If you’re in the market for a dual-cab ute but don’t want to break the bank, the KGM Musso might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. With over 20 utes competing for your attention in the Australian market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices. But here’s the thing – sometimes the best value isn’t found in the most popular options.
What Makes the KGM Musso Stand Out?
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: price. When you can drive away in a brand-new dual-cab ute for under $40,000, it’s worth paying attention. The KGM Musso isn’t just cheap for the sake of being cheap – it actually delivers genuine value that makes you wonder why you’d spend more elsewhere.
The Musso recently took home the crown in the best under $50K category of the Wheels Best Dual-Cab Ute awards for 2025. That’s not just marketing fluff – it’s recognition from industry experts who know their utes inside and out.
Three Flavors to Choose From
KGM keeps things simple with three trim levels. The entry-level ELX starts at $38,000 drive away, the mid-spec Adventure at $41,500, and the top-spec Ultimate at $42,000. For an extra $1,500, you can upgrade to the XLV version on any trim, which gives you a longer tray and wheelbase – perfect if you actually plan to use your ute for serious hauling.
Inside the Cabin: More Premium Than You’d Expect
Here’s where the Musso really surprises. Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice this doesn’t feel like a budget vehicle. The cabin quality rivals utes costing significantly more, with thoughtful touches that show KGM actually cares about the user experience.
Tech That Works, Not Just Looks Good
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is crisp and responsive, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a wired connection. Sure, it would be nice to have wireless connectivity and features like DAB+ radio or built-in navigation, but for most people, plugging in their phone isn’t a dealbreaker.
The digital driver display is equally impressive at 12.3 inches, though it’s more about looking good than offering extensive functionality. Sometimes simple is better – especially when it works reliably.
Comfort Where It Counts
The front seats are genuinely comfortable, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a weekend adventure. The synthetic leather feels premium and should wear well over time. Spring for the Ultimate trim, and you’ll get heated and ventilated front seats – a feature you typically only find in much more expensive vehicles.
Back seat passengers aren’t forgotten either. Two adults can travel comfortably thanks to generous space and thoughtful details like air vents and cup holders. The optional Luxury Package even adds heated rear seats, though you’ll still need to bring your own device chargers for the back row.
The Heart of the Matter: How It Drives
Under the hood sits a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 133kW of power and 400Nm of torque (420Nm in the XLV). These aren’t chart-topping numbers, but here’s what matters: the Musso feels refined in a way that many competitors simply don’t.
Surprisingly Quiet and Composed
The Musso’s secret weapon is its quietness. While other utes in this price range sound like tractors under acceleration, the Musso maintains a composed demeanor. The sound deadening is genuinely impressive, creating a cabin environment that’s more SUV than traditional workhorse ute.
The six-speed automatic transmission might not be the quickest-shifting unit available, but it’s smooth and predictable. It does its job without fuss, which is exactly what most people want from their daily driver.
Built for Real Work
Don’t let the refined nature fool you – this is still a proper ute. The coil spring rear suspension setup provides a more comfortable ride than many competitors while still maintaining decent load-carrying capability. With an 880kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity, it handles serious work without complaint.
Safety: The Good and the Could-Be-Better
The Musso comes loaded with safety tech including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a high-resolution 360-degree camera. The lane departure warning system is particularly effective, and the auto high beam feature works as advertised.
However, there are some notable omissions. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance – which are available in other markets – would make the Musso even more compelling. The rear middle seat still uses a lap-sash seatbelt, which feels outdated in 2025.
Crash Test Reality Check
It’s worth noting that the Musso hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP yet, so there’s no official safety rating. For families prioritizing proven crash protection, this might be a consideration.
Practical Considerations: Tray Space and Daily Usability
The standard Musso offers a decent tray, but the XLV version really shines with its 300mm longer bed. That extra space translates to 251 more liters of capacity – significant if you regularly haul larger items.
The assisted tailgate is a nice touch that makes loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full. It’s these thoughtful details that set the Musso apart from other budget options.
Living With It Every Day
Big windows and large mirrors make maneuvering easier than you might expect from a vehicle this size. Parking sensors and the 360-degree camera help in tight spots, though the camera quality could be sharper.
Storage inside the cabin is adequate but not exceptional. You’ll find the usual door pockets and cup holders, but KGM could have been more creative with small item storage solutions.
The Value Equation: Where Your Money Goes
Even fully loaded with the XLV package and Luxury Package, the Musso Ultimate costs less than base-model competitors from mainstream brands. That’s remarkable when you consider what you’re getting: a refined, comfortable, well-equipped dual-cab ute with a seven-year warranty.
Ownership Costs
The seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty provides peace of mind that’s hard to find elsewhere. Service intervals are reasonable at yearly or 15,000km cycles, with five-year costs estimated at $2,298. However, KGM mentions additional “mandatory service items” without specifying costs, which creates some uncertainty.
Who Should Consider the KGM Musso?
The Musso makes sense if you want a genuine dual-cab ute experience without the premium price tag. It’s particularly appealing for buyers who prioritize comfort and refinement over outright performance. If you need a vehicle that can handle work duties during the week and family adventures on weekends, the Musso delivers on both fronts.
However, if maximum power and torque are priorities, or if you need the latest connectivity features, you might find the Musso lacking compared to some competitors.
The KGM Musso proves that you don’t need to spend $60,000+ to get a capable, comfortable dual-cab ute. It’s a smart choice for practical people who recognize good value when they see it.