It looks like SsangYong has finally hit their styling stride. After they’ve stopped looking at the west for design inspiration and looked inward to Korea instead, they’ve started coming up with pretty good designs like the Tivoli and Musso. Now, that “viewtiful” treatment extends to their compact SUV—meet the 2020 Korando.

The Korando takes on a much angular and boxier approach than its most immediate predecessor. At some angles, there looks to have some Volkswagen inspiration, but by and large, it’s the Tivoli grown by around 5 percent or so. It looks to have sacrificed some height (and even ground clearance) to give itself a more planted silhouette.



Still, the 185-mm ground clearance should enable the 2020 Korando to overcome most urban obstacles as does the 1.6-liter e-XDI160 turbocharged diesel engine. The sole engine currently available, the 136 horsepower, 300 Nm of torque output should be good enough for city slickers. The choice of transmission is either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Underneath, it gets a platform made of 74 percent high-tensile steel which should give it better safety and NVH. Upfront are MacPherson Struts and at the back are independent Multi-Links.



Inside, the Korando looks to have finally reached the 21st Century with its 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and 9-inch HD infotainment screen that boasts both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aside from smartphone integration, this center-mounted screen can split its display 50/50 offering two functions at once. Perhaps the gimmickiest feature is the “infinity mood lamp.” With 34 colors to choose from (and typically, only red looks nice), it’s projected over the dash and even door panels.

In terms of convenience features, the all-new Korando can be speced with automatic walkaway locking, a sunroof, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic dimming rear view mirror, and even a 220-volt power outlet in the second row. And for safety, it comes with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control. It also comes something that SsangYong calls “Deep Control.” Deep Control is their suite of driver-assistive tech that includes blind spot monitoring, front collision warning, front vehicle start alert, and rear cross traffic alert.



There’s still no news on when the 2020 Korando will reach the Philippines, but it’s a safe bet to say that we’ll get it before the end of the year.

2020 SsangYong Korando Specifications

• Overall Length: 4,450 mm
• Overall Width: 1,870 mm
• Overall Height: 1,630 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2,675 mm
• Front Track: 1,595 mm
• Rear Track: 1,620 mm
• Minimum Ground Clearance: 185 mm
• Engine: 1.6-liter e-XDi160
• Maximum Power: 136 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,500-3,000 rpm
• Front Brakes: Vented Disc
• Rear Brakes: Solid Disc
• Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
• Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
• Tires: 225/60R17, 225/55R18, 235/55R18, 235/50R19
• Drivetrain: 2WD / 4WD
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 47-liters (Diesel)