The Korean automotive landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation with KGM’s emergence from Ssangyong’s ashes. The 2026 Actyon represents more than just a rebranding exercise – it’s a statement of intent from a company determined to establish itself as a serious player in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
Design and Dimensions
The Actyon is designed to be a sportier and more coupe-like take on the Torres, and is slightly lower at 1680mm as a result. But it’s also a bit longer at 4740mm and wider at 1920mm wide. Both share the same 2680mm wheelbase. This dimensional approach creates a distinctive silhouette that sets the Actyon apart from its more conventional siblings.
The exterior styling embraces contemporary design language while maintaining KGM’s emerging brand identity. Bold character lines and a prominent front grille create visual impact, while the coupe-like roofline provides the sporty appearance that modern SUV buyers increasingly demand. The 1920mm width provides excellent road presence without compromising urban maneuverability.
Powertrain Performance
Both grades come equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 120kW and 280Nm, paired with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. It produces an identical 161bhp and 207lb ft as in the Torres, giving a 0-62mph time of 10.8sec and a top speed of 119mph.
The powertrain configuration prioritizes smoothness and refinement over outright performance. It’s a big car with a 1.5-litre engine, and it’s really smooth. The Aisin automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery, contributing to the overall refinement that KGM has prioritized in the Actyon’s development.
The Actyon is available with just one petrol powertrain, which features automatic idle stop/start technology and is mated with a torque-converter automatic transmission sourced from Aisin. This simplified approach reduces complexity while ensuring proven reliability through established component partnerships.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency for the Actyon is rated at 7.6L/100km combined, with CO2 emissions of 174g/km, complying with Euro 6 standards. With the new Actyon it’s business as usual — the coupé-SUV’s 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine manages just 33.1mpg, officially, which places it within acceptable parameters for the segment despite not leading efficiency charts.
The fuel consumption figures reflect the vehicle’s size and weight characteristics rather than any particular efficiency deficiency. Modern emission standards compliance ensures the Actyon meets regulatory requirements across its intended markets while providing adequate real-world economy for typical family use patterns.
Interior Space and Features
The Actyon’s cabin maximizes the benefits of its generous dimensions, providing excellent passenger accommodation and cargo flexibility. Ventilated seats, wraparound dual screens, even driver-side controls for the passenger seat – it’s thoughtfully put together and properly specced. This attention to detail demonstrates KGM’s commitment to competing on features rather than just price.
Material quality throughout the cabin reflects contemporary standards, with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful trim selections creating an environment that feels more premium than the badge might suggest. Storage solutions throughout the cabin address practical family needs, from cup holders to device charging locations.
Technology and Safety
The Actyon is pitched at £36,995, with everything KGM could possibly throw at it – 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, nappa leather… all that jazz – included as standard. This comprehensive specification approach eliminates the option confusion that often complicates SUV purchasing decisions.
The infotainment system integrates modern connectivity features with intuitive operation, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. The wraparound dual screen configuration provides excellent visibility for both driver information and media functions without creating unnecessary distraction.
Driving Experience
While the technical specifications of the Actyon are similar to the Torres, then, KGM claims significant work has been done, with revised suspension, tuning to the engine to create a more engaging driving experience. The suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and control, handling typical road imperfections while maintaining composure during more spirited driving.
The steering provides adequate feedback for confident maneuvering, though it prioritizes ease of use over ultimate engagement. This approach suits the Actyon’s intended role as a family-friendly SUV rather than a performance-oriented vehicle.
Value Proposition
That’s a lot of money for a supposedly value brand, yet the comprehensive specification level justifies the pricing when compared to similarly equipped competitors. The Actyon’s value proposition lies in its extensive standard equipment rather than aggressive pricing strategies.
The KGM Actyon range is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance, providing peace of mind that established brands often cannot match. This warranty coverage demonstrates KGM’s confidence in their product quality while addressing potential buyer concerns about brand reliability.
Market Position
The Actyon targets buyers seeking maximum specification for their budget, competing directly with established models like the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. Its comprehensive standard equipment list and extended warranty coverage create compelling reasons to consider the KGM brand despite its relative novelty in global markets.
The vehicle’s positioning reflects KGM’s strategy of establishing brand credibility through generous specifications rather than aggressive pricing. This approach provides sustainable margins while building customer loyalty through positive ownership experiences.
Build Quality and Reliability
KGM’s transformation from Ssangyong brings improved manufacturing standards and quality control processes. The Actyon benefits from these improvements, with panel gaps and material fitment meeting contemporary standards expected in the mid-size SUV segment.
Component sourcing from established suppliers like Aisin provides reliability confidence, while the extended warranty coverage demonstrates KGM’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Early ownership reports suggest the quality improvements are genuine rather than superficial changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the KGM Actyon compare to the Torres in terms of practicality? A: The Actyon shares the same 2680mm wheelbase as the Torres but features a more coupe-like design that slightly reduces rear headroom. However, it offers similar cargo space and passenger accommodation, with the main difference being the sportier exterior styling rather than practical compromises.
Q: What warranty coverage does KGM provide with the Actyon? A: KGM offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. This comprehensive coverage significantly exceeds most competitor warranties and demonstrates the brand’s confidence in build quality while providing excellent peace of mind for buyers.
Q: Is the 1.5-litre engine adequate for the Actyon’s size and weight? A: Despite being a relatively small engine for a mid-size SUV, the turbocharged 1.5-litre unit provides smooth performance with 161bhp and 207lb ft of torque. The 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds is adequate for daily driving, though it’s not designed for enthusiastic performance driving.
Q: How does the Actyon’s fuel economy compare to competitors? A: The Actyon achieves 7.6L/100km combined (approximately 33.1mpg), which is competitive within the segment though not class-leading. The fuel consumption reflects the vehicle’s size and performance characteristics rather than any particular efficiency deficiency compared to similarly sized competitors.