KGM Actyon Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Richard Aucock
Quick overview
Pros
- Upmarket styling and interior
- Very spacious
- Excellent standard equipment
Cons
- Poor fuel economy
- Firm ride
- Fiddly infotainment
Verdict: Is the KGM Actyon a good car?
“The KGM Actyon is an interesting new SUV with upmarket looks and an extra-large interior with a surprisingly premium feel. It’s well-equipped and well-priced, although the poor fuel economy from the petrol engine is a real let-down.”
The KGM Actyon is an interesting new model from the rejuvenated South Korean firm. Born out of the now-defunct SsangYong brand, it’s a company with renewed vigour, and the KGM Actyon is the first model to be fully developed under the new ownership.
The KGM Actyon – it’s pronounced ‘action’ – is an upscale alternative to the existing KGM Torres. Described as an SUV coupe, it is larger, sleeker and more expensive, with the design carrying more than a hint of Range Rover Velar about it.
The KGM Actyon’s larger dimensions pay dividends inside, where there's an abundance of space. It only seats five, rather than seven – the KGM Rexton serves the seven-seater role – but rear seat passengers will be very comfortable, while the boot is enormous. It also has a premium feel that, in places, lives up to those Range Rover Velar comparisons.
There is just one model of KGM Actyon on sale, and bosses say they intentionally “ticked every box we could” when speccing it up. The list of standard equipment is huge, even stretching to nappa black leather upholstery with quilted suede and red nappa leather sides.
The KGM Actyon offers a single 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, driving the front wheels. It has an automatic gearbox as standard, and produces 163PS. It actually works surprisingly well in such a big car, although you do pay a penalty in terms of fuel economy – even on paper, it averages a mere 33mpg. The real-world economy is worse still.
The KGM Actyon doesn’t quite live up to the Range Rover Velar comparisons in terms of driving dynamics, either. It’s generally fine, but the ride quality could be better, and it doesn’t have the overall cohesiveness of a Range Rover. This shouldn’t be a surprise – after all, prices do start from nearly £20,000 less.
The KGM Actyon also comes with an excellent five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and the decent reliability of older SsangYong models should carry across here too. For the money, it is an interesting new large SUV choice with some strong attributes to help offset its obvious flaws.
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Is the KGM Actyon right for you?
The KGM Actyon is a great car for those who like to get plenty of value for money. The comprehensive list of standard equipment makes this a genuinely fully-loaded car, meaning owners can boast about having features such as Nappa leather and air-conditioned seats.
It’s a big car too, with plenty of on-road presence. This carries through to the interior – it’s not right for you if you need a seven-seater car, but if you want to seat five people in comfort, it’s a great choice. The boot is enormous, too.
Of course, the KGM Actyon is not right for you if you want an electric car – it is also not available as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid either. And if you cover a lot of miles, you might find the lack of petrol engine fuel efficiency becomes a burden…
What's the best KGM Actyon model/engine to choose?
The KGM Actyon is only available in a single model, with a single engine – it’s called the KGM Actyon K50 1.5 petrol automatic – which makes choosing one easy. All you have to do is pick the colour – either white, black, blue, green or silver.
What other cars are similar to the KGM Actyon?
The KGM Actyon is an alternative to cars such as the best-selling Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Ford Kuga is similar, as is the Hyundai Tucson, while other alternatives in the crowded family SUV sector include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Skoda Karoq, Peugeot 3008 and Renault Austral.
The MG HS is a little smaller, but has even more competitive pricing than the KGM Actyon. There’s also a plug-in hybrid MG HS, which again undercuts the Actyon. Another cheaper Chinese alternative is the BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid, and the petrol-powered Jaecoo 7.
Then, of course, there is the Range Rover Velar that seems to have inspired the exterior design of the KGM Actyon. Instead of costing £36,995, the Velar starts from £54,730, and the difference is even greater once you adjust for spec.
Comfort and design: KGM Actyon interior
“The KGM Actyon is a great choice for those seeking a spacious and practical interior. It has a really large boot, too. The interior is well-equipped and there are some nice premium-quality touches in places.”
The KGM Actyon has an interior that very much follows the trend of other modern cars. There is an extra-wide display on the top of the dashboard, while the buttons lower down have largely been replaced by the touchscreen in the centre. It gives a clean look, but might prove frustrating when it comes to adjusting the temperature.
The KGM Actyon is the firm’s first model to have its new design of steering wheel. This is flattened at the bottom and top, so it’s more space-efficient. We found it particularly nice to hold, helped by the soft leather covering.
The KGM Actyon’s steering wheel has plenty of buttons, including two prominent Porsche-style round buttons. It’s a shame the functions they control are a bit pointless, though – having quick access to the ‘auto hold’ function at junctions isn’t a priority, for example. And while the other button is customisable, the list of customisations isn’t very extensive.
