KGM Actyon Review- The Best Value for Money SUV?

KGM’s all-new Actyon has certainly got the looks department sorted, but what is it like?

Overview

The all-new Actyon is quite possibly the most important car for KGM (formerly SsangYong) as it bolsters the company’s UK offerings sitting aside the brilliant Rexton, Musso, Torres, Korando and baby Tivoli. It’s positioning within the lineup puts it above the Torres but below the all-singing, all-dancing Rexton.

Why is it important I hear you ask? Well KGM UK say this is the first KGM-designed car since the change from SsangYong to the current nomenclature. So, it is clear this car needs to impress is KGM are to emerge in a changing and challenging market.

What we have here is the single-spec K50 (highest is the K40 for the Torres) variant of the Actyon, its the only trim level that will be offered but KGM UK have shoved every single option that KGM Korea would let them with some nice colour options to suit as well. At a glance, its a handsome looking thing, delicately styled whilst fusing urban ruggedness with a premium glimmer to it.

The interior we’ll focus later on in the article as per usual, but at this stage, we’ll continue to talk about the outside. To put it bluntly, I think this is a bloody good looking car, I liked it when it was announced and when I first saw it, which was actually before the press event at KGM’s office (sorry), it was a delight to see. You can see the similarities with the Torres, of which this car is based on, but that’s a good looking thing so the Actyon is no different.

As mentioned, you can see that rugged aspect that the Torres also shares, but it splits away to feel more urban-focused and a bit more posh. There’s big chunky alloys, unapologetic angles here, there and everywhere, nice use of monotone colours and a full light up grille that has elements of the Korean flag hidden in it.

Performance

We’ll start with the headline figures about this car, because while the Actyon isn’t built for outright performance, every car enthusiast appreciates the finer details of what’s under that slab-sided bonnet.

So, to kick off, the Actyon features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 161 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. This setup propels the car from 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds and on to a modest top speed of 119 mph. While these figures won’t break any records, they’re perfectly adequate for a family SUV of this size.

The lack of an EV option might disappoint some from a performance perspective but the turbocharged petrol four-banger offers a solid balance of efficiency and performance. The power is delivered through a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, with the only option being front-wheel drive (at least at the moment). It can scrabble at the roads as it fights to navigate the power on a hard take off. Now, I know the vast vast majority of people are not going to launch it from a Traffic Light Grand Prix every time – so this really is a non-issue.

Driving dynamics are decent, with the Actyon holding its own on both urban roads and longer stretches. While it’s not particularly sporty, it’s responsive enough for everyday use and confident when overtaking. It’s worth noting that turbo lag is minimal, making the Actyon feel lively in traffic. As with all KGM’s it seems, the handling is very good for a big old thing. Perhaps the suspension is a little firm at times, but it is an acceptable trade off.

On the performance front, the Actyon delivers without overpromising. Sure, it’s not a rocket ship, but it doesn’t need to be one.

Economy

So, this is where the Actyon needs to prove itself, and thankfully, it’s good news. The omission of a diesel option will undoubtedly upset some buyers — this journalist included. However, the petrol engine is quiet, refined, and delivers a smooth driving experience. Paired with a well-tuned gearbox, shifts are seamless and unobtrusive and that all helps towards keeping your fuel bill down.

According to WLTP figures, the Actyon achieves up to 33.8 MPG combined. That isn’t particularly great but it is a pretty large SUV with a fairly small engine powering it. On our test routes – which included single-track country roads, main A roads, dual carriageways, and fast B roads – we managed closer to 30 MPG due to more dynamic driving. However, engaging cruise control on longer motorway runs should help you get closer to that official figure. It does feel entirely possible to achieve that as we have done it before in the Torres.

If you’re one of those who appreciate the simplicity of a petrol powertrain, the Actyon offers a solid balance of efficiency and practicality. While it lacks the diesel or electrified options some may prefer, it compensates with refinement, reliability, and an easygoing nature whilst not breaking the bank too much.

Comfort

With a car as competitively priced as the Actyon, you’d expect KGM to cut corners on materials and quality. However, I’ve never had an issue with the interior of any KGM model, not even the budget-friendly Tivoli. The Actyon, positioned higher in the range, needed to deliver – and it does.

