“What’s that?”, I hear you ask. It’s the KGM Torres after all, although that most likely doesn’t assist clear issues up.
To begin with, KGM (or KG Mobility) is the brand new identify for what was as soon as SsangYong, the South Korean automaker that was acquired by the KG Group in 2022, earlier than the KGM identify was established in early 2023.
It was often known as KGM SsangYong to most Aussies for the most effective a part of a 12 months, and arriving in Australia through the rebranding interval was the Torres, a brand new mid-size SUV with distinctive styling and the backing of one in every of Korea’s largest automakers alongside the Hyundai/Kia group.
The KGM Torres was formally launched right here in October 2024, when it joined the big Rexton and mid-size Korando within the Korean model’s native SUV lineup, which was bolstered earlier this 12 months with the arrival of yet one more medium SUV, the Actyon.
However what’s totally different in regards to the Torres, and why do you have to purchase one as a substitute of one thing just like the top-selling Toyota RAV4?
Beneath the bonnet is similar petrol engine as seen within the Korando, and the most cost effective Torres prices about the identical as the most costly Korando, positioning it as a extra premium medium SUV. The 2 additionally share a number of different mechanical elements, however there’s no electrification to compete with a few of the section’s best-sellers together with the hybrid-only RAV4, Australia’s favorite SUV.
This exhibits within the Torres’ gross sales figures. Within the first half of 2025, KGM shifted 168 examples of the Torres, which is however up on the model’s different two mid-size SUVs, the Korando (79) and the Actyon (66).
That made all of them considerably much less standard than all however one different mid-sized SUV, the electrical Deepal S07 with 99 gross sales in the identical interval. Meantime, the RAV4 discovered 24,034 new properties, the Mazda CX-5 11,991, and the Mitsubishi Outlander 11,399, whereas most different mid-size SUVs chalked up at the very least 1000 in the identical interval.
On take a look at right here is the top-spec KGM Torres Final. Does it show this quirky SUV is an undiscovered gem, or are consumers proper to look elsewhere?
How a lot does the KGM Torres price?
The KGM Torres Final is often priced at $47,000 drive-away, although a present limited-time provide sees it diminished to $43,000 drive-away. ABN holders can do even higher at $42,200 drive-away.
| Mannequin | Typical drive-away worth | Discounted drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 KGM Torres ELX | $38,000 | $36,000 |
| 2025 KGM Torres Journey | $43,000 | $40,000 |
| 2025 KGM Torres Final | $47,000 | $43,000 |
The Torres competes in Australia’s greatest and most crowded new-vehicle section: mid-size SUVs. On this class, breadwinners just like the RAV4, CX-5, Outlander, and the Kia Sportage is likely to be costlier, however consumers know and belief what they’re getting from these established auto manufacturers.
There are additionally quite a few Chinese language rivals such because the MG HS, GWM Haval H6, and Chery Tiggo 7, all of which provide complete commonplace tools lists at inexpensive costs, and all of which have additionally comfortably outsold the Torres to this point in 2025.
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s the KGM Torres like on the within?
The preliminary ‘wow’ issue will probably be sufficient to attract you in, however the lustre rapidly wears off.
Many of the cabin actually appears to be like the half. It’s all comparatively clear, and the big bronze surfaces make this inside really feel a little bit extra particular than many of the competitors.
However as you look nearer, you’ll realise that these surfaces are all plastic, and all the pieces else that you just anticipate to be smooth is mostly rock-hard. There’s additionally a good quantity of cheaper-looking plastic, such because the scratchy panels beneath the dashboard and the silver accents scattered across the inside.
Nowhere is that this higher demonstrated than with the steering wheel. The centre pad appears to be like and feels low-cost, whereas the massive silver plastic items seem a little bit clunky.
The wheel itself can be large in diameter however comparatively skinny, which might make it really feel such as you’re piloting an ocean liner as a substitute of an SUV. Its flat backside makes it really feel unusually sq., however at the very least the leather-based end is sweet to carry.
Its buttons are additionally completed in shiny black plastic, which – unusually – is the one place within the cabin the place the fabric is discovered. They give the impression of being grubby rapidly, however we respect that these buttons are all bodily and really feel good to make use of.
They’re additionally labelled clearly, making them simple to decipher on the transfer. This can be a far cry from the Torres’ infotainment system although – a 12.3-inch touchscreen that homes each single cabin operate behind various quantities of menus.
