South Korea’s KG Mobility (KGM), formerly SsangYong, unlike rivals, has broken the mould by ignoring passenger vehicles and relying on a ute to carry forward electrification
of its brand.
The Musso EV is purely an electric dual-cab ute unrelated to the turbodiesel Musso and
is more closely related to the car-based Actyon and Torres SUVs. It marks KGM’s first
electric ute in Australia, replacing the diesel-powered Musso with a fully electric dual-
cab model.
Available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, pricing starts around $60,000 for
the Musso 2WD Ute, is followed by the 2WD Black Edge Edition at $62,000 and AWD
Ute at $64,000. All prices are drive-away.
The Musso EV 2WD (the test vehicle) boasts a range of 420km, while the AWD clocks
in at 380km.
With 300kW DC fast charging, the battery can recharge from 20 to 80 per cent in
roughly 31 minutes. Built-in Vehicle-to-load (V2L) enables an external power supply for
camping gear, tools, or outdoor appliances.
The Musso EV is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and the high-
voltage battery ten years unlimited kilometres.
STYLING
From the outside the Musso EV is distinguished from the ICE model by a sculpted
bonnet, horizontal dot-pattern LED daytime running lights with integrated turn signals
emphasising the Ute’s high-tech credentials.
In profile, tub and cabin combine with unique lines and styling highlights. Bold wheel
arches door décor presents a rugged look, while C-pillar with Rhino emblem identify the
Musso’s heritage.
The rear continues the identity with bold KGM logo on the tailgate, modern LED
combination lights and defined bumper with skid plate and integrated steps at each
corner, the latter a thoughtful touch when loading the tub.
INTERIOR
Occupants are welcomed by premium materials in spacious surroundings, including
powered, heated and ventilated seating up front. Rear seats are adjustable and heated
in the outer positions. There’s plenty of leg room back there too.
Up front the Musso EV is practical, with two cupholders, varied phone cradles, a large
open section under the centre console, and dual bottle holders in the doors.
With room of a mid-size SUV, the cabin is in with a Musso tub, which includes eight tie-
down hooks, a moulded liner and lighting for improved visibility when loading. Musso’s
self-leveling rear suspension keeps everything in its place no matter what the load.
INFOTAINMENT
The cabin interior adopts KGM’s slim and wide concept, with its panoramic view of a
12.3-imch digital instrument cluster and similar width centre touchscreen, powered by
next-gen Athena 2.0, a step up in speed and usability.
Sadly, these days connectivity is king in the automotive market, so to have a car with
only wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a negative.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Musso EV is powered by an 80.6 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery renowned for
its durability and heat resistance. The 2WD model features a 152kW front motor
delivering 339Nm of torque via a single-speed reduction gear. The AWD adds a
152kW/339Nm rear motor
SAFETY
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags electronic stability control, autonomous
emergency braking, anti-lock braking, brake assist, and multi-collision braking.
Also on hand are lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning,
plus front and rear parking sensors.
DRIVING
The most noticeable thing about the Musso EV on the road is its top-rate ride and
handling no matter what the load or conditions under foot. It’s equivalent to some of the
better SUVs running around.
Lifestyle is the word here. Tradie or tough traveller is not what the Musso RV is about.
KGM quotes energy consumption of 23kWh/100km for the 2WD model on the combined
city/country cycle.
Regenerative braking is adjustable across three levels courtesy of steering wheel-
mounted paddles, while an intelligent system automatically adapts the vehicle to road
gradients and traffic conditions optimising energy recovery.
Towing is where this electric ute is held back. A braked towing capacity of only 1800kg is
down considerably over the 3500kg of many rivals. A maximum tow ball download of
180kg is limiting.
SUMMARY
The 2026 KGM Musso EV is a ute offering a comfortable ride, good range, and modern
looks. Price and some technology miss out on the same high score
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Musso EV 2WD Ute $60,000
Musso EV Black Edge $62,000
Musso EV AWD $64,000
Note: These are drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (KGM Musso EV,1sp auto, FWD Ute)
ENGINE
Electric motor: Front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum power 152kW
Maximum torque: 339Nm
DRIVELINE: 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear), FWD
BATTERY: Lithium-ion phosphate
Capacity 80.6kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 612km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 230 kWh/km
Range: 420km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 10-80% (300kW Charger) Approx. 36min
DC connector: CCS type 2
AC Charge 10-100% – with 100kW Charger Approx. 46mjn
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 5160mm
Width: 1920mm
Height: 1750mm
Wheelbase: 3150mm:
Turning circle: 10.9m
Kerb weight: 2165kg
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years / unlimited kilometres
Ten-years / unlimited kilometres, high-voltage battery
