KGM introduces its enhanced Torres SUV, aiming to dominate Korea’s highly competitive compact SUV segment. This upgraded model boasts stronger performance, a rugged design, and superior convenience features, designed to recapture market momentum.
First unveiled in 2022, the Torres quickly established itself as a pivotal model for KGM, instrumental in the automaker’s corporate restructuring with peak monthly sales reaching approximately 6,000 units. After an interior facelift in 2024 and the introduction of a hybrid variant last year, the KGM Torres now returns with comprehensive product enhancements across its lineup.
During a recent press briefing, Moon Ik-hwan, Senior Manager of KGM’s Product Strategy Division, highlighted that the latest upgrades for the Torres primarily target the gasoline model, acknowledging its foundational role in the market.
Moon explained, “While the midsize SUV segment is increasingly dominated by hybrids, gasoline powertrains remain central to the compact SUV category.” He further noted, “Despite a 3 percent contraction in Korea’s compact SUV market last year, gasoline models still secured the largest sales share at 53 percent, significantly outpacing hybrids at 43 percent.”
A key performance enhancement for the KGM Torres is a substantial increase in maximum torque, climbing from 28.6 kilogram-meters to 30.6 kilogram-meters. This upgrade significantly boosts low-speed responsiveness and refines the overall everyday driving experience, making the Torres more agile in various conditions.
The KGM Torres also features a significant upgrade in its drivetrain with the adoption of a new eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the former six-speed unit. This advanced transmission ensures smoother shifts, quicker response, and a noticeably more refined driving experience. These enhancements also contribute to improved overall performance, pushing the top speed to approximately 191 kilometers per hour and reducing the 0 to 100 kilometers-per-hour acceleration time by roughly 0.7 seconds, now achieving it in a swift 9.76 seconds.
For adventurous drivers, the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system in the new Torres is significantly enhanced. It introduces four new specialized driving modes—Sand, Mud, Snow, and Gravel—alongside a dedicated Two-Wheel Drive mode, expanding on the existing three driving options. This intelligent on-demand AWD system typically operates in all-wheel drive for optimal traction but automatically shifts to two-wheel drive at speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour, cleverly conserving fuel.
Visually, the new KGM Torres embraces a more traditional and robust SUV aesthetic, respectfully maintaining its original identity deeply rooted in the off-road heritage of KGM’s previous SsangYong era. The vehicle boasts an integrated headlamp cover, a redesigned radiator grille, and new vertical-slot bumper graphics. Further enhancing its muscular appearance are bolder skid-plate styling and a sharply sculpted rear bumper, drawing inspiration from iconic SUVs of the 1980s and 1990s.
Responding directly to valuable customer feedback, KGM has significantly upgraded the convenience features within the new Torres, prioritizing more intuitive controls and an enhanced user experience. The SUV now integrates traditional dial-based climate controls and dedicated physical buttons, offering easier and quicker access to heat, ventilation, and air conditioning functions. This thoughtful change directly addresses previous concerns regarding an over-reliance on touchscreen controls. Furthermore, the previous toggle-type gear selector has been replaced with a new, more ergonomic lever-style shifter, designed for natural and confident vehicle operation.
Technologically, the Torres also incorporates the upgraded Athena 2.5 infotainment system, providing seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keeping drivers and passengers effortlessly connected on the go.
The new KGM Torres offers a versatile range of powertrain options, available in gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicle variants to suit diverse driver preferences. Prices for this feature-packed SUV start competitively at 29.05 million won (approximately $19,200). KGM has strategically limited price increases from the previous model, ranging from just 160,000 won to 950,000 won, ensuring the Torres maintains strong price competitiveness within its segment.
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