We’re accustomed to automobiles having their local weather management techniques buried in screens, however the Torres takes it to an astounding new stage – bar Tesla. There aren’t any bodily buttons to be discovered past the steering wheel or gear selector, leaving no different strategies to regulate temperature, fan velocity, and even audio quantity.
The latter is ok for the driving force, who can use the steering wheel’s buttons as a substitute. It turns into annoying for passenger-seat DJs although, and the tactic to regulate quantity by way of the display screen isn’t apparent both.
There’s a drop-down menu you’ll be able to pull from the highest of the display screen, which is the place you’ll discover a quantity slider and a number of other different driving-related shortcuts. Equally, the local weather menu might be swiped out from the precise of the display screen.
To KGM’s credit score, the local weather menu will keep open on the facet of the display screen when utilizing the native infotainment software program and, when lively, it isn’t all that totally different to the third local weather display screen being rolled out in new Kia fashions, as an illustration. Sadly, the menu gained’t keep open when utilizing Apple CarPlay.
This can be a appreciable oversight. Even when the 2 shows can’t each match on the display screen, there must be some everlasting strategy to at the very least regulate fundamental local weather capabilities, because it’s fiddly and distracting to have to achieve for the shortcut ribbon on the far facet.
Making issues worse is the actual fact the local weather menu’s buttons are small and require the driving force’s consideration to determine, whereas Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are solely wired. Moreover, the display screen’s native graphics aren’t significantly interesting, and there’s an excessive amount of empty house outdoors of the smartphone interface.
In entrance of the driving force is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which has a transparent format regardless of the aesthetic background seeming pointless – a carryover from the infotainment system. It’s additionally not instantly clear the right way to navigate this display screen, as there’s just one small bi-directional swap on the steering wheel to take action.
When you’re used to it, there’s loads of useful data right here, and the big lettering makes the display screen completely practical in follow. The steering wheel will reduce off the corners of this rectangular show, however the vary of adjustment offered means it’s nonetheless simple to discover a comfy place.
There’s additionally loads of adjustment within the seats, and the driving force may even regulate the passenger seat utilizing its driver-oriented buttons. That is to make it simpler for entrance or rear passengers to get in, which can undoubtedly be useful if the Torres is your automobile of selection as a chauffeur.
The seats themselves are comfy, with stable bolstering, though maybe a little bit agency. Elsewhere, the floating centre console homes two cupholders and a phone-sized slot, whereas a gap leads into a fairly sized storage field – sadly, there’s no wi-fi charger right here.
Beneath the floating centre console is a big, flat storage tray, together with a few connectivity choices, together with two USB-C ports. You’ll additionally discover a big cut-out below the sprint, which might simply match a number of wallets and telephones.
There’s a great deal of house within the Torres’ second row, due to its excessive roof and boxy physique. I had no points sitting behind my driving place at 173cm, with room to spare for taller occupants.
Again listed here are some quirky facilities. In fact there’s the usual twin USB-C ports and rear-facing air vents, however there are additionally multi-faceted map pockets on the scratchy plastic entrance seat-backs, a number of cut-outs on the centre console, and unusual appendages on the entrance head restraints – the aim of the latter we’re not fairly certain of.
Pill/machine holders spring to thoughts, however there can be numerous display screen coated by the protruding lip on the backside. In any case, the Torres’ second row is sensible and spacious even for 3 passengers, with acceptably comfy seats and a fold-down centre armrest.
An actual energy of the Torres is its boot, which presents a claimed 703 litres of capability with all seats in place. The proof is within the pudding too, as a result of it appears to be like as cavernous as that determine suggests.
The cargo flooring is lengthy and flat, which makes it simple to slip longer objects up and in. There are two cubbies on both facet for smaller luggage or unfastened objects, and the big tailgate opening (with hands-free energy help) makes loading cargo a breeze.
An area-saver spare tyre can be commonplace throughout the vary, which isn’t perfect however is preferable to a tyre restore equipment.
It’s additionally value noting that the majority of our complaints relating to steering wheel supplies and on-screen graphics seem to have been addressed by way of updates to the Torres bought in KGM’s Korean house market. Nevertheless, these have but to be carried out in Australia.
| Dimensions | KGM Torres |
|---|---|
| Size | 4700mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Peak | 1710mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680mm |
| Cargo capability (VDA) | 703L (rear seats up), 1526L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
Powering the Torres is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which produces 120kW of energy and 280Nm of torque whatever the variant. The first distinction between the Final and different grades is all-wheel drive.
| Specs | KGM Torres Final |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 120kW @ 5000-5500rpm |
| Torque | 280Nm @ 1500-4000rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1622kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.9L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 9.2L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 50L |
| Gas requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 181g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
Our week with the automobile concerned nearly fully freeway and freeway driving, but our gasoline economic system determine was nonetheless effectively above KGM’s declare. Even with a number of heavy visitors stints, our recorded determine was a lot greater than anticipated.
