SsangYong Rexton line-up may expand in 2022

There could be a range expansion and simultaneous streamlining coming for the 2022 SsangYong Rexton with Australian Design Rule filings revealing a new petrol engine and detuned diesel could find their way under the bonnet, along with an all-new variant.

While it may sound like an oxymoron to expand and streamline the range at the same time, the official documents show a new entry-level variant will be powered by a 133kW version of the Rexton’s familiar 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.

Given the reduced kiloWatt count, we assume the torque figure will also shrink to around the 420Nm mark, in line with the outputs of the related SsangYong Musso XLV dual-cab ute (130kW/420Nm), which missed out on the Rexton’s power bump at the start of the year.

Supporting this is the specification of a six-speed manual transmission for the Rexton; just like the one fitted as standard to the base Musso and Musso XLV ELX twins.

Whether torque reduces or not, the power reduction hasn’t hurt the Rexton’s class-leading 3500kg braked towing capacity.

All of these details and confirmation of 17-inch wheels suggests SsangYong will revive the base ‘EX’ nameplate, which was dropped as part of the MY21 facelift, resulting in a hefty $8000 jump in the range’s entry price.

The return of an EX variant could reduce the Rexton’s entry price back down into the realm of the LDV T60 ute-based D90 (from $35,990 drive-away) and regain its position as the indisputable value king of the ute-based seven-seat large SUV market.

Above the EX, the ELX nameplate looks set to be inherited by a new turbo-petrol variant making use of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Displacing 1998cc across four cylinders and developing 165kW, this particular engine was dropped from our market as part of the MY21 update by default as it was the sole power plant available in the EX trim, which also happened to be rear-wheel drive.

For reference, the RCVS filing confirms all variants mentioned in this report are all-wheel drive.

Just like the downgraded diesel, the petrol Rexton retains a full 3.5-tonne towing capacity, even if it is down on power compared to some of its petrol-powered rivals. The old version churned out 350Nm and, given the kiloWatt count is unchanged, it’d be a safe bet to expect a similar figure upon its return.

There doesn’t look to be any key mechanical changes to the flagship Ultimate trim which, according to the filing at least, will retain the full-fat 148kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, eight-speed automatic and 20-inch wheels.

Regardless of trim, wheel size or engine choice, all Rextons will continue on as seven-seaters and offer an unchanged 215mm of ground clearance.