KMG Torres EVX 2024 test: A million reasons to buy under 30k

The story begins with a stamp SsangYong, which KMG took over some time ago. SsangYong was known for hard-wearing, but aesthetically often controversial cars that nevertheless found a loyal customer base. At KMG however, they chose a new strategy: to produce durable cars, which are functional, affordable and represent Korean values - quality, utility and fair price. The company's vision is clear: if Hyundai and Kia win in Korea, there is definitely room for a third brand that revives its old roots. The first result of this philosophy is the Torres EVX, an electric SUV that promises a lot – maybe even more than we can believe at first glance. Will these promises hold up on the road? Time to check it out.

Video test: KMG Torres EVX 2024 test

Exterior design: Korean style with a hint of familiar inspirations

If Torres can't be faulted for anything, it's a lack of imagination in reinterpreting familiar design features. KMG has managed to create a vehicle that, despite its clear influences, remains unique and with its own signature. With its length of 4.7 meters, the Torres EVX ranks among the larger electric SUVs, directly alongside the two models Volkswagen ID.4 and Too bad Enyaq. But compared to these two, it works much more robustly and like a "real SUV", which gives it additional weight - both literally and symbolically. But only in appearance. In principle, the car is extremely light considering its dimensions and weighs only 1,915 kilograms. 839 liters of luggage space is hidden in the back.

At the front, you can feel the touch of Jeep's newer models, and the taillights could easily be attributed to the previous generation Range Rover. Nevertheless Torres EVX it maintains its confident stance, because even in basic equipment - like the one in the pictures - it doesn't look cheap. The rims are "only" 18 inches, but this is precisely why the SUV exudes a real off-road character. The side silhouette adds a touch of dynamism and gives the car a noticeable presence on the road. If I had to choose the most beautiful part of the vehicle, it would definitely be the front part, which convinces the most with its distinct confidence.

The "Powered by Toughness" design philosophy, which bets on sustainability, deserves special praise. Kindness SUV-s such as Torres means they age more slowly than other segments. KMG designers clearly wanted to create a design that would hold up despite to the fast fads of the automotive industry. Perhaps it is this reticence to use trends that gives Torres its character. Another interesting detail: the vehicle has almost no exposed brand badges, which further emphasizes the story of its own design.

The only thing that is a bit confusing is “cover” on the rear, which gives the false impression that it is hiding a spare wheel. It doesn't really have any useful function. It's a shame, because it could be used as a convenient place for charging cables or some other useful accessory.

Exterior rating: 9/10

Interior design: pleasant, practical, but without big surprises

When evaluating the interior KMG Torres EVX we have to start from the fact that it is a car with a basic price below 30,000 euros. Therefore, the interior should be judged with a grain of salt and the awareness that it is a global vehicle that must meet very diverse markets and standards. This means that there is a lot of hard plastic inside, which does not feel the most prestigious. But still, thanks to today's low expectations in this price category, the whole experience is more than acceptable.

In more than 1,000 kilometers driven, the plastic did not bother us, nor did we miss any major accessories. The vehicle clearly reflects its purpose – practicality and affordability. The cabin is designed with family usability in mind, with some modern touches such as two floating screens reminiscent of those found in premium brands. The only thing that bothered me at first is the somewhat "truck-like" look of the steering wheel. But after a few kilometers we got used to it, and the functionality stands out once you get to know the buttons.

The entry-level Explore includes cloth seats that are pleasant to the touch and promise lasting quality. The interior design can best be described as cute – no luxury, but functional. One peculiarity is the absence of classic switches; most functions are controlled via the touch screen, which feels modernist, although one would have liked some more traditional buttons for faster access.

Practicality is in To Torres EVX at a very high level. There is more than enough storage space, including clever phone compartments and a large center console compartment. There are also multiple USB-C ports, which is convenient for all travelers. The addition of a 12V plug in both the trunk and the passenger cabin is another nice feature. In terms of space, the car is a real hit - the back seat is incredibly spacious, and the luggage compartment with additional drawers under the floorboard offers 839 liters of space. The only thing that disappointed us is the absence of a front trunk (ti frunk), as this place is dedicated to the electric motor.

The Torres EVX is a practical and spacious family car, but the interior could gain a more prestigious look with some plastic improvements. The plastic, although functional, could show signs of wear after prolonged use, so it would make sense to protect it with an additional foil. Otherwise, the interior follows the car's philosophy well – usability and accessibility without excess flash.

