Game-changing overhaul for budget ute

Jack Quick

Production Editor

3 min read

South Korea’s KGM (formerly known as SsangYong) has officially revealed the design of its new-generation Musso dual-cab ute ahead of more details surfacing in the new year.

Dubbed the ‘Q300’, this generation of the Musso dials up the style factor with glitzy looks that are similar to the current Actyon- and Torres-based Musso EV.

The front particularly is busy with lots of design elements. KGM has shown off two grille designs, but both feature big LED headlights that are joined by a full-width LED daytime running light set-up.

Read More About KGM Musso

Around the side there is plenty of thick black cladding around the wheel arches and the door sills. There are also vertical accent strips at the top of the wheel arches, like the Musso EV.

At the back there is a step into the tub, vertical tail-lights, KGM embossing on the tailgate, as well as a complex sports bar.

Beyond this KGM hasn’t provided any further details. It appears this new-generation ute has a body-on-frame chassis, though it’s unclear how much has been altered compared to the outgoing generation.

Globally this new Musso will be offered with petrol and diesel powertrains, though no specifications or outputs have been announced yet.

2026 KGM Musso
2026 KGM Musso

The current Musso is offered with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 133kW and 420Nm. In other markets there’s also a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine available.

KGM plans to launch this new-generation Musso in the domestic market in the first quarter of 2026.

It’s unclear when it will be coming to Australia. We’ve reached out to KGM Australia and will update this story once we hear back.

The Musso name dates back all the way back to 1993 when it was adorned on an SUV. It later spawned a dual-cab ute version in 2002 called the Musso Sports.

2026 KGM Musso
2026 KGM Musso

The outgoing version of the Musso, dubbed the Q200 generation, dates back to 2018. It has received a number of updates over the years, including one that launched in Australia earlier this year with the availability of electric power steering among other safety feature additions.

It also saw SsangYong dropped from the name altogether.

Given there is a new Musso that’s now been revealed, it’s unclear whether a new-generation Rexton SUV is also on the horizon. The two vehicles have historically been based on the same platform and share a lot of componentry.

Jack Quick

Production Editor

Jack Quick has proven himself as one of Australia's most prolific motoring journalists since starting in the industry in 2021. He joined the CarsGuide team in 2025 after spending four years at CarExpert in various roles. Growing up on a farm in rural Victoria, Jack has been driving cars since before he could see over the wheel. He also gained plenty of experience operating heavy machinery. In fact, he currently holds a Heavy Rigid license. On the farm, Jack spent a lot of time bush-bashing in his family’s 1992 Suzuki Sierra soft-top and 1985 Holden Drover ute. This fuelled his life-long obsession with cars and was a key reason he purchased a 2020 Suzuki Jimny. This Jimny is now living out its days on the family farm and Jack currently drives a 2025 Renault Duster. You can find Jack on LinkedIn and Instagram. Expertise Heavy vehicles Off-road Education Bachelor of Arts (Photography and Journalism) | Deakin University | 2017-2021 Featured Publications CarExpert | 2021-2025 CarsGuide | 2025-present
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