2020 SsangYong Musso Grand vs Nissan Navara Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

Since the pickup truck as vehicle class was introduced here in the Philippines, it has become one of the most popular vehicle types.

As such, it is understandable how competitive the said segment has become especially in recent years. With the emergency of the TRAIN law with which pickup trucks are unaffected, the popularity of these utility vehicles skyrocketed to greater heights. They have remained affordable, and so are still one of the most desired types of vehicles here in the Philippines.

One of the most popular pickup trucks right now is the Nissan Navara. It is a literal mainstay in the Philippine automotive market and we even have local factories to fuel the immense local demand for the said vehicle.

In 2019 however, Korean car manufacturer SsangYong released the dual-cab version of the Musso, called the Musso Grand. So this begs the question: how does the newest pickup truck model from Korea fare against the Nissan Navara in terms of specs?

The veteran vs the rookie. Kimchi vs Miso. 

When it comes to size, the Musso Grand is 5,405mm long, 1,950mm wide, 1,820mm high, and has a wheelbase length of 3,210mm.

In comparison, the Nissan Navara VL Sport Edition measures at 5,255mm in length, 1,850mm in height, 1,840mm in width, and has a wheelbase that’s 3,150mm long.

To summarize, the Musso Grand is clearly the larger vehicle, but the Navara VL Sport Edition is still taller. In connection to that, the SsangYong pickup truck also has less ground clearance at 215mm, while the Nissan made truck has more at 245mm.

When it comes to style, the Nissan Navara is attractively macho

The SsangYong Musso Grand is sleeker but it does have that tough look common on all pickup trucks

When it comes to cosmetic and utilitarian stuff, the Navara VL Sport Edition does have more in the form of a roof rail, LED projector headlamps (the Musso Grand has HIDs) and a larger set of 18-inch wheels compared to the Musso Grand’s 17-inch set. The Ssangyong Musso, however, does come with a sunroof, while the Navara VL Sport Edition doesn’t.

Check out the well-put-together rear end of the Ssangyong Musso Grand

Compare that to the very stylish rear end of the Navara VL Sport Edition

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For what’s inside, the 2020 Ssangyong Musso is as well-equipped as the Navara VL Sport edition. Amenities that are common between these two trucks are cruise control, electronically adjustable front seats (driver only for the Navara), a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, leather-covered seats, keyless entry, power outlets, steering wheel audio controls, and six audio speakers for their audio systems that can both handle radio, can connect via aux, USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Neatly arranged and looks a bit like the one aboard the Nissan Terra. Nice

Note that in terms of climate control, the Musso Grand does have one trick up its sleeve in the form of a dual-zone automatic AC with rear vents. This 2020 Nissan Navara, on the other hand, has a manual one with rear vents.

The SsangYong Musso Grand has a lot of interior amenities too

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In terms of what’s under the hood, both the Musso Grand and the Navara VL Sport Edition are powerful trucks. For the former, it is powered by a 2.2-liter eXDi 220 engine shared with the Rexton. The said engine makes 181 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, and 420 Nm of torque at 1,400-2,800 rpm. Power is sent to a lockable four-wheel-drive system via a six-speed automatic with manual mode.

For the Navara VL Sport Edition, it uses the YD25 2.5 liter inline-4 that makes 187 horsepower at 3,600 rpm, and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The Navara also uses a part-time 4WD with a transfer select switch but it doesn’t have a diff lock. Do note that the Navara VL Sport Edition has an electronic 4-wheel brake limited-slip differential and a seven-speed automatic.

The rear leaf springs means more cargo capacity for the SsangYong Musso Grand

When it comes to suspensions, the Navara VL Sport Edition has a more sophisticated rear 5-link coil spring with stabilizer and an independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar for the front.

In comparison, the Musso Grand uses an independent, double-wishbone suspension for the front, and a very simple leaf spring for the rear.

Lastly, both the Nissan and the SsangYong trucks have disc brakes all around.

When it comes to safety equipment, the SsangYong Musso Grand is definitely competitive. It comes equipped with six airbags, and speed sensing door locks. Sure, the Navara has fewer airbags, but it does come with an around-view monitor.

The around view monitor might get uses with off-roading but even moreso during parking

Both the Musso Grand and the Navara VL Sport Edition comes with hill start assist, hill descent control, and engine immobilizer with an alarm system, stability control, ISOFIX, and ABS with EBD.

As you might have already surmised for yourself, the Nissan Navara VL and the SsangYong Musso Grand are just as well equipped as each other. Save, of course, for some minor variances with the interior and their safety kits.

The Nissan Navara VL Sport is one of the sportiest pickup trucks in the Philippines

When it comes to performance, the Nissan and the SsangYong doesn’t have much on top of the other. But note that while the SsangYong has a locking diff and a more robust rear suspension, the Navara does have a limited-slip differential.

This, of course, means that the Nissan can be more adept at going at corners, while the SsangYong truck has more potential in off-road situations.

Of note, the Nissan Navara VL Sport Edition is also no joke on rough roads, while the SsangYong Musso Grand can also do great on highways.

The SsangYong Musso Grand's suspension might as well mean that it carried all those sacks in the background

As always however, we advise potential car buyers to test drive the cars that they’re targeting to buy to make their own opinions, and so weigh the pros and cons of each competing vehicle model themselves.

For more comparison articles, please keep reading here on Philkotse.com.