Last Updated on 16/10/2025 by Raj

2026 KGM Rexton: The Reborn Korean Warrior Ready to Conquer the Aussie Outback

The completely new 2026 KGM Rexton is not only an SUV — it’s a tale of rebirth. Bolder, brainier, and unmistakably stylish, this Korean 4WD is set to outpace the titans in Australia’s harsh SUV warscape. Here’s the complete story, from beginnings to horsepower.

The Beginning – A Brand That Refused to Fade

Every legend has a comeback story. For KGM, the tale begins much earlier than the badges ever changed. Back in the early 2000s, when Ssang Yong was establishing its reputation based on gritty reliability and practicality, the Rexton nameplate held its head high as Korea’s response to the Japanese SUV invasion. It wasn’t always the most glamorous one sitting in the car park, but it was dependable, capable, and unpretentious — the type of SUV that did the job without bragging about it.

Flash forward to 2025. The roads are clogged with hybrids, technology-filled crossovers, and SUVs more style than substance. And out of the haze, KGM — Korea Gwangmu Motor — reemerges into the limelight. The firm didn’t set out to produce yet another SUV. They set their sights on creating a vehicle that honored the essence of what made the Rexton so excellent: strength, soul, and stamina.

The 2026 KGM Rexton is not a facelift. It’s a rebirth. A re-engineering of identity. And in pure underdog spirit, it’s now set to take the battle head-on to the Fortuner, MU-X, and Everest — the titans of Australia’s SUV scene.

The Design – Bold, Muscular, and a Bit of Swagger

Place the new Rexton alongside its predecessor and the contrast is day and night. The new front face appears to have been chiseled by a part-time sculptor — aggressive grille, more angular headlights, and powerful lines that lend it an air of authority.

There’s confidence here — not arrogance, but that kind of quiet self-assurance that says, “I’ve been through worse, mate.” It’s modern but not trendy. Stylish but still rugged. A proper Aussie 4WD with Korean sophistication.

The proportions are spot-on: tall stance, wide shoulders, and purposeful ground clearance that screams adventure rather than “school run.”

Inside the Beast – Where Toughness Meets Tranquility

Open the door, and you’re presented with something you wouldn’t think to find in a 4WD capable of carrying 3.5 tonnes — refinement. Inside, it’s premium-feeling, polished, and carefully constructed.

Those days of the Rexton cabin being a rough-around-the-edges toolbox are behind us. The 2026 model is an altogether different beast — stitched leather-upholstered seats, soft-touch plastics, and a design that appears to have been plucked from a luxury saloon.

The steering wheel sports a chunky, self-assured grip, the dashboard arrangement is uncluttered and to the point, and the 12.3-inch infotainment monitor commands the center — sharp, quick, and thoroughly integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s also a new level of quietness in the cabin. With great noise insulation, you can drive down the highway with hardly a murmur from the diesel engine under the hood. Kids will appreciate the rear sun blinds, lots of USB-C charging ports, and climate control that truly functions throughout all three rows.

It’s still a seven-seater, but this time it doesn’t have the feel of the third row being added as an afterthought. Even adults can manage to slip back there for short journeys without yoga-level flexibility.

Performance – Power with Purpose

Under the bonnet, the tried and tested 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine makes its welcome return — but don’t be fooled by the déjà vu. It’s been fettled, fluffed, and grown up. Producing 149 kW of power and 441 Nm of torque, it doesn’t read like a lot on paper, but gets its hit low and early, and towing and overtaking are as easy as pie.

The 8-speed auto transmission is seamless, responsive, and ideally suited to Aussie bitumen — no searching for gears, no jerky hesitation. It simply gets on with it.

On the highway, the Rexton is refined — remarkably hushed, almost serene. The new-for-2026 electric power steering provides precision without sacrificing that retro 4WD feel that tuners adore.

On the road, though, the Rexton shows its true nature. Engage 4H or 4L, and it tears through sand, gravel, and mud with that soothing surety of an old trail hand. It’s not faking being rugged — it’s rugged.

It’s one of the last SUVs remaining that remains mechanical in the very best sense of the word — a machine for drivers, not mere passengers.

Safety – Technology That Has Your Back

The 2026 Rexton is equipped with the type of safety technology that would make a jetliner blush. Adaptive Cruise Control keeps you in your lane, Lane Keeping Assist gives you a friendly nudge to get back in line, and the Autonomous Emergency Braking watches out for the surprises.

Add in nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring, and you’ve got one of the most secure SUVs in its class.

It’s not just about protecting passengers; it’s about protecting peace of mind. Every drive feels cocooned in a layer of quiet confidence.

Capability – Built to Earn Its Mud

When KGM claims “4WD,” they mean it. The 2026 Rexton’s based on a ladder-frame platform, not a soft unibody chassis. That’s code for it being designed to handle actual off-road duties — ruts, rocks, and river crossings aren’t Saturday nightmares, they’re invitations.

Its 4WD system with automatic locking rear differential delivers traction where you need it most. The towing capacity of 3,500 kg makes it tow just about anything you hook up to it — from cattle trailers to caravans.

And the suspension? Toned in for Australia. It swallows corrugations, absorbs potholes, and doesn’t bat an eyelid at rough country roads. It’s not an SUV for the suburbs — it’s a companion for the paddocks.

Pricing and Value – Premium Power Without the Premium Price

At a time when competitors creep towards the $80K threshold, the Rexton softly undercut them — beginning at about $52,000 drive-away. Even the high-spec Sport Pack with black-suede trim and all its over-features is comfortably below the price of a mid-range Everest or Fortuner.

And all models are backed by a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty — not a guarantee, but an assertion that KGM is confident in its engineering.

That makes the Rexton the best-value 7-seat 4WD in Australia, bar none.

The Verdict – The Underdog You Can’t Ignore

The 2026 KGM Rexton doesn’t attempt to revolutionize the wheel. It simply ensures the wheel is constructed better, tougher, and smoother than ever before. It’s the unsung hero of the SUV world — the one that catches you out with its quality, ability, and charisma.

It’s for those who desire real off-road muscle without sacrificing on modern comfort. It’s for families that cherish space and security, but still romanticize the weekend getaway.

Yes, it lacks the badge cache of Toyota or Ford — but it possesses something perhaps more precious in today’s world: authenticity.

And in today’s SUV market, that is priceless.

Final Thoughts

KGM didn’t just resurrect the Rexton — they rebuilt it from scratch with intention and pride. It’s not some sad effort to join the cool kids club; it’s a bold move forward, proudly wearing its heritage on its sleeve.

The 2026 Rexton is like a car built by humans who actually drive — not merely design for spreadsheets. It’s powerful, poised, and unapologetically premium.

If SUVs were humans, the Rexton would be the quiet guy at the bar who doesn’t utter a word… but when he does, everyone tends to listen.