Ssangyong Korando vs Hyundai Venue

What's the difference?

It’s safe to say that SsangYong’s reintroduction to Australia back in late 2018 didn’t go as planned.

Since the relaunch, the world was plunged into an industry-disrupting pandemic and the brand has had to manage bankruptcy in its Korean home market.

But that has also created an opportunity, as big-name brands like Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi continue to push upmarket, it leaves price-sensitive customers with fewer and fewer options.

As a cut-price alternative alongside Chinese brands like MG, LDV and GWM Haval, SsangYong could very well carve out its niche as more Australians look to get into new wheels without breaking the bank.

And while the Musso ute and Rexton large SUV are the brand’s biggest sellers, it’s the Korando mid-size SUV that could make the biggest impact in turning SsangYong’s fortunes around as it competes in the booming mid-size SUV market.

So, does the SsangYong Korando have what it takes to steal sales away from big dogs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5? Or are you better off waiting months and months for a known quantity?

This is the baby SUV for Hyundai’s line-up but it does tend to remind you of this a little too often for this to truly be fun.

Still, it presents an interesting road-side presence and a comfortable urban driving experience.

Coupled with the competitive price tag, is this the little SUV that could? I’ve been driving it for the last week to find that out for you.