Same vehicle, new badge
The rename didn't change what's under the bonnet. The maker is the same Korean company, based in Pyeongtaek, and the model names carried on: Musso, Rexton, Korando and Tivoli, joined by the Torres in 2022 and the Actyon in 2024.
So when you send the job, give the model and the year rather than just the logo. That's what tells the garage which schedule, oils and filters apply.
Looking after a diesel Musso or Rexton
Plenty of KGM utes and SUVs are diesels, and a diesel here brings a couple of jobs a petrol owner never thinks about. Road user charges have to be kept current, and AA New Zealand points out that modern diesels carry a particulate filter in the exhaust.
If yours uses diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue is one brand name), the dash will warn you before the tank runs dry. Don't ignore it: AA New Zealand says the engine won't start once the fluid runs out.
Towing a boat, carrying a loaded tray or driving gravel roads all work the brakes, suspension and driveline harder. Tell the garage how the vehicle's used, and ask whether the booklet has a harder-use schedule.
The electric models
KGM now builds battery-electric vehicles too: the Korando e-Motion from 2022, the Torres EVX from 2023 and the Musso EV from 2025. They still need regular servicing. AA New Zealand notes that an EV can have a battery cooling fan and filter, and that the coolant keeping the battery at temperature needs checking at services.
Tyres, brakes and suspension are everyday work on one of these. Anything on the high-voltage side belongs with a garage trained and equipped for it, so ask before you book.
What each KGM service invoice should show
- The rego, the date and the odometer reading.
- Which service in the booklet was done.
- Oils and fluids by name and grade.
- Filters and parts by name.
- Anything spotted that can wait, written down for next time.
Ask a garage before a KGM goes in
- Do you see SsangYong or KGM vehicles regularly?
- Can your scan tool read this model's fault codes properly?
- How long do parts for this model take to arrive?
- Does my towing or load work change the schedule you'll follow?
What you can keep on top of
You can
- Watch the AdBlue warning and top it up before it runs low.
- Keep the road user charges licence current.
- Look over the tyres and the tow bar before a long tow.
Leave to the mechanic
- The booklet service and its record.
- Particulate filter, injector and fault-code work.
- Anything high-voltage on an electric model.
Where we'd start with a KGM
We'd work out which model and year it is, old badge or new, and find the booklet schedule that matches. If it tows or works hard, we'd say so up front. Then we'd choose a garage that sees these vehicles often and can get parts without a long wait, and keep every invoice in the booklet. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.