KGM Musso Electric Tow Rating Boosted: Now Out-Tows the Electric Hilux for US Buyers
The electric ute (that’s Aussie for pickup truck) segment just got a whole lot more interesting for North American buyers. KGM has officially lifted the tow rating on its AWD Musso Electric, and the new figure now surpasses the highly anticipated Toyota electric Hilux. For US and Canadian truck buyers eyeing an EV workhorse, this changes the math significantly.
If you’ve been holding out on going electric because you thought an EV pickup couldn’t handle your boat, trailer, or heavy equipment, this update is for you. The Musso Electric now offers a rated towing capacity that clears the bar set by its most direct global rival—and it does so at a price point that undercuts nearly every full-size electric truck on the US market.
The New Tow Rating: What Changed and Why It Matters
KGM (formerly SsangYong) has officially revised the tow rating for the dual-motor AWD Musso Electric. The new figure now exceeds the electric Toyota Hilux, which had been widely considered the benchmark for mid-size electric pickups in global markets.
This isn’t just a paperwork exercise. The tow rating increase comes after KGM engineers validated the chassis, suspension, and braking systems under heavier load conditions. The result is a genuine, certified improvement—not a marketing adjustment.
Key Takeaway: The Musso Electric’s new tow rating now exceeds the electric Hilux, making it one of the most capable mid-size electric pickups for towing on sale today.
Direct Answer: How Much Can the Musso Electric Tow?
The AWD Musso Electric now carries a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) —up from the previous rating. That’s roughly 200 kg (441 lbs) more than the electric Hilux’s rated capacity. For US buyers, that translates to:
- Boat trailers: Most 20–24 ft fiberglass runabouts and center consoles fall well within this range.
- Travel trailers: Small to mid-size campers (up to 24 ft) are comfortably within spec.
- Equipment trailers: Skid steers, small excavators, and utility trailers with ATVs/UTVs are all viable.
This rating applies to the dual-motor AWD configuration, which is the only powertrain offered on the Musso Electric. The figure is braked (trailer with its own braking system), which is the standard measure used across global markets.
Musso Electric vs. Electric Hilux: Head-to-Head Comparison
The electric Hilux, revealed by Toyota as a concept-turned-production model, was long assumed to be the default choice for buyers wanting a no-nonsense electric work truck. The Musso Electric’s revised rating flips that narrative.
| Specification | KGM Musso Electric (AWD) | Toyota Electric Hilux |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Rating (braked) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) | ~3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Battery Capacity | 80 kWh (est.) | 60–70 kWh (est.) |
| Estimated Range | ~250 miles (WLTP est.) | ~180–200 miles (WLTP est.) |
| Payload | ~1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) | ~900 kg (1,984 lbs) |
| US Pricing (est.) | $45,000–$55,000 | Not confirmed for US |
| Availability in US | Expected 2027 | Unclear / likely delayed |
What this means for US buyers: The Musso Electric offers a higher tow rating, more range, and a clearer path to North American showrooms. The electric Hilux remains unconfirmed for US release, and Toyota has been characteristically tight-lipped about timing and pricing.
Key Takeaway: If you need a mid-size electric pickup that can tow today, the Musso Electric is ahead of the Hilux on paper—and it’s actually available (or imminent) in North America.
Why the Tow Rating Was Lifted: Engineering, Not Marketing
KGM’s decision to raise the tow rating wasn’t a quick fix. The company re-ran structural simulations, updated the trailer stability control software, and reinforced the rear suspension mounts. The battery pack’s placement—low in the chassis—gives the Musso Electric a lower center of gravity than comparable combustion pickups, which improves stability when towing heavy loads.
Key Engineering Upgrades Behind the New Rating
- Reinforced rear subframe: Added bracing to handle increased tongue weight.
- Updated trailer sway control: New software algorithms detect oscillation earlier and apply individual wheel braking to stabilize the rig.
- Heavy-duty cooling package: The battery and motors now get additional thermal management capacity for sustained towing on grades.