It’s additionally effectively above the 4.8L/100km Toyota claims for all-wheel drive RAV4s, that are admittedly hybrid, and likewise greater than Mazda’s 8.2L/100km declare for even the turbocharged all-wheel drive model of the CX-5.
That stated, our latest assessment of the CX-5 G35 Akera (with 2.5-litre turbo-petrol energy) returned real-world gasoline economic system as excessive as 9.7L/100km.
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the KGM Torres drive?
Fairly unremarkably, if we’re trustworthy.
Firing up the Torres reveals a typical small-displacement four-cylinder thrum, which isn’t precisely angelic however avoids being as brash and shouty as a chilly Mazda 2.0-litre engine, for instance.
In fact, the Torres won’t ever begin silently, as there’s no electrical help to be discovered right here. There’s a hybrid choice out there in Korea, which mates the 1.5-litre engine with an electrical motor and a 1.83kWh battery, and we think about this could be a welcome and aggressive addition domestically.
Nonetheless, setting off reveals first rate petrol-only efficiency, because the engine is able to offering sufficient of a kick to maintain you . It isn’t quick, but it surely doesn’t have to be – it could nonetheless reliably pull out onto busy roads or make fast overtakes, although the throttle feels a bit sensitive at first.
Likewise, its six-speed Aisin computerized transmission is first rate. We had no actual points with its behaviour, as its torque-converter setup ensures clean acceleration and limits low-speed stumbling.
It additionally reacts effectively to modifications in throttle enter, however takes a second to kick down if further energy is required and can typically take a second to seek out the right gear. Beneath exhausting acceleration the engine hauls the automobile with fairly a racket, and the noise isn’t actually accompanied by matching efficiency.
You’ve got the choice to take management of the transmission your self utilizing the paddles behind the wheel. This provides a barely sporty aptitude, however we wouldn’t be shocked if many homeowners by no means use this feature given the pretty torpid response – which isn’t shocking, however nonetheless not as snappy as we’d like.
It’s additionally value noting that though the Torres Final comes commonplace with all-wheel drive, it behaves like an on-demand system.
Meaning it’ll function in front-wheel drive mode in commonplace driving, however on low-traction surfaces or below exhausting acceleration it’ll readily interact the rear wheels too. You can even ‘lock’ it in AWD if wanted.
Discover out extra
Discover out extra in regards to the automobile
This setup isn’t unusual within the auto business as means to enhance gasoline economic system, however consumption throughout our testing was nonetheless uncomfortably excessive. The 95-octane premium unleaded requirement doesn’t make it any extra palatable both.
Aside from that, the Torres presents a reasonably run of the mill driving expertise. The steering has a pleasant weight to it, although that colossal tiller doesn’t assist make this SUV really feel significantly nimble and really makes it really feel much less sporty.
That’s in distinction with its suspension setup, which is on the firmer facet. An SUV like this doesn’t want a agency suspension tune, and the Torres can get considerably uncomfortable round city because of this. The stiff suspension additionally exaggerates the plasticky really feel of the cabin; it could really feel like there’s no give or cushioning in something.
In fact, the upside is that the chassis tune works higher at greater speeds, the place the Torres really feel way more planted than anticipated and take turns with applicable composure.
Nevertheless, it additionally permits noticeable ranges of highway noise. Sadly, that is amplified on the 20-inch alloys and low-profile rubber fitted to our tester, that means it’s not perfect in case your commute entails lengthy stretches of coarse-chip roads.
The shortage of suspension and tyre compliance interprets small floor imperfections not solely to the seat of your pants and toes, but additionally to the steering wheel, though the shocks are damped effectively sufficient to masks something main.
Maybe a much bigger difficulty is the Torres’ lane-keeping system. It simply isn’t calibrated correctly and can kick up a fuss in case you stray anyplace close to your lane markings – once more an annoying trait in case you’re driving on nation roads.
It’ll additionally beep to warn you whereas it makes an attempt to get you again heading in the right direction, however you do have the choice to show it off with a easy button press on the steering wheel.
