Overview

The KGM Torres is a mid-sized family SUV, and the first new model to be launched since South Korean carmaker SsangYong was rebranded KGM in 2024. KGM stands for KG Mobility, and acknowledges that the former-SsangYong brand is now owned by another South Korean industrial company, KG Group.

The change of ownership came about in late 2022, following SsangYong’s near bankruptcy. Unlike the other highly successful South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia, SsangYong has always been something of a niche product in the UK, trading on value pricing more than outright quality, and historically known for building quite challenging-looking cars. As such, while the Torres won’t be knocking any rivals out of our best SUVs list, it is refreshing to see such an attractive and modern-looking design.

This sharp styling, which is quite different to KGM’s established SUV models, the Korando and Rexton, should at least help the Torres stand out in a marketplace saturated highly competent rivals. There are a large number to family SUVs to choose from, but while the Torres sits at the upper end of the KGM model line-up, its closest rivals are the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail. Like those alternatives, the Torres comes with a rugged aesthetic and a spacious interior.

Here we’ve been testing the petrol version, which is in KGM showrooms now; an electric SUV badged Torres EVX is set to follow in the future, and you can find out more about how we test cars on our dedicated explainer page.

What’s it like inside?

Dominating the cabin of the KGM Torres is a twin-screen display setup. Similar to the approach now taken by a number of other brands – including BMW, Hyundai and Vauxhall – this merges the central infotainment screen with a digital drivers display that replaces the conventional instrument cluster, giving the effect of one large continuous screen that stretches half-way across the dashboard.

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It’s also hard not to notice that the steering wheel is any but traditionally round – though that’s not unusual these days. The wheel is also where you’ll find most of the few physical buttons that remain in the KGM’s interior.

Measuring 4,705mm in length, 1,890mm in width and 1,720mm in height, the Torres is a larger car than it might seem initially in photos, and bigger in all dimensions than the Nissan X-Trail. This is notable because the X-Trail manages to squeeze seven seats into its footprint while the Torres is a strict five-seater with no extra third row of chairs.

KGM Torres boot space and practicality

If sticking to five seats limits the KGM’s passenger-carrying practicality, it does at least help to deliver best-in-class boot space.

With the rear seats upright and ready to accept occupants there’s a massive 703 litres of luggage room. This expands to 1,662 litres of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded. Disappointingly, the rear seat back only splits 60:40 when many rivals now offer more flexible 40:20:40 adaptability. You’ll also find there are no handy levers to activate the folding mechanism from the boot; you’ll have to open the rear doors and lower the seat-backs the old-fashioned way.

Returning to the good news, every passenger will find they have plenty of room. As ever, anyone relegated to the middle of the rear bench gets a rawer deal than those on either side due to the protruding centre console and transmission tunnel.

KGM Torres engines and drive

The Torres is available with a single 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. This uses a small shift-by-wire toggle switch in place of a conventional gear shift, helping to free up more space for those up front. There is no manual gearbox option.

Producing 163hp and 260Nm of torque, the Torres comes as in a front-wheel-drive configuration, with all-wheel drive optional on the higher-specification K40 variant. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes a claimed 10.8 seconds regardless of how many wheels are being driven – not an especially impressive turn of speed.

Things get even less attractive when it comes to running costs. KGM says the Torres will do just 33.2mpg according to WLTP calculations, which is not very competitive at all. Similarly, CO2 emissions of 194g/km are very high for a vehicle of this type.

As for the all-electric EVX model, full specifications are yet to be announced. We do know it will be front-wheel-drive, initially at least, and that it will use a 73.4kWh battery that KGM says will allow for a 287-mile range. Though there’s no mention of the maximum DC rapid charging speed, a 20 to 80% top-up is said to be possible in 28 minutes.

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What models and trims are available?

The Torres sits between the Korando and Rexton in KGM’s model range. The model range starts with the K30 trim level, which comes with a generous equipment list including 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Two large 12.3-inch screens are also used for the digital dials and main infotainment display.  

Above this sits the K40 trim, which is available with two- or four-wheel drive. Extra equipment over the K30 includes large 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric boot, heated and ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control.

To find out whether we think this striking new SUV is worth of adding to your shopping list, and whether it stands out enough to choose over its most popular rivals, click through to our verdict page.