Interior rating: 7.5/10

Electric car infotainment: covers the basics but doesn't offer connectivity

In the world of electric cars, personalized infotainment is crucial. It should be your right hand when planning routes, charging stations and everything else. With the Torres EVX, however, it seems as if KMG left that role to you. The system provides a foundation – and we mean that literally. Route planning with the help of the built-in system is crude, and the built-in list of charging stations is so useless that it's as if the navigation advised you: "Find a charging station, friend, because I'm not going to do it." The solution? Google Maps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, of course with a cable. Wireless connectivity? A dream. While Google Maps already offers the ability to set your car type and switch to an electric car for smart charging planning, the feature will be even smarter in the future — maybe even smarter than you when you're on your way to a meeting and looking for the nearest charging station. But KMG is clearly aware of this, so they left things at a basic level. I really believe that Google will do this more than anyone else. Also for the sake of developing an "infomatic" system for Volvo and Renault and some others and knowing what EV drivers need.

No connectivity, no problems, right? System updates are carried out "analogously" - either at the service center via a USB stick, or if you have a sense for technology, you can do it yourself. The car doesn't have a smartphone app, and it also won't update itself over the Internet. This means, in a figurative sense, that you will not be able to remotely heat the seats or the interior. And check the battery status. As bad as this sounds, in practice it is relatively rarely used. Anyway! In 2025, people expect to be able to use their phone to find where they parked their car, heat it, or check the state of the battery.

Then there is the "happy" world warning. The system for the driver's concentration ("Coffee Break") sounds after just a few minutes of driving, although you really don't want a coffee until you've driven a few hundred kilometers. Speeding warning? Loud, repetitive and so edgy that Jeremy Clarkson would surely send you down the pub for a pint. Otherwise, it can be partially silenced, but only until the next startup. Even otherwise, the Torres EVX is extremely "talkative" - from the musical greeting when starting up, to pleasant audio messages when connected to the charging station. For those who like silence, this is not your car.

The sound of the audio system is somewhere between average and acceptable. Audiophiles will be disappointed, to say the least, but for the price of the car, you will obviously have to listen to your favorite songs with some compromises. The battery charging system, however, offers some bright moments – the charging schedule is easy to set, the charging power can be limited to 6 kW, which will help you reduce grid costs. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of even lower settings, which would also be beneficial for the battery.

In short, the KMG Torres EVX infotainment system is "okay" if you are a fan of simplicity and have access to external solutions. Route planning and battery management work, but without the magic touch you'd expect from the 2025. Lots of room for improvement, even more room for your customizations. But at the same time, this simplicity can also be an advantage and an "opportunity" for future improvements.

In the area of assistance systems such as radar cruise control, lane assist and pilot assist, the KMG Torres EVX ranks in the average of the tested cars. The radar cruise control, while not predictive, works smoothly and offers a variety of settings to adjust performance. Lane assist is a bit aggressive and requires some adjustment, while pilot assist "interestingly" often intervenes in the direction of travel, which may seem strange at first, but you get used to it over time. All systems were used continuously during the test, both on highways and on regional roads. Although the systems may lack the premium finesse found in more expensive cars, they work reliably and without unpleasant surprises – which is certainly important for assistance systems.

Rating of the infomatic system: 6.5/10  
Assistance systems: 6.5/10

Electric car: within the limits of the known, with common sense

Let's start with the basics! The KMG Torres EVX is powered by an electric motor, which sends 152 kW (207 hp) to the front wheels. This is capable of an instant 339Nm of torque, making the car pleasantly responsive and surprisingly bouncy. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a decent 8.1 seconds, and the top speed is 175 km/h. Just right for family outings, driving in the fast lane and for those times when you want to stay one step ahead of the driver behind you – literally and figuratively. Not much can be faulted with the engine and drivetrain; responsiveness and setting options (Eco, Comfort, Sport) demonstrate the adaptability of the electric system.

What is somewhat disappointing is the absence of four-wheel drive. For a car whose exterior calls for adventures on rough terrain, this is a really strange decision. Such a rugged look, no 4×4 option? It's like being promised an adventure movie and then getting a romantic comedy. Such a version would immediately put the Torres EVX at the top of the list of electric SUVs, but for now it remains only a compact SUV with two-wheel drive.

Charging and battery; surprisingly constant

The car charges at a top speed of 120kW, which isn't exactly impressive in 2024 - especially not with a 72kWh net battery capacity. But surprise! The charging curve of the Torres EVX is surprisingly good. Despite the lower maximum charging power, it is very constant, and the car charges the battery from 9 % to 80 % in just 36 minutes (at a temperature of 8 °C - repeated 2x - real charging test). Up to 50 % charges it maintains power above 105kW, which is more than many cars with a more powerful specification on paper manage. The result? Good mood and less waiting at charging stations. In other words, a solid result.

