SsangYong Rexton SUV 7-Seater Generations – Real Export Prices Revealed, Mercedes Engine Comparison, Pros & Hidden Risks

Introduction

The SsangYong Rexton SUV 7 Seater has been one of the most consistent Korean SUVs in the global market since its debut in 2001. While the 5-seater versions often see limited demand, the 7-seater models remain highly popular among overseas buyers in Africa, the Middle East, CIS, and Central America. Below is a full summary of each Rexton generation, with key specifications, features, and export value.

1st Generation (Y200, 2001–2006)

Launch: September 2001 as the successor to the Musso, positioned as a premium SUV.
Design: Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with Daewoo’s family-look grille.
Engines: 2.9L Diesel (120–132 ps), 3.2L Petrol (220 ps).
Features: First Korean SUV with driver memory seat, 7-seater standard.
New Rexton SUV (2003–2006): Introduced 2.7L XDI diesel (176 ps), Mercedes-Benz 5-speed AT (722.6), and ESP for improved safety. No exist in Korea anymore as old model.

1.5 Generation – Rexton II (2006–2008)

Changes: Facelift with updated front and rear styling.
Engines: 2.7L XDI Diesel (up to 191 ps), 3.2L Petrol (export only, discontinued in Korea).
Comfort & Safety: Downhill assist, electronic parking brake, TPMS.
Export Markets: Strong demand continued in Europe and Russia. Exporting Price : USD1,500-USD2,000

Super Rexton (2008–2012)

Name Change: Rebranded as “Super Rexton.”
Engines: 2.0L XDI, 2.7L XDI (172–191 ps).
Features: Added front obstacle detection, eco cruise control.
Trims: RX4, RX6, RX7, Noblesse, and Outdoor Edition for towing trailers and camping. Exporting Price : USD1,500~USD2,000

Rexton W (2012–2017)

Launch: Introduced at the 2012 Busan Motor Show. “W” means World Class + Work of Art.
Engines: 2.0L XDI Diesel, 2.2L e-XDI Diesel with Mercedes-Benz 7-speed AT.
Special Notes: Supplied as a Korean military command vehicle.
Features: HID headlights, TPMS, and improved safety.
Seats: Standard 5-seater, 7-seater optional.
Export: Popular in Africa and the Middle East due to durability and seating capacity. Exporting Price : USD2500-USD3,000

2nd Generation – G4 Rexton SUV (Y400, 2017–2020)

Launch: 2017 Seoul Motor Show. “G4” = 4th Generation + Great 4 Revolution.
Engine: 2.2L e-XDI Diesel (187 ps, 43 kg·m torque), Mercedes-Benz 7-speed AT.
Safety: 9 airbags, lane change assist, blind spot warning, reinforced high-strength steel frame.
Seats: Available in both 5-seater and 7-seater, with stronger global demand for 7-seater.
Highlight: One of the most successful Rexton generations in overseas markets. Exporting Price : USD7,000 – USD11,000

All-New Rexton SUV (Y450, 2020–2023)

Launch: November 2020 with K-pop star Lim Young-woong as brand ambassador.
Engine: 2.2L e-XDI Diesel (202 ps), paired with Hyundai Transys 8-speed AT.
Features: Electronic power steering (R-EPS), semi-autonomous driving functions, premium interior upgrades.
Trims: Luxury “The Black” edition, later offered in White as well. Exporting Price : USD9,000 – USD13,000

Rexton New Arena (Y461, 2023–Present)

Launch: May 2023, current production model.
Engine: 2.2L e-XDI Diesel (202 ps) with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Seats: Available as both 5-seater and 7-seater, catering to global demand.
Upgrades: Modernized exterior design, improved safety, and convenience features.
Market: Positioned as a global 7-seater SUV competing with Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero in export markets.

Key Export Insights

The 7-seater Rexton SUV has been consistently favored in international markets compared to the 5-seater.
Engine evolution: 2.9L Diesel → 2.7L XDI → 2.0L/2.2L e-XDI.
Transmission upgrades: 4-speed AT → 5-speed Mercedes → 7-speed Mercedes → 8-speed Hyundai.
Top export regions: Africa, Middle East, CIS, and Central America.

SsangYong Rexton SUV Engine vs Mercedes-Benz Engine Relationship

1. Early Engines (Musso / 1st Gen Rexton)
2.9L 5-cylinder diesel (662920, 662925 series) → Based on the Mercedes-Benz OM602 engine (German design). SsangYong produced it under license and installed it in Korean vehicles. Structure and performance are nearly identical to the Mercedes OM602. And 661 4Cylinder is same with Mercedes OM601.
2. 2.7 XDi (665925 / 665935)
Based on the Mercedes-Benz OM612 (2.7 CDI) engine. SsangYong locally manufactured and slightly modified it, but the cylinder block and combustion system remained Mercedes design. Transmission was also the Mercedes 5-speed automatic (722.6). 👉 This is why many export markets advertise: “Rexton has a Mercedes-Benz engine and gearbox.”

3. 3.2L XGi Petrol (162994)
Based on the Mercedes-Benz M104 inline-six petrol engine. Produced under technical agreement with Mercedes.
4. Later Engines (Super Rexton ~ G4 Rexton)
Engines such as 2.0L XDi and 2.2L e-XDI were developed by SsangYong. However, they continued using Mercedes-Benz automatic transmissions (5AT, 7AT). Even though the engines were SsangYong’s own, the Mercedes DNA was still present.
5. Latest Models (All-New Rexton, New Arena)
The 2.2L e-XDI improved version (engine code 672960) is a fully SsangYong-developed engine. Transmission changed to the Hyundai Transys 8-speed automatic. At this stage, SsangYong became largely independent from Mercedes technology.

Conclusion

1st Gen to early 2nd Gen: Both engines and gearboxes were Mercedes-Benz based (OM602, OM612, M104 + 722.6 AT) under license.
Later models: Engines became SsangYong’s own design, but transmissions were still Mercedes.
Newest models (Y450 and beyond): Fully SsangYong engines + Hyundai transmissions → no more Mercedes technology.
👉 For marketing, it’s still valid to say “Rexton SUV has Mercedes-Benz engines and gearboxes” (especially for older models), but in reality, it varies by generation.

FAQ – SsangYong Rexton Export

Q1. Can I still buy the 1st Generation Rexton SUV in Korea?
A1. No, the 1st Gen Rexton SUV is too old, discontinued, and mostly scrapped, so importing it today is nearly impossible.
Q2. Is the 2WD Rexton exportable?
A2. Technically yes, but overseas buyers strongly prefer the 4WD version, making it far more exportable.
Q3. What about exporting the 5-seater Rexton SUV ?
A3. The market demand is very low for 5-seaters. Most buyers specifically request the 7-seater model, which dominates Rexton exports.

Q4. How many SsangYong Rexton SUV can fit into a 40HC container?
A4. A maximum of 4 units can be loaded into a 40HC (40-foot High Cube) container. FAQ – How to Purchase & Import SsangYong Rexton Q5. How and where can I purchase and import a SsangYong Rexton SUV ?
A5. We have explained the detailed buying and import process in a separate guide — please refer here for full instructions. Q6. Where can I buy SsangYong Rexton SUV parts if I only need one unit?
A6. You can conveniently purchase even a single order of Rexton parts from trusted platforms such as Alibaba, eBay, and Amazon. and We can also supply a parts to you. Contact us.