The Final can be the one Torres grade to characteristic adaptive cruise management with lane centring and, in follow, this technique is fairly first rate. It’s far preferable to the antiquated non-adaptive setup in decrease trim ranges, although it’s not fairly as assured round tighter bends as we’d like.
The one different vital grievance we’ve got in regards to the Torres’ driving expertise pertains to its severe blind spots on the rear corners, due to these big C-pillars. They make head checks troublesome except you look by way of the rear door home windows, though blind-spot monitoring is commonplace and helps with this.
However all issues thought of, the Torres Final is kind of acceptable to drive, even when it doesn’t fairly reside as much as its price ticket. Should you’re a fan of the distinctive design and like the thought of proudly owning a Torres, you’d most likely gained’t thoughts these hiccups.
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
There are solely three variants of the Torres out there in Australia, with the Final being the highest grade.
2025 KGM ELX tools highlights:
- 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- House-saver spare tyre
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Privateness glass
- LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electrical park brake with auto maintain
- Material upholstery
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Reclining rear seats
- Keyless entry
Torres Journey provides:
- Tyre stress monitoring
- LED entrance fog lights
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
Torres Final provides:
- All-wheel drive
- 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Energy sunroof
- Leather-based upholstery
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with energy lumbar
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Built-in headrest hangers for entrance seats
- Ventilated entrance seats
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the KGM Torres protected?
The KGM Torres has but to be assessed by ANCAP.
Customary security tools consists of:
- 8 airbags, together with:
- Driver’s knee
- Entrance facet
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Driver consideration monitor
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Lane-keep help
- Main automobile departure alert
- Reversing digital camera
- Tyre stress monitoring
Torres Journey provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Torres Final provides:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane-centring
- Encompass-view digital camera
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the KGM Torres price to run?
KGM Australia backs its automobiles with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | KGM Torres |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | Seven years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Common annual capped-price service price | $382.6 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $2678 |
Present particular person service prices for the Torres are detailed under:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 1yr, 15,000km | $338 |
| 2yrs, 30,000km | $442 |
| 3yrs, 45,000km | $338 |
| 4yrs, 60,000km | $442 |
| 6yrs, 75,000km | $338 |
| 7yrs, 90,000km | $442 |
| 8yrs, 105,000km | $338 |
To see how the KGM Torres stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the KGM Torres Final
The Torres does most issues okay, however in a sea of mid-size SUVs it isn’t simple to seek out causes to purchase one.
Trying previous the distinctive and attention-grabbing design, there isn’t a lot that’s remarkably totally different. The small-displacement petrol engine and commonplace torque converter auto make it first rate to drive, and stable inside packaging makes for spacious hauling, however all of those attributes are both on par with or barely inferior to what most different mainstream SUVs provide.
KGM seems to be making an attempt to persuade individuals it ‘isn’t just like the others’, as evidenced by the “In-built Korea since 1954” slogan on its seven-year guarantee sticker. Maybe it’s an effort to keep away from confusion with its growing Chinese language competitors.
That competitors can be a giant cause why the Torres is troublesome to advocate. The equally priced MG HS, GWM Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 provide extra options, a greater variety of variants to select from, and the choice of each petrol and hybrid powertrains, together with plug-in hybrid energy for the latter two.
Why ought to consumers ‘make do’ with only one petrol engine for the Torres, particularly when electrification would make sense in a top-spec flagship just like the not-inexpensive Final?
The Torres is a automobile during which lots of the fundamentals are sorted, making it a first-rate candidate for KGM to department out into the hybrid market, which might set it aside from some Japanese heavy-hitters just like the Mazda CX-5, at the very least for now.
The recognition of the hybrid-only RAV4 and hybrid variants of different rivals just like the Sportage and Hyundai Tucson exhibits there may be robust purchaser urge for food for electrified powertrains. There’s a hybrid Torres out there abroad, and introducing it right here with aggressive pricing may assist invigorate the nameplate.
It might additionally set this mid-size SUV aside from the petrol-only Actyon, which outsold the Torres final month regardless of being barely longer and pricier.
Should you’re available in the market for a medium SUV and assume the Torres appears to be like cool with out being too costly, we encourage you to take it for a take a look at drive. Simply don’t be shocked if you find yourself shopping for one thing else as a substitute, even when it’s one thing else inside the KGM secure.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new KGM Torres. Click on right here to get a fantastic deal.
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