Ssangyong Rexton vs Honda CR-V

What's the difference?

Aussie buyers could be excused for being wary of SsangYong, given the marque’s chequered history involving numerous ownership changes, crippling debts and in 2021 its rescue from the jaws of receivership by Korean industrial conglomerate KG Group.

However, the KG Group’s corporate rehabilitation of the troubled carmaker was completed in 2022, allowing the renewed SsangYong Motor (renamed KG Mobility in Korea) to hopefully focus on its core business of producing 4x4 SUVs and pick-ups, with increasing use of electrification planned for future model development.

As part of this renewal, in late 2023 SsangYong Australia announced MY24 updates to refresh its local 4x4 Musso ute and Rexton seven-seater SUV ranges, which, combined with a Merv Hughes-hosted marketing campaign, is aimed at building brand appeal and sales through its 70-plus national dealer network.

We were recently handed the keys to the latest Rexton, which competes for buyers in Australia’s fiercely competitive ‘Large SUVs under $80K’ segment that hosts more than 20 rivals.

Honda has refreshed the CR-V, with more than half the line-up now featuring a hybrid powertrain. It’s a clear move to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

After a week behind the wheel, the question is simple - does this hybrid deliver on the family-friendly practicality the CR-V is known for, while also meeting its efficiency claims?