The KGM Actyon has a ‘floating’ centre console, with cupholders and the gearlever on top. The gearlever is a crystal-style switch, for a luxurious touch, with the electric parking brake positioned close by. Below this floating console is a large stowage tray, with an additional area further up the console.
In terms of first impressions, the KGM Actyon strikes a very positive one thanks to its good seats. They are firm, substantial and supportive, and those in the front have a great view out across the wide bonnet. It’s even possible to see the ‘handles’ on each side of the bonnet from the front seats, so you can work out what they’re there for as you drive…
Overall, the interior of the KGM Actyon is a nice place to be. It’s not just roomy, but well-designed and comfortable with it. In terms of showroom appeal, it fares well.
Quality and finish
The KGM Actyon has a well-finished feel. There are some scratchy plastics in evidence, but there are also plenty of posh-feeling surfaces, including the contrast-stitched dash top and the premium-feel suede stitched door tops. They are really nice to the touch.
The Nappa leather upholstery is feel-good too, as is the chunky steering wheel, and the KGM Actyon’s polished carbon fibre-look trim inserts are much less of a fingerprint magnet than the piano black plastic used by so many other new cars these days.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the KGM Actyon
The KGM Actyon has two screens mounted in a single ultra-wide display. There is a 12.3-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the centre. This freestanding display is underpinned by LED ambient lighting, with a choice of 32 colours, which helps boost the premium look. The ambient lighting stretches into the doors, too.
The screens actually work pretty well. They are bright and crisp enough, with plenty of functions buried within the multiple menus. There’s also standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you don’t want to learn how to use the rather fiddly onboard TomTom system.
Our main gripe is with the fact that to use the heater controls, you have to exit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are shortcut icons on the side of the smartphone mirroring display to facilitate this, but it’s still a fiddle. An update is needed so that the heater controls are permanently displayed along the bottom of the screen.
The KGM Actyon has easy-access USB sockets in the front, right next to a choice of stowage slots for your mobile phone. There are more as you move rearwards, and the faster-charging USB-C sockets will help keep power-hungry devices fully charged.
The KGM Actyon only has a six-speaker stereo as standard. There is no premium upgrade, meaning that the audio will lack the high-end quality rivals such as the Kia Sportage, which offer optional branded audio systems.
Space and practicality: KGM Actyon boot space
The KGM Actyon really comes into its own in terms of practicality. Measuring 4740mm long, 1910mm wide and 1680mm tall, it certainly has presence from the outside, and this is carried through to the interior space and practicality.
Up front, the KGM Actyon feels very commanding. The driving position is spacious and the high seat combines with a wide bonnet to make it feel confident and secure.
The KGM Actyon is just as impressive in the rear. Legroom is exceptional, with even adults finding almost enough room to cross their legs. It is light and airy, with good headroom, and the high seating position means it is easy to step in and out of. We really like the tablet holders built into the back of the front head restraints, and there are limo-style retractable sunblinds built into the rear doors as well.
The KGM Actyon also has an enormous boot. This is where the extra length really comes into its own, with the extended rear offering a truly vast 668-litre space even with the rear seats in place. Fold them down, and boot space expands to 1568 litres. The boot is well-shaped, with useful cubbies on either side of the boot floor, and it’s only a slightly cheap retractable parcel shelf that lets the side down.
Handling and ride quality: What is the KGM Actyon like to drive?
“The KGM Actyon has a firm ride, but this does give it a well-planted feel on the road. The engine is smooth, although it’s a bit noisy when revved, and the gearbox is a touch indecisive.”
The KGM Actyon is billed as a coupe SUV, and this slightly sporting bent is felt in how it drives. The suspension is rather stiffly set up, which results in a taut ride. It’s undeniably firm, even on everyday roads, although the ride quality does manage to keep genuine harshness at bay.
Because of this firmness, the KGM Actyon can feel a little busy and unsettled on broken road surfaces, but there is a pay-off when it comes to cornering, as it drives confidently and feels well-planted through bends. The steering is well-weighted, too, and we love the quirky shape of the steering wheel.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the KGM Actyon?
The KGM Actyon is only available with a 1.5-litre GDI turbo petrol engine connected to an automatic gearbox (there's no manual option). It produces 163PS between 5000-5500rpm, and a strong 280Nm of torque between 1500-4000rpm. Acceleration isn’t particularly sprightly on paper, with 0-62mph performance in 10.8 seconds, but it feels stronger on the road. Top speed is 119mph.
On the move, the KGM Actyon’s 1.5-litre GDI engine is generally smooth and cruises fairly quietly. However, it does become more vocal when revved. Frustratingly, the six-speed automatic gearbox seems to encourage this, downshifting at the lightest presses of the accelerator pedal. The engine has enough pulling power not to need downshifts like this, which makes the KGM Actyon feel a bit busy to drive.