Starting with the materials, this K50 trim offers a well-thought-out combination of textures and finishes. The wood panel that stretches across the dashboard contrasts beautifully with the burgundy accents, which pop against the black interior for a premium and striking look. However, not every design choice hit the mark for me. The carbon-fibre-effect trim, used throughout the cabin and on the super-cool floating centre console, felt a little out of place. It reminded me of the early VA Subaru WRX STIs, where faux carbon fibre was overused and didn’t quite deliver the premium feel it aimed for.

The all-new hexagonal steering wheel is a standout feature, sitting beautifully in hand (oo-err!) and adding to the Actyon’s refined driving experience. The hand-stitched seats are heated and ventilated in the front, while rear passengers enjoy heated seats as standard.

Parents with small children will appreciate the ability to switch off the rear speakers via the touchscreen, allowing little ones to sleep in peace while you enjoy your music up front.

Finally, one of the Actyon’s biggest strengths is its generous standard equipment list. KGM has opted for a single trim level and thrown in nearly everything as standard – from 20-inch alloys to eight-way powered heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a hands-free powered tailgate. The only optional extra? Metallic paint.

Practicality

One thing the Actyon doesn’t lack is space, for passengers or cargo. All four outer seats are generously sized and supremely comfortable, making them ideal companions for long journeys. The front center armrest is soft and squishy, housing useful storage along with a wireless charging pad. The cabin also offers clever storage solutions, like cupholders, an angled stowage spot, and a large open tray-style area under the armrest. The door bins are sizeable, though their cheaper plastic finish and lack of lining mean items can slide around noisily.

Rear passengers are treated to plenty of legroom, especially with the tall body design and clever under-seat space for feet. The reclining rear seats, upholstered with soft fabric accents, tilt by a generous 32.5 degrees. That two-stage heating adds an extra layer of comfort, while USB-C ports, rear window blinds, and decent door bins round out the practical touches. Thoughtful details like a hook/phone holder on the front headrests add further convenience.

The boot, meanwhile, is a standout feature. With 668 litres of space, it’s bigger than a Kia Sportage (562 litres) or a Nissan Qashqai (500 litres). The load bay is long rather than deep, offering excellent usability, and there’s some under-floor storage, side trays for small items, a bag hook, and a 12V socket. Folding the rear seats opens up a nearly flat load area measuring 1,568mm in length, though it’s slightly annoying that this can’t be done from the boot.

KGM has also added some thoughtful features to enhance practicality, including a new ‘favourites’ button on the steering wheel. This lets you quickly access your preferred functions without diving through menus – a small but impactful touch that shows how KGM is thinking about user convenience. I would change this to toggle the climate control functions for a quick access as they’re (and rather annoyingly) hidden in that 12.3″ central screen.

Reliability

Well, with a 5 year, 100,000-mile warranty, there shouldn’t be much to worry about. Being a smaller company, you’re likely to hear about issues from current owners more often than from some of the larger legacy brands. However, one thing that’s clear is that those who own KGM’s vehicles (or previously SsangYong) tend to stick with the brand, showing strong loyalty.

As for the engine, it’s still somewhat untested in the UK market, primarily because it’s only available in the Torres. This means there isn’t as much data available on its long-term reliability here. However, KGM’s service team is known for being responsive and proactive, eager to address any issues should they arise. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and the backing of a comprehensive warranty provide peace of mind for owners.

Verdict?

So, I’ve waffled in this KGM Actyon review but, there’s one thing I haven’t mentioned yet and that’s the price. Just for a quick recap, you get a shed load of tech as standard, a very good looking car, a very generous warranty and exclusivity into the world of KGM. The price for this? £36,995 OTR. That sits nicely under the £40K mark to keep it out of the new tax bracket which forces you to sell your firstborn, a leg and most of your possessions to simply allow yourself to drive on His Majesty’s roads.

Sure, it is dynamically unexciting and the engine options are limited to say the least but that’s not what this car is about. It is a practical, handsome, tech-laden family car that does exactly what it does on the tin. It is quintessential KGM, and even though this is the first all-KGM car, that is not a bad thing at all. I have loved every one of their vehicles I have been in.

I wish I could say more but I don’t feel compelled to without waffling further. It is excellent value, not horrific to run and sat on your driveway it will look good an invoke questions about what is it not leaving you feeling embarrassed when trying to explain it.

KGM, you’ve done exactly what you set out to do.

Cracking bit of kit.

Price [tested]	From £36,995 [£36,995]
Power	161bhp
Torque	281Nm
0-60	10.8s
Top speed	119mph
Weight	1580kg
Fuel capacity	50L
Road tax	£170