What's the difference?
KGM – formerly SsangYong – has revised its seven-seat Rexton range for 2026, with some minor changes throughout the Australian line-up and a name-change for the Adventure, which has now become the Advance.
The Advance is a seven-seat large SUV with high and low-range gearing, an auto-locking rear differential and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
Is this a value-for-money rival for the likes of GWM Tank 500, Mahindra Scorpio and LDV D90, or could it be a viable (cheaper) alternative to the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or even Ford Everest?
Ford has introduced what is being touted as an adventure-type van to its Transit Custom line-up and it’s called the Trail.
The Trail is based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend and it’s equipped with a suspension lift, on-demand all-wheel drive, 'Trail' drive mode, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a variant-specific grille, black wheel arch moulding and side strip, yellow exterior decals and 16-inch matt black twin-spoke alloy wheels.
With all that in mind, maybe a van is your next adventure vehicle?
Read on.
The KGM Rexton Advance is a large 4WD wagon packing an adequate amount of appeal.
It’s nice to drive on the open road, it’s comfortable and it signals continued incremental progress for KGM in terms of quality and functionality.
It’s fine for light off-roading but its 4WD efficacy is lacking. While it's not in the same class as something like the Ford Everest in terms of refinement, comfort, and general quality, ultimately, a lot of its rivals represent greater value for money and all-round driveability as family vehicles.
And even though it does offer owners a chance to take their urban-focussed SUV into the bush, its price is climbing, and other rival vehicles offer a more refined overall driving experience.
The Ford Transit Custom Trail has plenty of appeal as a work van or a camper fit-out candidate. It’s a well-packaged, comfortable and contemporary van that’s nice to drive and as a bonus, with all-wheel drive it’s given the scope of capability to be able to tackle mild off-roading situations with confidence.
It’s built for work and play and though it’s limited to two-up for travels, the Trail offers so much potential as a camper conversion for adventure seekers its few niggles are easily forgotten when you’re busy making memories.