What’s new?

The compact Skoda Yeti and the full-sized SsangYong Rexton are cars from different categories. They are, however, similarly priced, which means they can be considered direct rivals. Although both are SUVs, the Yeti’s compact dimensions and modern construction means it is a car that is more agile and easy-to-drive. The Rexton, on the other hand, is based on an earlier M-class chassis. This means it is tough, rugged and delivers almost everything you expect of a full-sized SUV. 

Skoda has given the new Yeti a much needed styling upgrade and it looks much sharper than the old Yeti. It still retains the old car’s core strengths like great build, accomplished dynamics, and strong performance though the design is still a bit edgy.

The SsangYong Rexton, on the other hand, is a full size bigger than the Skoda. Thanks to its high seating and wide cabin, it gives you a proper SUV experience. And it gets a third row of seats too, making it even more practical. So, what should you choose? Size or substance?

 What are they like inside?

The Yeti clearly has the classier cabin of the two. So, you get a high-quality cabin with a neatly laid out dashboard. The Rexton gets a decently finished cabin too, but it just can’t match the Skoda’s beautifully crafted cabin for quality. Also, as the Yeti sits lower than the Rexton, it’s the easier SUV to get into and out of. On the flipside, you don’t get as commanding a view of the road as you would from the Rexton’s elevated driver’s seat. Front seat comfort is good on both, but again it’s the Yeti’s better bolstered (if slightly firmer) seats that will hold you in place better.

Though the Yeti can’t match the Rexton for rear legroom, it’s spacious enough in its own right. What works in the Yeti’s favour is its seat base, which offers substantially more thigh support and better overall comfort than the Rexton’s middle row. However, the equation changes when you need to seat three in the back, which is when your passengers will appreciate the Rexton’s wider cabin and flat floor.

This leads us to the Rexton’s big advantage — its third row of seats. While the ability to carry seven makes the SsangYong ideal for buyers with large families, you should know that the last row of seats is very short on space and comfort, so practically isn’t that great.