2025 KGM Actyon K60 Review – The Coupe-SUV Australia Didn’t Expect
The 2025 KGM Actyon K60 offers premium styling, large boot capacity, and a competitive price to the mid-size SUV segment in Australia. Read the full review including performance, safety, and verdict.
The Actyon Story – From Quirky Past to Confident Future
In the early 2000s, the Ssang Yong Actyon was the SUV version of a polarising work of modern art. Some loved its angular, statement design; others were unsure which direction was forward. But one thing was for sure — it had character.
Flash forward almost two decades and the car landscape has changed. Consumers desire SUVs that looks stylish, feel luxurious, burn less fuel, and continue to immerse the kids’ sporting gears without complaint. The Ssang Yong logo has hung up its boots in Australia and is replaced by KGM — a sleeker, more modern brand name with international aspirations.
The 2025 KGM Actyon K60 isn’t just a new car; it’s abold view. It’s KGM announcing, “We’ve done our research, Australia. And yes, we didn’t forget to pack a panoramic sunroof.”
A First Impression That Sticks
From the kerb, the K60 doesn’t quite fit in. It owns its coupe-SUV roofline with élan, perched on 20-inch alloys that deliver a rooted appearance. The front grille is daring but not obtrusive, bookended by thin LED headlights that sweep along like a squinting gawk. The rear is equally unapologetic, with full-width taillights and a raked glasshouse that promises sportiness without killing rear headroom.
It’s the sort of SUV that attracts a second look in a Bunnings car park – from inquisitive tradies and boot space-comparison parents alike.
Inside the KGM Actyon K60 – Where It Surprises You
Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
Open the door and the K60 welcomes you with the reassuring firmness of a properly constructed vehicle. The doors shut with the firm “thunk” of a well-built car, and the interior smells of top-shelf leather instead of bargain-basement plastics.
You’re met by quilted Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated in the front, with supportive bolstering for long drives. The dash is covered in soft-touch materials, accented by a tasteful mix of woodgrain and carbon-fibre-style trim. Even the stitching on the steering wheel feels planned.
Technology That’s Ready for 2025
Overwhelming the cabin are two 12.3-inch panoramic screens — one for the driver’s instrument cluster and one for infotainment. Both are responsive, clear, and legible even in blistering Aussie sunlight. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the wireless charging means you can leave the cord spaghetti behind.
The K60 trim also includes a panoramic sunroof, ambient mood lighting, and rear door sun blinds, making what would have otherwise been simply another mid-size SUV into something truly nice to be around.
Space and Practicality
Boot space is a highlight — 668 litres with the seats in place, and max to 1,568 litres when folded. That’s larger than a Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, which means it’s a road trip, IKEA excursion, or weekly supermarket shop when you “accidentally” pick up a new flat-pack desk sort of car.
Performance – Relaxed but Capable
The Actyon K60’s 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit produces 120 kW and 280 Nm through a 6-speed Aisin automatic. It’s not questing sports car figures — rather, it’s set up for smooth, predictable power delivery.
It’s relaxed in urban traffic. On the motorway, it cruises smoothly, the engine ticking over at 100 km/h. Fuel use is a worthy 7.6 L/100 km, partly thanks to the Idle Stop & Go technology.
The steering is light but accurate, and the suspension is set up for comfort on Australia’s often variable road conditions — from new sealed highways to country potholed detours.
Safety – All You’d Expect, Plus a Little More
KGM obviously wants to gain trust in Australia, and safety is an option. Typical kit consists of:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Eight airbags including driver’s knee airbag
360° surround-view camera (K60 grade)
It’s a safety package that feels complete, giving peace of mind whether you’re navigating peak-hour Sydney or the long, empty stretches between roadhouses on the Stuart Highway.
Capabilities – SUV Substance Beneath the Style
Ground Clearance: 206 mm – handy for beach tracks, farm driveways, or flood detours.
Towing Capacity: 1,500 kg braked – ideal for small boats, camper trailers, or jet skis.
Cargo Flexibility: Second-row seats fold flat for bigger items.
Ride Comfort: Suspensions Nicely dampedshockes ensures the ride is smooth on corrugated gravel roads.
It’s not attempting to be a hard-core off-roader, but for 99% of SUV buyers, it’s plenty.
Pricing and Availability in Australia
K50: from $47,000 drive-away
K60: from $50,000 drive-away
Both models have a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 5 years roadside assist — outpacing the protection of some larger-name competitors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
High-end interior and tech for the money
HUGE boot space
Sleek coupe-SUV looks
Robust safety package
Long warranty
Cons:
Unremarkable engine punch compared to some competitors
No hybrid model yet
Brand recognition still building in Australia
Final Verdict – The Surprise Package
The new KGM Actyon K60 isn’t here to play it safe either. It’s stylish without yelling, comfy without being puffy, and practical without being very boxy. It’s the SUV version of the new kid at school who becomes everyone’s best mate in no time.
If you’ve been looking at the usual suspects — RAV4, Tucson, CX-5 — the K60 is must try. Sure, it doesn’t have badge cachet just yet, but it has the design, features, and value to make you question why you were paying more in the first place.
FAQs – 2025 KGM Actyon K60 in Australia
Q: Is KGM a new brand?
A: SsangYong is the rebranded name for KGM, now targeting modern styling, upgraded tech, and better market positioning.
Q: How large is the boot in the K60?
A: 668 litres when seats are up, 1,568 litres when folded.
Q: Is it warranted?
A: Yes — 7 years/unlimited km, with 5 years roadside assist.
Q: What is the fuel efficiency?
A: 7.6 L/100 km combined.
Q: Is it a better than a RAV4?
A: The K60 does have more boot space and functionality at the price point, but the RAV4 has hybrid variants and big brand recognition.
