SsangYong Tivoli XLV Review and Prices

The SsangYong Tivoli XLV is a stretched version of the Tivoli SUV and goes toe-to-toe with family SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq. Like its smaller brother the Tivoli, it’s a car you buy because of its keen price and spacious interior, not because you want to make a style statement.

For a start, the design of the SsangYong’s interior is unexceptional and it doesn’t feel particularly well made, although the big knobs on the dashboard make it easy to adjust the stereo and fan when driving. On the other hand, the interior is well equipped, given the Tivoli’s price: even entry-level models come with electric windows all round, leather seats, climate control and a 7-inch colour touchscreen.

You also won’t find much to complain about in terms of space. There’s loads of room in the front seats, and you get a great view out even if you’re not particularly tall. The back seats are also roomy enough for two adults, although you’ll have to slide the front seats forward a little if you’ve got really tall people in the back.

The news is even better when you open the SsangYong’s huge boot. It’s nearly double the size of the one you get in a Nissan Qashqai and will be very handy if you have a large dog or need space for lots of luggage on family holidays.

If you like big boots then I cannot lie - you’ll love the Tivoli XLV. Shame there isn’t a lot else to get excited about

However, that’s where the positives end, because the similarly priced Qashqai and Karoq have the measure of the Tivoli in most other areas. Compared with the Nissan and Skoda, the Ssangyong’s suspension bumps uncomfortably down the road, its cabin is noisy at higher speeds on the motorway and it leans a lot in bends. At least the SsangYong’s standard rear-view camera means it’s an easy car to reverse park, and driving around town is helped by the car’s light controls that stop you getting tired out.

If that’s the kind of driving you’ll be doing, then the petrol model is the one to go for, although you can’t expect to get fuel economy much better than 40mpg. The more expensive diesel model is a better bet if you do longer journeys: it will return an average fuel economy of around 50mpg (if you steer clear of four-wheel drive and automatic models).

So, in most ways, the Ssangyong Tivoli XLV is outclassed by alternative family SUVs. However, if you need a huge boot for a very reasonable price, it makes some sense. If that’s you, check out our Ssangyong Tivoli XLV deals.