When it comes to buying a pre-owned car that you plan to use for towing your caravan, the word ‘pounds’ is going to be uppermost in your mind. That’s because you’ll want a car that weighs a lot of pounds for towing stability, but you don’t want it to cost you a whole load of pounds sterling in the process. In which case, you might well find yourself looking at a used SsangYong Rexton.
The third-generation car here looks ideal, because it’s hefty, well equipped and a bit of a bargain, three things which can make a very attractive prospect when looking for the best used tow car. But some will still be put off by the badge. Shame.
What’s a used Ssangyong Rexton like inside?
The 2017-onwards Rexton is a huge improvement over the models that preceded it.
For a start, it’s big, so not only will those in the front seats be perfectly comfortable stretching out, but anyone in the second row will have more than enough headroom and legroom. A trait of the best SUVs for towing will be ensuring everyone has plenty of space, and here, the cabin is also pretty wide, so three people won’t feel at all hemmed in.
There are options further back, too, because the Rexton was available as a seven-seater, with space for a couple of kids in the rear, or as a five-seater with a huge boot (820 litres when the seats are occupied, and 1977 when they’re folded).
Whether you’re buying a new or used car, you’re always going to want a good level of kit too. Another definite plus point is that SsangYong was pretty generous with standard kit when it launched the Rexton, so even the entry-level model comes with automatic lights and wipers, air conditioning, power-folding door mirrors, keyless entry and parking sensors at both ends. Don’t forget your pair of the best caravan mirrors when you’re towing, either.
The mid-spec ELX models are the sweet spot, because they add synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated seats front and rear, and even a heated steering wheel.
Opting for the top-spec version of the Rexton brings you a powered tailgate, real leather upholstery and a larger infotainment screen. And as well as that, the front seats are both cooled and heated.
How does a used Ssangyong Rexton drive?
If there’s a slight ‘but’ in the secondhand Rexton argument, this is where it lies.
That’s because this is an undeniably heavy car, but the soft suspension doesn’t control that weight quite well enough, so the Rexton can be a bit bouncy and wallowy when the road isn’t perfectly straight. The steering allows shudders through to the driver’s palms a bit readily, but things smooth out on motorways, and off-road, the car is very capable.
It’s a good machine with which to tow, too. When it comes to matching a car to a caravan, it has a decent 85% match figure of 1789kg, which should be high enough to suit a variety of modern tourers.
And it does so easily enough – the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel produces 310lb ft of torque, so has no trouble getting things moving.
If you can, find a model that has the optional seven-speed automatic gearbox, which takes all of the strain out of towing, although it can be a bit slow to swap ratios. The electric parking brake makes hill starts easy, too. It’s stable for the most part, although the suspension tends to allow a bit too much movement on a windy day.
What will a used Ssangyong Rexton tow?
- Kerbweight: 2105kg
- Towing limit: 3500kg
- Noseweight limit: 128kg
- 85% match: 1789kg
Running costs
- Insurance group 29
- Annual VED: £190
- Average economy: 34.8mpg
- Interim/full service: £208
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
Trouble spots
Good news, because the SsangYong Rexton has never been the subject of a recall. That means you can consider each car on its merits, without having to worry about whether or not you’ll have to return it to the dealer for remedial work. So condition should be the main driver of your search for a Rexton. And the later the model you can purchase, the more of the five-year/100,000-mile warranty will be remaining.
The verdict on a used Ssangyong Rexton
The Rexton is a huge advance over previous versions, and a genuinely competitive SUV. It has space aplenty and lots of standard kit, but be aware that other vehicles drive better and tow more easily, which could be particularly appealing if you’re a newcomer to caravanning.
Find out more about this make of car by seeing what we made of the 2022 Ssangyong Rexton when we put it to the test.
What to pay
- High: price: £38,000, model: 2.2D Ultimate T-Tronic; year: 2023 Miles 5400
- Sweet spot: price: £21,600. model: 2.2D Ultimate; year: 2022 Miles 36,000
- Low: price: £12,995, model: 2.2D ELX T-Tronic; year: 2017 Miles 125,000
Alternatives to consider
Used Škoda Kodiaq (2016-2024)
Practicality has always been a Škoda byword, and the Kodiaq is a fine example of the brand’s thinking. It’s roomy and well equipped, and offers the ability to carry seven people, albeit ideally only for shorter journeys. It is also a decent towing machine, although its 80kg noseweight is low among its peers, and it can be affected by sidewinds. Still, it performs hill starts with ease.
Used Peugeot 5008 (2017-present)
The French SUV is smaller than the Rexton, so can’t tow as large a tourer, but it makes a fine choice if you don’t need ultimate towing capability. It’s funky-looking, inside and out, although the typical Peugeot small, low-set steering wheel takes a bit of getting used to. It has a range of smooth powertrains, and stays unflustered whether you are towing or not.
It also offers seven seats.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2018-2024)
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a superb used tow car option. It’s huge inside, with a vast array of standard kit. Better still, it seats seven in the sort of space that means nobody should feel short-changed. When towing, it remains utterly composed, no matter how windy the conditions or how big a lorry you’re passing, and it’s serene when you drive solo. Just be aware it can be a bit thirsty.
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