2026 Kgm Actyon Reviews

You may have never heard of this brand before, but if I say it rose from the ashes of SsangYong, things likely make a little more sense.The KGM Actyon, which has roots as a SsangYong model dating back to 2005, is now a mid-to-large SUV based on the smaller, yet still mid-size Torres SUV.It launched initially with petrol power last year, but now a new fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain is on offer.Pricing currently starts at $50,000 drive-away for the entry-level Hybrid K50 and extends to $53,000 drive-away for the flagship Hybrid K60. The latter is on test here and it’s $3000 more than the equivalent petrol model.It's worth noting there are hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V that are cheaper, but aren't as well equipped.Standard highlights include LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, dual 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, plus heated outboard rear seats.Stepping up to the Hybrid K60 brings a surround-view camera, panoramic glass sunroof, rear door pull-up sunblinds and a wireless charger.One of the few things that's missing is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’re required to plug your phone into one of the USB-C ports which feels a little outdated now. However, it’s good peace of mind knowing your phone will reliably charge.In terms of the interior, the Actyon Hybrid is virtually identical to the petrol-powered equivalent. It’s minimal, screen-heavy and looks nice, however it can be a hassle to use certain functions, like climate control, on the move. I wish there were more physical buttons on the centre stack.What I do like is the vast amount of interior space, especially in the second row and the boot. The only catch is that the hybrid misses out on a spare wheel because that's where the high-voltage battery pack goes. You get a tyre repair kit instead, sadly.The hybrid powertrain features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 150kW, which is 30kW more than the petrol trims.This is mated with an electric dedicated hybrid transmission (e-DHT) with drive sent to the front wheels only. No all-wheel-drive version is on offer.While 150kW may seem like a decent amount of power, it doesn’t feel it in practice, especially in ‘Normal’ drive mode. The throttle calibration is too tapered, making the car feel sluggish off the mark.Select ‘Sport’, however, and it’ll almost spin the front tyres if you’re not careful. A little too hot or cold for my liking.It doesn't help that the hybrid powertrain has a lazy logic. The system prioritises electric power, but it leans on it too much, especially at higher speeds, causing the battery charge to deplete sooner than you’d think.As a result, the petrol engine fires up to charge up the battery pack. You can’t hear or feel the engine start from behind the wheel, but it’s not great to have it idling away when you’re stopped at a traffic light.It just feels like this hybrid system isn’t as smart or intuitive as a Toyota, Kia or Honda hybrid.This reflects the fuel consumption. KGM claims the Actyon Hybrid consumes an average of 5.5L/100km, according to ADR 81/02 combined testing, which is roughly 2.0L/100km less than the petrol equivalent.In practice I saw figures close to this when driving in the city, but on my 1050km road trip, which included plenty of rural highways, I achieved an average of 6.6L/100km. Not as efficient as a Toyota or Honda hybrid…There are the other aspects of the driving experience that are mediocre. The steering has an indirect and artificial feel and the suspension is largely compliant, but gets unsettled and bouncy over bigger bumps.There are plenty of other cars that are more enjoyable to drive, especially on long-distance journeys.The KGM Actyon hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP and is therefore unrated. Standard safety equipment includes eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors.Owners are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. This warranty term is becoming much more common for mainstream carmakers and doesn't push the boundaries like it once did.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km, which isn’t ideal if you do long-distance driving. The first seven services are capped and total $2903, which averages out to around $414 per service.While this may be cheaper than a Hyundai or Kia to service, Toyota and Honda cars are cheaper again.

Formerly SsangYong, the newly-branded KGM hopes to make a splash with its ambitious Actyon - a Toyota RAV4 rival offering standout styling, larger-than-average packaging, value pricing and - quite unexpectedly - impressive refinement, quality presentation and sporty dynamics. It has flaws, but, drawing on 70 years of experience, the South Korean medium SUV is also likely better than you think.