musso Saracen 2022 model stands out in the competitive pickup truck market by blending affordability with substantial upgrades in design, powertrain refinement, and capability. This double-cab pickup delivers seating for five, impressive load-hauling prowess, and a surprising level of interior comfort, making it a versatile choice for tradespeople, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Redesigned Exterior: Bold Presence on the Road

The 2022 Musso Saracen receives a striking facelift that enhances its road presence without compromising practicality. A prominent front grille dominates the fascia, flanked by sleek LED headlights and vertical fog lamps, giving it a more aggressive and modern stance compared to earlier iterations. Blacked-out trim elements on the Saracen variant add a premium touch, complemented by 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and side steps for easier access to the load bed.

Available in standard and extended wheelbase configurations, the Musso maintains its robust ladder-frame chassis, ensuring durability for heavy-duty tasks. The pickup bed offers generous dimensions suitable for carrying tools, materials, or recreational gear, with a payload capacity that rivals established competitors. This exterior evolution positions the Musso as a visually appealing option that doesn’t scream ‘budget’ at first glance.

Premium Cabin Comfort and Technology

Step inside the Musso Saracen, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its price point, borrowing design cues from SsangYong’s upscale Rexton SUV. Nappa leather upholstery adorns the seats, which are electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated upfront, with heating extending to the rear benches and steering wheel. This level of luxury is uncommon in pickups, providing executive-car-like ambience for long hauls.

The cabin accommodates five adults comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom throughout. A flat rear floor facilitates easy ingress and egress, and the sturdy build quality instills confidence in its longevity. At the center is a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring built-in navigation, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The interface is intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive controls that match or exceed segment norms.

Dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a suite of physical switches ensure functionality remains forefront, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill descent control add safety and convenience.

Powertrain Excellence: Refined Diesel Performance

Under the hood, the 2022 Musso Saracen employs a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing around 202 horsepower and a substantial 420-441 Nm of torque, peaking early at 1,600 rpm for effortless low-end pull. This unit, shared with the Rexton, marks a significant refinement over predecessors, idling smoothly with minimal vibration and maintaining composure under acceleration—often quieter than rivals like the Ford Ranger.

Mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, it propels the Musso from 0-62 mph in approximately 11.9 seconds, prioritizing usability over outright speed. Fuel economy hovers around 29-32 mpg combined, reasonable for the class though trailing more efficient options like the Ranger’s 36.7 mpg. The gearbox shifts smoothly but lacks the seamless adaptability of 10-speed units found elsewhere.

Driving Dynamics: Balanced for Work and Play

On tarmac, the Musso Saracen delivers a composed ride, with progressive steering that weights up appropriately at speed and keeps the large body feeling planted. The suspension, while firm—especially at the rear—absorbs bumps adequately when loaded, though it can feel bouncy unloaded. Cornering reveals some body roll, but grip levels impress thanks to the stiff setup, making it more engaging than expected for a workhorse.

Wind and engine noise are well suppressed at highway speeds, contributing to a refined cruising experience. For off-road duties, a switchable 4×4 system with high/low range, hill start assist, and descent control unlocks serious capability, ideal for muddy sites or trails.

Impressive Towing and Payload Specs

Where the Musso truly shines is in its brute strength. Braked towing capacity reaches 3.5 tonnes, supported by the torquey diesel and stable chassis. Real-world tests confirm its composure when hitched to heavy caravans, maintaining smoothness and confidence even with large trailers. Payload ratings are equally robust, allowing substantial cargo without strain.

This table highlights the Musso’s practical advantages, backed by independent tests.

Trim Levels and Pricing Advantages

• Entry Models: Air-con, alloys, basic infotainment, hill aids.
• Saracen: Leather seats (heated/ventilated), 18-inch wheels, advanced safety tech, black styling.
• Saracen+: Extended bed for extra cargo space, same premium specs.

Priced significantly below rivals like Ford Ranger or VW Amarok, the Musso undercuts competition while matching features, amplified by a class-leading seven-year/150,000-mile warranty.

Safety and Reliability Features

SsangYong equips the Musso with comprehensive aids: autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control (higher trims), and parking sensors. The robust frame and long warranty underscore build quality, with reports of solid durability in fleet use.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Exceptional value, refined engine, plush interior, top towing, long warranty.
• Cons: Firm ride unloaded, average fuel economy, less agile than premium rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the towing capacity of the SsangYong Musso Saracen?

It offers a braked towing limit of 3,500 kg, making it suitable for heavy caravans and trailers.

Does the Musso have 4×4 capability?

Yes, with selectable 4×4 high/low range, ideal for off-road and slippery conditions.

How does the interior compare to competitors?

It’s surprisingly luxurious with leather seats, ventilation, and a large touchscreen, rivaling higher-end pickups.

What is the fuel efficiency?

Expect 28-32 mpg, solid for a powerful diesel pickup.

Is the warranty transferable?

Yes, the 7-year/150,000-mile coverage applies to subsequent owners.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose the Musso Saracen?

The 2022 SsangYong Musso Saracen redefines budget pickups by offering premium refinements, Herculean towing, and everyday usability at a fraction of rival costs. While not the sportiest, its blend of comfort, tech, and capability makes it a compelling all-rounder.