SsangYong Korando II (KJ) 2.3 D (80 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

SsangYong Korando:

The KGM Korando, formerly SsangYong Korando is a mini SUV or compact crossover SUV built by the South Korean automobile manufacturer SsangYong from 1983 to 2006 and from 2010 onwards. The name Korando is a contraction of "Korea Can Do". The Korando brand is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as Korea’s longest surviving name plate.
In 1964, Ha Dong-hwan Motor Company began to assemble Jeeps, trucks, and buses for the US armed forces and for the United Nations Command.
In November 1969, the CJ-5 entered production with the 75 hp Willys Hurricane inline-four engine and in 1971, a ten-seater version and a pickup model were introduced. In April 1974, American Motors and Shinjin Motors formed a joint venture, Shinjin Jeep Motors, to build local Jeeps. These originally had a locally built AMC 258 ci straight-six engine with 110 hp SAE, but after the oil crises of the seventies Isuzu's 2. 8-liter 4BA1 diesel engine with 85 hp SAE was introduced in July 1979....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (KJ) Overview:

SsangYong Korando (II (KJ)). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1740 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 25 s). The top speed reaches 130 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.3 D (80 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Extremely sluggish performance, making it suitable only for very light city driving or slow off-road maneuvers. Acceleration is a significant compromise.

Fuel Economy

While specific data is absent, this naturally aspirated diesel is expected to offer reasonable fuel economy, prioritizing efficiency over power.

Best Use Case: Basic Utility / Slow City Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust, body-on-frame construction for durability
  • • Excellent off-road capability with proper 4x4 system
  • • Mercedes-Benz derived engines (for some variants) known for reliability
  • • Distinctive and unique styling
  • • Good value for money on the used market

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for petrol V6 models
  • • Sluggish performance in lower-powered diesel variants
  • • Dated interior design and materials
  • • Rough ride quality compared to more modern SUVs
  • • Limited safety features by modern standards

Specifications:

General:
Brand:SsangYong
Model:Korando
Generation:II (KJ)
Modification (Engine):2.3 D (80 Hp)
Start of production:1996
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:80 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:34.8 Hp/l
Torque:150 Nm @ 2300 rpm.
Engine displacement:2299
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:92.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:25 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:25 sec
Maximum speed:130 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:21.8 kg/Hp, 46 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11.6 kg/Nm, 86.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:23.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1740
Max. weight:2515
Max load:775
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1200 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:130 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4330 mm mm
Width:1841 mm mm
Height:1940 mm mm
Wheelbase:2480 mm mm
Front track:1510 mm
Rear (Back) track:1520 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/75 R15
Front suspensionTorsion
Rear suspensionRigid axle suspension

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the SsangYong Korando rank in your book?