The Complete KGM Actyon Review: A Comprehensive Look at the New Affordable SUV

In the highly competitive world of SUVs, finding a vehicle that strikes the perfect balance between size, features, and price is a monumental challenge. Most buyers are forced to compromise, choosing between a smaller car with all the latest tech or a larger one with a bare-bones spec sheet. However, a new contender from South Korea, the KGM Actyon (the successor to the SsangYong brand), is on a mission to challenge this very notion. With its bold design, spacious interior, and a surprising list of standard features, it promises to deliver big on value without breaking the bank.

For two weeks, we went beyond the surface-level impressions to conduct a comprehensive deep dive into the KGM Actyon. We tested its capabilities in a variety of real-world scenarios, from city commuting and long-distance highway cruising to light off-road adventures. The goal was to uncover its true identity: a practical family hauler, a savvy budget buy, or an over-promising newcomer. This is our complete, unfiltered review of everything you need to know about the KGM Actyon.

Exterior Design: A Bold Statement on a Budget

The first thing that sets the KGM Actyon apart from its rivals is its unapologetically bold design. It's clear that KGM designers were aiming for a look that's both modern and muscular. The front fascia is dominated by a distinctive grille and sharp LED headlights that give it a confident and aggressive stance. The character lines running along the sides add a sense of movement, culminating in a sloping roofline that gives it a coupe-like profile, a popular styling cue in today's SUV market. The rear design is equally striking, with unique taillights and a sculpted tailgate that complete its dynamic look.

While the overall design is highly subjective, it's safe to say the Actyon doesn't blend into the crowd. It looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests, and during our time with the car, it drew more than a few curious glances from other drivers. It successfully mimics the visual language of premium SUVs, making it a head-turner in its segment.

Interior Cabin: A Study in Modern Ergonomics and Quality

Step inside, and the positive impressions continue. The cabin is surprisingly well-appointed, with a clean, driver-centric dashboard. The build quality feels solid, and the materials, while not on par with premium brands, are well-textured and feel durable. The centerpiece of the cabin is a seamless dual-screen setup: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch central touchscreen. This modern layout elevates the interior and gives it a high-tech, contemporary feel that rivals in this price range often lack.

Seating and Comfort: Where Practicality Meets a Small Hurdle

The seats themselves are comfortable for most body types, with a good level of cushioning for daily commuting. However, our test revealed a significant ergonomic issue for taller drivers and passengers. We found that the seat backrests are relatively short, and even with the headrests at their maximum height, they fail to provide adequate neck and head support for anyone over 1.80 m (6 feet) tall. On longer journeys, this could lead to driver fatigue and discomfort. While the cabin is generously wide, it's crucial for taller buyers to spend ample time adjusting the seats during a test drive to ensure a comfortable fit.

In the back, rear passengers are treated to excellent legroom and shoulder room. The flat floor also adds to the spacious feel, allowing three adults to sit in relative comfort for short trips. While the seats are not as sculpted as those in the front, they offer a pleasant ride for most passengers, complete with rear air vents and charging ports on higher trims, a thoughtful touch for a car in this segment.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Balanced, Comfortable Ride

The KGM Actyon is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 163 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. This powertrain provides a smooth and composed ride, particularly in urban environments. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and predictably, making for a relaxed driving experience. The car's handling is tuned more for comfort than for sporty precision. It effortlessly absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a quiet and stable ride on paved surfaces. The steering is light, which is excellent for maneuvering in the city and during parking, although it can feel a bit vague at higher speeds.

All-Wheel Drive and Versatility

A key advantage of the Actyon is the option of an all-wheel drive system on certain trims. This system gives the vehicle added traction and stability on slippery roads, such as in rain or light snow. While the Actyon isn't a dedicated off-roader, its AWD capability is more than sufficient for navigating gravel roads, muddy trails, or tackling challenging weather conditions, making it a versatile option for buyers who enjoy weekend adventures.

The Digital Experience: Hits, Misses, and a Hope for the Future

The large touchscreens are the Actyon's greatest strength and its most significant weakness. Visually, they are impressive, with clear graphics and a bright display. The user interface is relatively intuitive, allowing you to easily access media, navigation, and vehicle settings.

However, the system's performance is inconsistent. While some inputs via the touchscreen are responsive, others suffer from noticeable lag. This is particularly true for the physical buttons and toggles on the steering wheel, which we found to have significant, frustrating delays. KGM has acknowledged this issue and is reportedly working on a software update to address it, which is a hopeful sign. Another minor annoyance is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available via a wired connection, which feels a bit outdated in an otherwise modern-looking car.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Safety is a major concern for any modern car buyer, and the KGM Actyon comes well-equipped. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). In addition, higher trim levels offer a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that bring it up to par with its rivals. These include:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle ahead.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react.
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing safety on the highway.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

These systems work reliably and provide an extra layer of peace of mind, making the Actyon a very safe choice for a family vehicle.

Total Cost of Ownership and Market Competition

The KGM Actyon’s competitive advantage begins with its aggressive starting price. At around €35,000, it undercuts many of its direct rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tayron and the Kia Seltos, by a significant margin. But the value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase price.

While KGM is still building its brand reputation, its lower price point often translates to lower insurance costs and potentially more affordable servicing. However, potential buyers should consider that resale values might not be as strong as those from more established brands. The fuel economy of the 1.5-liter turbo engine is competitive, but it's not a segment leader, so day-to-day running costs will be in line with other gasoline-powered SUVs.

Final Verdict: A Car That Delivers on its Promise

The KGM Actyon is a surprisingly capable and well-equipped SUV that offers genuine value for money. It’s not flawless, but its strengths in design, space, and features far outweigh its weaknesses. Its main drawbacks—the seat design for taller individuals and the inconsistent infotainment system—are manageable for many buyers.

This car is the perfect fit for a specific kind of buyer: a budget-conscious family or an individual who wants a spacious, stylish, and comfortable SUV without a premium price tag. It's for those who prioritize practicality and features over a brand name or a razor-sharp driving feel. While the Actyon may not be perfect, it represents a bold step forward for KGM and is a clear signal that the brand is a serious force to be reckoned with in the affordable SUV market.