SsangYong Rodius: Which Version Should You Buy?
The SsangYong Rodius catalogue covers a Minivan produced from November 2004 through December 2019. The choice falls into two generations: the first generation, including its restyling, and the second generation. Buyers prioritizing lower recorded fuel consumption should start with the second-generation 2.0 MT, while those wanting the strongest diesel should consider the second-generation 2.2 AT.
The SsangYong Rodius catalogue covers a Minivan produced from November 2004 through December 2019. The choice falls into two generations: the first generation, including its restyling, and the second generation. Buyers prioritizing lower recorded fuel consumption should start with the second-generation 2.0 MT, while those wanting the strongest diesel should consider the second-generation 2.2 AT. Earlier models offer RWD and AWD alternatives, an 80-litre tank, and a choice between 2.7-litre Diesel and 3.2-litre Gasoline engines. Prices, towing capacity, interior configuration, reliability, and common problems are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot determine this comparison.
SsangYong Rodius generations: what changed?
The first-generation SsangYong Rodius ran from November 2004 to August 2007 as a Minivan with 6 listed versions. Its engines were a 2,696 cc turbo Diesel producing 163 hp and 345 Nm, or a 3,199 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline unit producing 220 hp and 310 Nm. Manual and Automatic gearboxes were offered, along with RWD and AWD. Most listed configurations had independent spring front and rear suspension, although the RWD 2.7 MT had dependent spring rear suspension.
The first-generation restyling ran from September 2007 to July 2013, remained a Minivan, and expanded the catalogue to 12 versions. It added 1,998 cc turbo Diesel versions with 155 hp and 360 Nm, while the 2,696 cc turbo Diesel increased to 165 hp. The 3,199 cc Gasoline engine retained its 220 hp output. Depending on the exact version, buyers could choose Manual or Automatic transmission and RWD or AWD. The restyled catalogue consistently lists independent spring suspension at both ends and ventilated front discs.
The second generation ran from August 2013 to December 2019 as a Minivan with 4 versions. Its 1,998 cc turbo Diesel delivered 155 hp and 360 Nm, while the 2,157 cc turbo Diesel produced 178 hp and 400 Nm. The range included Manual and Automatic transmissions, FWD and AWD, Euro 5 and Euro 6 classifications, and recorded combined consumption between 7.6 and 8.1 l/100 km.
SsangYong Rodius engine and specs comparison
Repeated names identify distinct drivetrains or generations, so the generation, output, gearbox, and drive should all be checked before buying.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.7 MT | 163 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 2.7 MT | 163 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 2.7 AT | 163 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 2.7 AT | 163 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation 3.2 AT | 220 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 220 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 AT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 AT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 MT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.0 MT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.7 AT | 165 hp | 342 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.7 AT | 165 hp | 342 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.7 MT | 165 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 2.7 MT | 165 hp | 345 Nm | 2,696 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 AT | 220 hp | 312 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 AT | 220 hp | 312 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT | 220 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT | 220 hp | 310 Nm | 3,199 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT | 155 hp | 360 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.2 AT | 178 hp | 400 Nm | 2,157 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | FWD |
The second-generation 2.2 AT has the strongest diesel specification: it provides 23 hp and 40 Nm more than the 2.0 versions. Its specific output is about 82.5 hp per litre, compared with about 77.6 hp per litre for the 1,998 cc engine. The 2.2 AT also improves the weight-to-power ratio: its 2,100 kg kerb weight equals about 11.8 kg per hp, whereas the 1,968 kg 2.0 MT carries about 12.7 kg per hp and the 2,104 kg AWD 2.0 AT about 13.6 kg per hp.
The 3.2 Gasoline versions remain the most powerful overall at 220 hp, which is 42 hp above the second-generation 2.2 AT. Their specific output is about 68.8 hp per litre. The restyled 3.2 AT AWD weighs 2,140 kg, or about 9.7 kg per hp, but its recorded fuel use is substantially higher than that of every second-generation version.
Performance and mpg
The clearest economy choice is the second-generation 2.0 MT. Its recorded consumption is 9.8 l/100 km in the city, 6.4 l/100 km on the highway, and 7.6 l/100 km combined. Top speed is 180 km/h, while 0–100 km/h is not measured.
The second-generation FWD 2.0 AT records 9.9 l/100 km city, 6.6 l/100 km highway, and 7.8 l/100 km combined, with a top speed of 181 km/h. Its combined figure is only 0.2 l/100 km above the Manual version. The AWD 2.0 AT records 10.1, 6.9, and 8.1 l/100 km respectively. AWD therefore adds 0.3 l/100 km to combined consumption compared with the FWD 2.0 AT, and its kerb weight rises by 112 kg. Acceleration for both 2.0 AT versions is not measured.
