SsangYong Rhino set for power upgrade

In the grand scheme of the local ute segment, the SsangYong Rhino remains something of an underdog, with its sharp pricing strategy, huge cabin space, and long equipment list. 

And next year, it could also come with a bit more power and torque. This is according to a leaked internal bulletin from SsangYong, published on Korean motoring news website Autospy.net. 

The report claims that the Rhino’s current 139kW of power and 419Nm of torque from its 2.2-litre turbodiesel four is set to increase to 150kW and 441Nm. A handy switch-up in a segment where so much buyer sway revolves around output. 

The report effectively claims that the updated Rhino (known as a Musso in other markets) will get the revised 2.2-litre from its Rexton seven-seater SUV cousin, with which it shares platforms. While the report doesn’t mention it, the Rhino could also potentially borrow the new Rexton’s eight-speed gearbox. 

For reference, the current Rhino sold locally gets slightly less horses than those sold in Korea, with local power and torque rated at 133kW/420Nm.  

The document detailed several other potential changes for the next-gen Rhino. It claims the model will get new electronically assisted steering that supports lane centering and lane-keep assist, while also getting rear cross-traffic alert and safe distance warning systems. 

The report adds that the document also discusses speed-sensing steering (perhaps alluding to adaptive cruise control that can brake for corners) and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, among other tweaks. 

The added grunt will be a welcome addition, as the ute segment prepares for a bit of a power war in 2022. The recently updated LDV T60 recently took over the crown of most powerful four-cylinder ute sold locally, with its 160kW 2.0-litre twin-turbo taking the crown from the 157kW Ford Ranger 2.0-litre bi-turbo. 

Of course, Volkswagen’s V6 Amarok produces 200kW on overboost, slaying all four-cylinder rivals. Ford is likely to challenge that number when it launches its new Ranger in 2022, which will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 ‘Powerstroke’ engine.