The accelerator pedal is a touch sensitive, which can give an over-eager sensation when you accelerate. The gearbox itself is also a bit elastic during gear changes, which, conversely, can make it feel a little lazy.
Refinement and noise levels
The KGM Actyon generally impressive in terms of refinement and noise levels. We’ve mentioned the engine becoming a bit buzzy when revved, but you’ll notice this only during more spirited acceleration, and it settles down nicely when cruising.
The KGM Actyon’s refinement is helped by it coming with acoustic ‘double glazed’ front glass as standard, along with a clever set of Michelin noise-cancelling tyres. It means that it is hushed and smooth even at higher speeds, with wind noise also kept at bay on the motorway.
It’s a shame the KGM Actyon doesn’t have a premium sound system to make the most of this excellent refinement.
Safety equipment: How safe is the KGM Actyon?
The KGM Actyon has plentiful standard safety assist technology. including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and a forward collision warning. The gadgetry warns the driver if they’re too close to the car in front, and bleeps at junctions if the car in front pulls away.
The rear cross-traffic assist function is really useful in busy car parks, and the blind spot assist is handy on motorways. There’s also a safety exit warning system, which warns if vehicles or cyclists are approaching from behind as you go to open a door.
The KGM Actyon has not yet been tested by independent crash test organisation Euro NCAP.
MPG and fuel costs: What does a KGM Actyon cost to run?
“The KGM’s biggest weakness is its MPG and fuel costs. The petrol engine is not very efficient, meaning fuel bills may be considerably higher than rivals. It’s perhaps not a great choice for high-mileage drivers as a result.”
The KGM Actyon is not a very economical large SUV. According to official figures, it averages just 33.1mpg, which is considerably worse than the 44.1mpg achieved by the Kia Sportage 1.6T – a car JGM has identified as the Actyon’s key rival.
In practice, the KGM Actyon’s fuel economy is likely to be worse still. During testing, we averaged a mere 26mpg, according to the onboard trip computer. We weren’t driving particularly quickly either, with the roads being a mix of countryside and suburbia.
The KGM Actyon has a rather small-sounding 50-litre fuel tank. Factor in its economy, and this could dent its long-distance range – averaging our 26mpg test economy would give a range of less than 300 miles on a full tank.
KGM Actyon reliability and warranty
The KGM Actyon should build on the reputation for decent dependability enjoyed by the SsangYong brand. It is a car that doesn’t use any futuristic hybrid or electric drivetrains, so the well-proven mechanicals should prove reliable.
Backing this up is a generous five-year warranty. This is valid for up to 100,000 miles, and betters many mainstream alternatives – albeit not the seven-year warranty on a Kia and MG, nor the five-year unlimited-mileage warranty on a Hyundai.
KGM Actyon insurance groups and costs
The KGM Actyon should prove surprisingly affordable to insure. It falls into insurance group 25, which is good value for a car of this size and status – it actually undercuts the cheaper KGM Torres. Insurance costs should reflect this lower insurance group rating.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a KGM Actyon?
Because of its high 194g/km CO2 emissions, the KGM Actyon has a very steep first-year VED road tax rate of £1650, although you won’t notice this, as it’s factored into the car’s price.
After this, it reverts to the standard rate of £190 for all other petrol-powered cars. And because it costs less than £40,000, owners won’t have to pay the £410 a year ‘expensive car supplement’. This will help offset some of those higher fuel bills.
KGM Actyon price
“Excellent value for money is a key strength of the KGM Actyon. Pricing is competitive alongside rivals, and the list of standard equipment is among the longest in its sector, with nearly every feature fitted as standard.”
The KGM Actyon is very competitively priced, given its generous standard equipment. The £36,995 price compares well to entry-level versions of some mainstream rivals, while models such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are many thousands of pounds more expensive.
The KGM Actyon is undercut by some newer Chinese alternatives, though. Models such as the Jaecoo 7 are smaller overall, but otherwise similarly well-equipped, and come with quite a saving.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The KGM Actyon is available in a single K50 trim line. It has a fantastic level of standard equipment, including 20-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, premium Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts, and power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats are heated, too.
There is a powered tailgate with hands-free ‘kick’ motion, dual zone climate control, a heated leather steering whee,l and USB charging both front and rear. The rear-view camera is combined with a 360-degree around-view monitoring system, and the suite of safety assist tech is comprehensive.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is complemented by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus TomTom navigation.
The only option available on the KGM Actyon is metallic paint, which costs £650. The KGM Actyon has rather short 12-month, 10,000-mile service intervals. Luckily, dealers will also offer a three-year service plan, which costs from £35 a month.
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