Good: chunky looks, spacious interior and load area.
Not so good: disappointing drive, over-priced.
The term SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is nowadays more often used to refer to large off-roaders (that never really go off-road) or smaller crossovers. SsangYong's Korando Sports, on first inspection, seems to legitimately meet all the necessary criteria to call it a fully-fledged SUV. Its large twin cab, (optionally) enclosed rear loading bay and increased ride height tick the boxes visually, while underneath the all-wheel drive transmission should allow it to walk-the-walk, so to speak, as well.
Objectively the Korando Sports does look quite impressive. The sheer size means that it has plenty of presence while the front-end styling is certainly one of the most attractive in the current model line-up from SsangYong - and is also one of the sportiest-looking in comparison to its rivals in the segment. A generously-sized twin cab fills the already long wheelbase while the back end is all business. A rear cover gives the Korando Sports a more practical side, although those who want to carry larger loads will be better off going without this option.
Unfortunately, when you climb inside the SsangYong's cabin you can't help but feel a little bit disappointed. Aesthetically it is a step back in time when compared to what the rivals are offering. The steering wheel thankfully isn't overly-large as can be the case with some commercial vehicles, and although the instrument cluster is as basic as they come, it can't really be faulted - it's simple and easy to read. Where the SsangYong starts to fall down is in the layout of the rest of the controls. The centre console is a smorgasbord of differently styled switches and buttons, while their look and feel are cheap at best. And given that, for customers tending to buy this type of vehicle, the interior is often an office environment, it doesn't place the Korando Sports in a leading position.
Firing up that 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine reminds you that this car is designed more for commercial than civilian use, something that is reiterated when using the manual six-speed gearbox. Long throws between gears and a vague gate makes it feel like you're driving old technology. While the engine felt reasonably powerful I didn't carry any large loads during my time spent with it. SsangYong claims that it can tow up to 2,300kg with a braked trailer although I think even with its 360Nm of torque it'll struggle a bit. It can't carry as much weight in the rear bay as its rivals either, although it should just be able to fit in a Euro pallet. Load-lugging aside, the basic engine and drivetrain technology employed by SsangYong should at least be trouble-free and hardwearing.
On-road performance isn't helped by steering that could best be described as 'ponderous'. It lacks any level of mechanical feedback and certainly wouldn't inspire one to drive it in a spirited manner. The ride is soft and does a very good job at soaking up the majority of our poorer road surfaces, and even though body control is far from being the most dynamic out there, in everyday town and motorway driving the SsangYong does eat up the miles in relative comfort. In its default setup the Korando Sports drives just the rear wheels, although in poorer conditions where grip is limited it will send drive to the front wheels to maximise traction. There is also an Active Rollover Protection system that, through the ESP (Electronic Stability Program), reduces the risk of the vehicle turning over as a result of sharp steering inputs.
Where the Korando Sports suffers most is in how it is priced. The inferior quality inside and limited driving dynamics could be forgiven if it came for a rock-bottom price, but when compared to its more well-known rivals, the SsangYong still seems pricey for what you get.
Alternatives
Ford Ranger: the newer kid on the block here; is well priced and looks solid.
Toyota Hi-Lux: huge reputation and popularity; more expensive but worth the extra.
Volkswagen Amarok: one of the best interiors; drives well on- and off-road.