What's the difference?
Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.
We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?
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?
So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.
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.