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By Jonathan Crouch

KGM enters the LCV market with this Rexton Commercial, a tough but affordable 4x4 van. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

Need a tough 4x4 van at a more affordable price? Many currently switching away from the pick-up market might be looking for exactly that - in which case, this KGM Rexton Commercial could fit the bill.

Backgroundword count: 149

Some heavy duty SUVs make a perfect base for a commercial vehicle conversion - models like Land Rover's Defender and the INEOS Grenadier which, sure enough, do come in van variants. If your business needs a particularly tough 4x4 van, it's quite possible that you might have looked at those two particular LCVs and, regretfully, found that they're a little above your price point. In which case, might we suggest you consider the model we're going to look at here, the KGM Rexton Commercial. You might dimly be aware of the KGM Rexton - though you might know it better by its previous name, the SsangYong Rexton. The SsangYong brand was renamed 'KGM' at the end of 2023 but as a product, the big Rexton 4x4 remained almost unchanged. It took until Spring 2025 though, for it to be launched in the commercial vehicle form we look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 213

All the engineering's the same as with the SUV version of course, so under the bonnet this Rexton gets a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by KGM, which delivers maximum power of 202PS and maximum torque of 441Nm. This powerplant delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start - the rest to 62mph sprint takes 10.7 seconds. More important is the way that this proven e-XDi 220 unit has been tuned primarily for the strong low-end torque typical of the Korean maker's powerplants. Transmission is a Hyundai-sourced 8-speed automatic. Like most SsangYong-derived SUVs, this one will be ideal for those wishing to tow. Thanks to a braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, it can deal with heavier items like a double horsebox, a large caravan or a commercial trailer. Like other 4x4 vans in this class, the Rexton features a part time 4x4 system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels, plus you get a low ratio gearbox for when off-road conditions become more demanding. Off road electronic safety aids like hill start assist and hill decent control are standard and the Rexton offers capable approach and departure angles - 20.5 degrees and 22.2 degrees respectively. On-tarmac, refinement isn't great, but it's aided by a stiff body, decent aerodynamics and plenty of engine isolation.

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