The second-generation 2.2 AT combines 178 hp with 9.9 l/100 km city, 6.5 l/100 km highway, and 7.8 l/100 km combined. It matches the FWD 2.0 AT’s combined result while adding 23 hp and 40 Nm, and its top speed is 187 km/h, 6 km/h higher. Its 0–100 km/h figure is not measured.
Among the restyled diesels with complete consumption data, the RWD 2.7 AT records 12.4 l/100 km city, 8.6 l/100 km highway, and 9.9 l/100 km combined; 0–100 km/h takes 13.3 seconds and top speed is 174 km/h. The AWD 2.7 AT also records 9.9 l/100 km combined, with 12.5 city and 8.4 highway; acceleration takes 13.5 seconds and top speed is 174 km/h.
The restyled 3.2 AT, whether RWD or AWD, reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and has a 191 km/h top speed. Recorded consumption is 20.5 l/100 km city, 12.9 l/100 km highway, and 15.6 l/100 km combined. Compared with the RWD 2.7 AT, it is 2.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h but uses 5.7 l/100 km more on the combined cycle.
For the original first-generation RWD 2.7 MT, acceleration is 12 seconds, top speed is 169 km/h, and consumption is 11.7 l/100 km city, 7.7 highway, and 9.2 combined. Where the other original versions lack acceleration, speed, or consumption figures, those values are not measured.
SsangYong Rodius dimensions, kerb weight, and capacity
External dimensions and towing capacity are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, clearance, tank capacity, and wheels can still help separate the versions.
The original first-generation RWD 2.7 MT weighs 2,010 kg and has a gross weight of 2,750 kg; ground clearance is not measured. Its AWD 2.7 MT also weighs 2,010 kg, has a gross weight of 2,750 kg, and provides 183 mm of clearance. The original generation uses an 80-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Within the restyled range, recorded kerb weights extend from 2,009 kg for the AWD 2.0 AT to 2,145 kg for the AWD 2.7 AT. Gross weight ranges from 2,750 to 2,850 kg, ground clearance from 182 to 183 mm, and tank capacity is 80 litres. Wheel sizes are not measured.
The second-generation 2.0 MT is the lightest listed later model at 1,968 kg. The FWD 2.0 AT weighs 1,992 kg, the 2.2 AT weighs 2,100 kg, and the AWD 2.0 AT weighs 2,104 kg. Gross weight is measured only for the 2.2 AT, at 2,820 kg; it is not measured for the other second-generation versions. Every second-generation version has 150 mm ground clearance and offers 225/65 R16 or 235/60 R17 wheels. Tank capacity is not measured.
Which SsangYong Rodius version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 2.0 MT when recorded fuel economy and lower kerb weight matter most. It has the range’s lowest combined figure at 7.6 l/100 km and weighs 24 kg less than the FWD 2.0 AT, 132 kg less than the 2.2 AT, and 136 kg less than the AWD 2.0 AT.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 AT FWD when an Automatic gearbox is required without the weight and consumption increase of AWD. It matches the 2.2 AT’s 7.8 l/100 km combined result, although the 2.2 AT supplies 23 hp and 40 Nm more.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 AT AWD when AWD is essential. Against the FWD 2.0 AT, the trade-off is 112 kg of additional kerb weight and 0.3 l/100 km higher combined consumption. Both produce 155 hp and 360 Nm and reach 181 km/h.
Choose the second-generation 2.2 AT for the strongest balance of diesel output and measured economy. It has 178 hp, 400 Nm, a 7-speed Automatic transmission, a 187 km/h top speed, and 7.8 l/100 km combined consumption. It is also the only second-generation version classified as Euro 6; the 2.0 versions are Euro 5.
Choose a restyled or original 3.2 AT only if the catalogue’s highest power and quickest measured acceleration take priority over consumption. Its 220 hp and 10.9-second acceleration are the strongest measured performance figures, but its 15.6 l/100 km combined consumption is double the second-generation 2.0 MT’s 7.6 l/100 km.
Choose an earlier 2.7 Diesel if RWD, AWD, an 80-litre tank, or 182–183 mm of measured clearance matters more than the second generation’s lower recorded fuel use. Before purchasing any Rodius, treat price, seating capacity, towing capacity, service history, transmission condition, reliability, and common problems as open questions: none is measured in this dataset.