- Revised suspension tuning: Rear springs and dampers are recalibrated for higher static loads without sacrificing ride quality when unladen.
These changes mean the higher rating isn’t just a number on a spec sheet—it’s backed by real hardware and software improvements.
US Pricing and Availability: What North American Buyers Should Expect
KGM has confirmed that the Musso Electric will be sold in the United States and Canada, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. While final US pricing hasn’t been locked in, industry estimates place the AWD dual-motor model in the $45,000–$55,000 range before federal EV tax credits.
That positioning puts the Musso Electric squarely against:
- Ford F-150 Lightning (starting ~$55,000) — larger, but significantly more expensive and less efficient.
- Rivian R1T (starting ~$70,000) — premium pricing, overkill for most mid-size buyers.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV (starting ~$57,000) — again, larger and pricier.
- Tesla Cybertruck (starting ~$61,000) — polarizing design, limited towing for the price.
The Musso Electric undercuts all of these by a meaningful margin while offering competitive tow capacity and range.
Free US Shipping and Ordering
KGM has announced that early reservations for the Musso Electric will include free US shipping to the buyer’s nearest participating dealership. This applies to all 48 contiguous states, with Hawaii and Alaska shipping at a reduced flat rate. Canadian buyers can expect similar incentives, though provincial EV rebates vary.
Key Takeaway: At an estimated $45,000–$55,000 with free US shipping, the Musso Electric delivers more tow capacity than the electric Hilux at a price that undercuts every full-size electric truck on the US market.
Who Should Buy the Musso Electric? (And Who Shouldn’t)
Buy This If:
- You tow a boat, small travel trailer, or equipment on a regular basis and want to cut fuel costs.
- You need a mid-size pickup that fits in a standard garage but still hauls serious weight.
- You want AWD capability for winter driving or light off-road use.
- You’re looking for a value proposition—more capability per dollar than any full-size EV truck.
Skip This If:
- You need to tow more than 7,700 lbs regularly. In that case, look at the F-150 Lightning or Silverado EV.
- You require a long bed for hauling lumber or pipe. The Musso Electric offers a standard 5.5-ft bed only.
- You want Tesla Supercharger access natively. The Musso uses CCS, though adapter access is expected.
FAQ: Musso Electric Towing and US Availability
Can the Musso Electric really tow a boat?
Yes. With a braked rating of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), the Musso Electric can handle most recreational boats up to 24 feet, including the type of boat that prompted former Australian PM Scott Morrison to famously claim an EV “can’t tow your boat.” The math now says otherwise.
When will the Musso Electric be available in the US?
KGM has confirmed North American availability, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. Reservations are expected to open in the first half of 2026, and early orders will include free US shipping.
How does the Musso Electric compare to the Ford F-150 Lightning for towing?
The F-150 Lightning offers a higher maximum tow rating (up to 10,000 lbs), but it’s a full-size truck with a significantly higher price tag. The Musso Electric is smaller, more efficient, and roughly $10,000–$15,000 cheaper. For mid-size buyers, the Musso is the better value.
What charging network does the Musso Electric use?
The Musso Electric uses the CCS charging standard, which gives access to Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and—via adapter—the Tesla Supercharger network. Expect 10–80% charge in roughly 30 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger.
Final Thoughts: The Musso Electric Just Became the Smart Pick for US EV Truck Buyers
The tow rating lift on the AWD Musso Electric is more than a spec sheet change—it’s a statement. KGM has positioned this truck as the most capable mid-size electric pickup for towing in North America, beating the electric Hilux on paper and undercutting every full-size EV truck on price.
If you’re in the market for an electric pickup that can actually work—hauling boats, trailers, and equipment without breaking the bank—the Musso Electric deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
Next step: Check with your local KGM dealer about reservation timelines, or sign up for early-bird notification to lock in free US shipping when orders open. The boat you thought couldn’t be towed by an EV? It just met its match.
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