KGM Rexton Commercial review

The KGM Rexton Commercial is not a conventional van, but that should be quite obvious from the picture above. Instead, it’s a two-seat commercial conversion of the rugged KGM Rexton seven-seater, with the rear passenger area and boot replaced by a secure load bay.

That might sound like a niche idea, but its timing could hardly be better. With company car tax changes making double-cab pick-ups less attractive for some users, the Rexton Commercial offers another route into a tax-efficient, VAT-qualifying 4x4 workhorse. It has selectable four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and more than 700kg of payload, so it should appeal to rural businesses, farms, estates, and anyone who needs to tow heavy trailers across rough terrain. 

It is also much cheaper than the most obvious commercial 4x4 alternatives. The entry-level K30 starts at around £35,000 plus VAT, which leaves the Rexton Commercial around £15,000 cheaper than the Ineos Grenadier Commercial, Land Rover Defender Hard Top 110 and Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial.

Of course, being cheaper is only useful if the Rexton Commercial is good enough to live with. So, does KGM’s SUV-based van make sense as a working vehicle?

The KGM Rexton Commercial is available with one engine and gearbox combination: a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 199bhp and 325lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s the same basic mechanical package used in the passenger-carrying KGM Rexton seven-seater, and it gives the Commercial a 0-62mph time of 10.7sec and a top speed of 114mph.

That’s all very respectable, rather than exciting, but that suits the Rexton Commercial’s role. The diesel engine has enough low-rev pull to feel useful in everyday driving, and it settles down reasonably well once you’re cruising. Ask for full acceleration, though, and it becomes gruff, while the automatic gearbox doesn’t respond well to being asked for quick changes from sudden throttle inputs.

That means the Rexton Commercial is best driven steadily. Still, for buyers coming from a pick-up, that probably won’t come as much of a shock.

Like a pick-up, there’s four-wheel-drive. It’s a selectable system, so in normal use the Rexton runs in rear-wheel drive, but you can switch to 4H or 4L when conditions demand it. Conquering the Eiger will be out of bounds, but the Rexton will make it further off-road than any traditional van.

There’s also trailer sway control, hill descent control and hill start assist, which should make it well-suited to farms, estates, equestrian use, and other rural work. 

It feels big, heavy and old-school when on tarmac, though. The ride is firm, even on the K30 model’s smaller, 18in wheels, and broken urban roads can make it feel unsettled. The steering is light but vague, and the Rexton leans noticeably if you try to carry speed through corners. It doesn’t feel as polished as a modern van or SUV, but it does feel tough.

Those dynamic shortcomings are harder to forgive in the plush SUV, but feel less damaging in the Commercial, as the vehicle’s purpose is different. This is a work-focused 4x4 with off-road chops and towing ability. Comfort is secondary to outright ability.

The K30 is the version that makes the most sense for a working vehicle. Its 18in wheels are better suited to rough tracks and poor road surfaces than the larger 20in wheels fitted to the K51.

“The Rexton Commercial isn’t refined or agile, but it has the sort of low-speed strength, towing ability and proper 4x4 hardware that many working users will care about far more.” – Phil Huff, Van reviewer

The KGM Rexton Commercial’s cab is carried over almost wholesale from the KGM Rexton seven-seater, and that gives it a more upmarket feel than you’ll find in a lot of working vehicles. It’s not as modern or polished as a Land Rover Defender Hard Top inside, but it feels substantial, well-equipped, and more comfortable than a typical pick-up or van.

In the K30 model, you get faux leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way electric adjustment for the driver and six-way electric adjustment for the passenger. That’s generous equipment for an entry-level commercial vehicle. The K51 adds real Nappa leather and a few other plush touches, but we’d argue it’s not really worth splashing out on. In either case, the seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long journeys.

The full-height mesh bulkhead sits behind the seats and, as it’s not solid, allows plenty of light in to keep that airy feeling.

The dashboard is a mixed bag, however. The main layout is simple enough, and KGM has kept physical shortcut buttons for several key functions, which is welcome. You also get a 12.3in digital instrument display and a 12.3in central touchscreen with TomTom navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The infotainment system is easy enough to use, with large icons and a clear display, although it isn’t the fastest system and the graphics aren’t especially slick. It does the job, but not much more.

Material quality is fine for a van. There are some soft-touch surfaces, and the main switches feel solid enough, but you’ll also find harder plastics lower down that remind you you’re in a commercial vehicle. Nevertheless, it still feels more premium overall than it does utilitarian.

A high seating position helps when looking forward, but the Rexton is a large vehicle, and the thick rear pillars and opaque rear side glass limit what you can see behind you. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are standard, which helps, but the 3D around-view camera system is reserved for the K51. That’s one reason to consider the higher trim if you spend a lot of time manoeuvring in tight yards or farm tracks.

