If someone whispered the name "Korando" in your ear, you might initially mistake it for a martial art or perhaps a luxury yacht. But no, the Korando is KGM’s ambitious attempt to challenge the heavyweights of the SUV world.

It was over 40 years ago in 1983 when the first generation of Korando rolled off the production line, and the Jeep licensed CJ-5 couldn’t be more different from this, the fourth generation Korando that stands before us today.

Ssangyong, recently rebranded to KGM (Korean Global Motors), created this latest version to blend everyday practicality with a hint of off-road prowess, all while keeping your wallet relatively happy. So, how does it stack up in a fiercely competitive market? Let’s have a butchers.

On-Road Ride

First impressions matter, and the Korando’s on-road manners are a mixed bag, in a good way. The suspension strikes a balance between comfort and firmness, managing to soak up most of Britain’s pothole-ridden roads without leaving your morning coffee splattered across the dash. While it’s no BMW X3 in terms of finesse, the Korando feels stable and composed, particularly on the motorway where it glides along with a reassuring steadiness.

The steering, though, is where things take a bit of a detour. It’s light, perhaps a tad too light for enthusiastic drivers, but ideal for city manoeuvres and tight parking spaces. There’s enough feedback to let you know what’s happening beneath the tyres, but it won’t ignite any passion for spirited cornering. Engine options are limited to a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Yes, there are quicker and sportier SUVs on the market, but in my personal opinion the performance you get from the Korando is more than adequate. Fuel wise, after around 400 miles of very mixed driving I achieved an average of 39mpg during the week.

Off-Road Ability

Let’s be honest, most Korando owners won’t be tackling gnarly Welsh green-lanes or fording rivers in the Lake District. That said, KGM has given the Korando enough capability to handle light off-road duties with ease, despite only being available in front wheel drive.

Ground clearance is respectable, with modest approach and departure angles, so you’ll want to avoid anything too rough, but for weekend adventurers or rural dwellers, it’ll do the job. Oh, there’s a hill descent control system that helps you down steep slopes without relying on the brakes alone.

I don’t know if it was part of the design or simply a coincidence, but the shape of the curve at the bottom of the front doors is enough to catch mud from the tyres and stop it from being flung up into the door handles, which is a nice touch whether they meant it or not.

Interior Spec

Step inside the Korando Ultimate, and you’re greeted with an interior that’s surprisingly well-appointed given the Korando’s price point. There’s a refreshing simplicity to the layout, with physical buttons and dials that are easy to use, even when wearing gloves, a nod to KGMs practicality-first approach. The build quality is solid, though some of the plastics lower down lack the plushness of pricier rivals like the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.

The star of the show is the infotainment system. Standard models get an 8” touchscreen, while higher trims boast a 10.25” digital display that’s sharp, responsive, and intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, keeping your Spotify playlists and Google Maps within easy reach. And for those who enjoy a bit of ambient flair, there’s mood lighting to set the tone - perfect for impressing the kids or embarrassing your teenager.

Comfort

Comfort is where the Korando shines brightest. The seats are supportive, with ample adjustability to suit drivers of all shapes and sizes. Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and headroom, making this a genuine five-seater for family road trips. Even the middle seat isn’t a punishment chamber - a rarity in this class.

Road and wind noise are well-contained, even at motorway speeds, and ride comfort is generally excellent, with the suspension doing a sterling job of ironing out imperfections in the road. Long journeys feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to enjoy the Korando’s refined cabin.

Practicality

Practicality is the Korando’s bread and butter. Boot space stands at 551 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to a cavernous 1,248 litres when folded down. The low loading lip makes it easy to chuck in bulky items, whether it’s the weekly shop or camping gear for a weekend getaway.

Cubby spaces are abundant, with door bins that can accommodate large water bottles and a centre console that’s perfect for stashing snacks and gadgets. The rear seats also have a 60/40 split, and there’s a ski hatch for those rare moments when you need to transport long items.

Safety

Safety is an area where the Korando punches well above its weight. It achieved a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, with a suite of advanced safety features that come as standard across the range. Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention alert system are all included, while higher trims add blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.

The robust chassis and array of airbags provide added peace of mind, particularly for families. It’s clear that KGM has prioritised safety, which is reassuring in a segment that’s dominated by family-friendly SUVs. And let’s not forget that every Korando comes with a five-year warranty.

Conclusion

The 2024 KGM Korando might not have the badge appeal of some of its rivals, but it more than makes up for it with an enticing mix of practicality, comfort, and value for money. It’s an SUV that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Instead, it focuses on delivering what most buyers actually want: a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and enough capability to handle everyday adventures.

For those willing to look beyond the badge, the Korando offers a lot of bang for your buck. Sure, it’s not going to set your heart racing, and it’s not the most luxurious option out there, but it’s a dependable, honest SUV that’s ready for whatever life throws at it. In a market overflowing with options, the Korando deserves a second look - if not for its name, then certainly for its charm.

Website: KGM.UK

Korando prices start from: £25,995