KGM Musso Rhino – First drive

By Bill McCarthy

The pick-up segment is fiercely competitive, with Great Wall Motors and Mitsubishi recently re-entering the fray. To succeed, a pick-up must deliver rugged capability for the rough stuff alongside on-road refinement and a high quality cabin.

Enter KGM. Still relatively unknown in the UK since its rebrand from SsangYong, the Korean manufacturer brings seven decades of commercial vehicle expertise. It has now introduced the latest Musso evolution to the UK the Rhino and Rhino+ pick-ups, alongside a fully electric variant. Prices start at £38,995 ex. VAT, backed by a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Musso EV

Unlike its diesel stablemates, the Musso EV rides on a car-based platform, delivering a more refined, SUV-like drive – though with some off-road trade-off. Powered by an 80.6 kWh BYD LFP battery, it offers a 240-mile WLTP range and rapid charging from 20–80% in 31 minutes. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system produces 207 PS and 339 Nm of torque, while Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality powers external equipment.

Exterior design

The diesel Rhino features a redesigned front end with a new grille and HID LED headlamps. Both models ride on 18-inch silver-alloy wheels, with silver side steps, black-and-silver roof rails, Rhino graphics, and an embossed KGM tailgate.

Interior and technology

The cabin impresses with Nappa leather, ventilated/heated seats, and dual-zone climate control. Despite twin 12.3-inch screens with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, KGM has retained physical dials and buttons for key functions – a welcome usability touch. Additional kit includes USB-C, DAB, Bluetooth, steering controls, keyless entry/start, remote start, rain sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

On the road

We drove the Rhino across Cotswolds roads before tackling an off-road course. Diesel clatter is well muted, and tyre noise is subdued on smoother tarmac. Some wind noise around the door mirrors is present, but the classy interior ensures a comfortable ride.

Body lean through bends is expected for a high-riding pick-up but never feels unsettling. A downside is the sometimes sluggish engine response, with occasional turbo lag from the auto box. Also I would prefer a heavier touch to the steering.

The off-road course was hardly a case of a jungle trek, but offered a challenge nevertheless. Particularly impressive, apart from the high riding vehicle able to comfortably navigate the rutted tracks was its hill hold and hill descent control.

The hill hold, on a steep incline kicked in instantly and the on board camera was able to project the other side of summit, which was a blind peak for the driver temporarily.

On the other side, foot off the brake and hill descent control lowered the vehicle at sensible pace.

Powertrain and performance

The 2.2-litre diesel produces 202 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. Selectable 4×4 with low range, hill assist, descent control, and a locking differential come as standard. Ground clearance is 245mm for the Rhino (30.9° approach / 27.8° departure) and 248mm for the Rhino+ (30.6° / 24.5°).

Towing and payload

According to KGM, where the Rhino truly outmuscles its rivals is in the working stats. Both versions tow 3.5 tonnes, but the Rhino+ ups the ante with a segment-leading 6,900kg gross train weight.

The load bed swallows a full Euro-pallet flat, with the Rhino+ offering 1,262 litres and a 1,200kg payload—figures that leave the Ford Ranger and Hilux trailing. KGM also includes a bed liner, eight lashing points, corner steps, and a 360-degree monitor to simplify hitching up.

Safety

Features include six airbags, ESP, EBD, ABS, traction control, brake assist, lane keeping assist, lane change warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, safety exit warning, hill start assist.

Taxation – The elephant in the room

Since April 2025, double-cab pick-ups like the Rhino are reclassified as cars for BIK tax, shifting from a flat rate to emissions-based percentage. At 252 g/km, the Rhino hits the maximum 37% rate – landing a higher-rate taxpayer with roughly £6,850 annually.

Its £39k price helps by lowering the P11D value versus premium rivals. But the ultimate tax solution is the Musso EV, which slashes the bill to just four per cent.

However, KGM, like others, are looking at single cab options where the vehicle could then be reclassified as commercial.

Verdict

The Musso Rhino delivers exceptional value for money, with class-leading payload, towing, and a premium interior that punches above its £39k price tag. Off-road capability is assured, and the retained physical controls are a welcome touch.

The performance delay can be irritating and the tax hit is steep, but the EV variant offers a clever escape route.