“The Rexton Commercial’s cabin feels more like a well-equipped SUV than a basic work vehicle, and has enough soft-touch surfaces to feel premium.” – Phil Huff, Van reviewer

The KGM Rexton Commercial’s broad SUV body offers the driver and passenger plenty of head and shoulder room, and they won’t be brushing elbows, either.

However, the load bay is where the Rexton Commercial really needs to make its case, because removing the rear seats from an SUV only really works if the space left behind is actually useful. Fortunately, the conversion feels more convincing than a simple seats out, floor in job.

Behind the two front seats, there’s a secure load area with 2200 litres of space, which is marginally more than you’ll find in a Ineos Grenadier Commercial, Land Rover Defender Hard Top, or Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial. That’s nowhere near as much as you’ll get in a conventional medium van, of course, but it’s more than enough for tools, kit, equipment or muddy outdoor gear, and even the odd bale of hay. If necessary, it’ll even accommodate a standard Euro pallet thanks to the wide tailgate opening and generous proportions.

The rear is accessed through a top-hinged powered tailgate, while the original rear passenger doors remain in place. That means you can get to items at the front of the load area without dragging everything out from the back, although, as they’re quite small, they’re only useful for grabbing small items rather than loading or unloading the van.

Surprisingly, the load bay is carpeted, but a rubber mat is available as an accessory. The standard fit looks great, but it’s not going to remain that way after a few weeks of lugging farm detritus around. For simple tool boxes, survey kit, or even outdoor pursuits, it makes much more sense, though.

Payload is quoted at 700kg. Respectable, but it’s well short of a proper one-tonne pick-up or a medium van. It’s also 100kg or so less than what its immediate rivals can carry.

There are limitations, though. The high floor makes loading heavier items more awkward than in a conventional van, and the tailgate needs space behind the vehicle to open fully. The shape of the load bay also isn’t as clean or square as a purpose-built van, because you’re still working within the body of an SUV. The sloping tailgate, wheel arch intrusion and interior trim all eat into usable space.

Like its rivals, the Rexton Commercial can tow up to 3500kg, which also matches most pick-ups. It also gets trailer sway control as standard.

“The Rexton Commercial won’t replace a proper van, but if you need secure kit space, 3.5-tonne towing and the ability to get across muddy ground, it starts to make a lot of sense.” – Phil Huff, Van reviewer

The KGM Rexton Commercial’s strongest argument is its price. The entry-level K30 starts at around £35,000 plus VAT, which makes it significantly cheaper than the Ineos Grenadier Commercial, Land Rover Defender Hard Top 110, and Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial, all of which start north of £50,000.

Despite the relatively budget price tag, KGM has been generous with equipment. The entry-level K30 already includes most of the kit that matters, including dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, electric folding mirrors and a powered tailgate. For most buyers, it feels like the better-value version. The range-topping K51 adds bigger 20in alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, nappa leather seats and some extra driver assistance kit, but we don’t think it’s worth the extra cost.

Running costs are less impressive. KGM quotes a combined WLTP fuel economy figure of 33mpg for the K30, with CO2 emissions of 225g/km. In our hands, the Rexton Commercial rarely managed more than 30mpg, so anyone covering high mileages should expect sizeable fuel bills. 

That thirst is the trade-off for the Rexton’s old-school mechanical layout. It has a heavy ladder-frame construction, selectable four-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox and a big, buff body. None of that helps economy, but it does contribute to the vehicle’s towing and off-road ability.

The Rexton Commercial also benefits from commercial vehicle status. It is VAT-qualifying, attracts commercial vehicle Benefit-in-Kind taxation, and is eligible for capital write-down, which makes it particularly relevant for buyers who might previously have chosen a double-cab pick-up before the recent tax changes made those less appealing for some company users. 

Warranty cover is strong, too. Every KGM Rexton Commercial comes with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, as well as 12 months of RAC roadside assistance. A three-year service plan covering the first three services, first MOT and two years of extended RAC roadside recovery is also available for a small fee.

“Fuel economy is the Rexton Commercial’s obvious weakness, but the purchase price is so much lower than its main rivals that the sums may still work in its favour.” – Phil Huff, Van reviewer

Buy it if…

- You need a commercial 4x4 with serious towing ability

- You want plenty of standard kit without paying premium prices

- You’re looking for a tax-efficient alternative to a double-cab pick-up

Don’t buy it if…

- You cover big mileages and need low fuel bills

- You want the lowest possible CO2 emissions

- Brand image matters more than value

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