The BYD Blade battery installed in the Torres EVX is known for its safety and durability. That this is true is also evidenced by the impressive warranty – 70 % battery capacity after 1,000,000 kilometers driven or 10 years. It's clear that KMG focused on durability, even though they had to sacrifice some of the charging capacity at the "peak" of the battery's capacity to reduce overheating. I conclude that this is also why there is no such "maximum" charging capacity.

Energy consumption: a surprise in the fast lane

On our 1,100 kilometer test, which included approximately 80 % highway driving, 5 % city traffic and 15 % regional roads, the average consumption was 23.6 kWh per 100 km. On the highways, where we drove between 120 and 150 km/h, the Torres EVX proved that it was up to the task, even though it lacked the DNA (aerodynamics) to save energy. With this style of driving - without "snail habits" - the results are solid. With more normal use and slightly higher temperatures, we expect a consumption of around 21.5 kWh per 100 km, which is more than acceptable for a large, robust SUV. Or better than some "hot" smaller electric cars.

Our test was conducted in temperatures from 0 to 11 °C, which means we used cabin heating. In addition, we deliberately drove the battery to an almost empty state before charging, as such an approach reflects the real use of the car on long journeys. So, we really tested the car as if we were driving a normal car and not an electric one.

Some common sense logic. The KMG Torres EVX doesn't buck industry trends, but sticks to proven basics while successfully maintaining a balance between performance and economy. With a few improvements – most notably the addition of four-wheel drive – it would be a truly versatile player in the electric SUV segment. Maybe they still keep this at KGM for model upgrades.

Electric car: 8.5/10
Charging: 6/10
Consumption: 7.5 /10

Driving characteristics: no surprises, but also no excesses

The KMG Torres EVX doesn't promise sports thrills or adrenaline rushes, but that's not its purpose either. Instead, it offers a balanced and confident driving experience that in some ways even exceeds expectations for an SUV of this size. The electric drive and low center of gravity create a sense of stability that comparable cars with internal combustion engines often cannot achieve. Also due to the weight distribution, which is more ideal. Leaning is minimal when cornering, and the chassis effectively dampens shocks and sounds, which makes driving comfortable and less stressful. At the same time, the chassis is quiet, without "low-quality" sounds.

Despite its size and robust appearance, the Torres EVX surprises with a sense of lightness. With a weight of just over 1,900 kilograms, it is relatively light for its class, which has a positive effect on handling. Some parts of the car are even incredibly light - for example, the roll of the luggage compartment, which weighs less than a kilogram. The steering wheel is a bit too big and doesn't provide much feedback from the road, but this doesn't reduce the driving pleasure, as it remains sufficiently accurate and easy to use. Only the appearance requires some adjustment.

Electric cars often impress with their predictability and high skid thresholds, and the Torres EVX is no exception. The biggest challenge with these vehicles is finding the limit of traction, as the slip point is set very high – so high in this car that we didn't reach it in the test. This speaks of an excellent chassis design and safe driving dynamics that instill confidence in the driver. Torres is firmly anchored to the road, which in practice means that you feel safe and confident while driving, without unnecessary fear of the car losing control.

Off-road capabilities are better than expected

With a distance of 17 centimeters from the ground Torres EVX proves that it can do more than just city driving. It behaves confidently on gravel and promises performance that goes beyond basic off-road requirements. The chassis is pleasant off-road and the car is very at home on such terrain. It is more than suitable for trips on mountain paths and dirt roads. It is true that he four-wheel drive is missing, which would turn it into a real off-road electric champion, but for most family adventures this shortcoming won't be noticeable. You will have no problem going on weekend trips to the Velika Planina or along well-maintained mountain roads, where Torres exceeds expectations.
The Torres EVX is not a sports car, nor does it try to be. Instead, it offers driving characteristics tailored to safety, comfort and practicality. It's supreme on the road and surprisingly capable on gravel, making it one of the more balanced electric SUVs in its price range. If you are looking for a vehicle that offers a simple, predictable and reliable drive, the Torres EVX is without a doubt the right choice. But if it's sporty character or extreme off-road capability you're after, you may need to look elsewhere.

Driving characteristics: 7.5 /10

Build quality & test quality

When we took the KMG Torres EVX for testing, it had 6,800 kilometers on the odometer – enough to judge build quality and wear resistance. First impression? On the outside, the car was in solid condition, with no major signs of wear. The only exception was small scratches on the plastic in the trunk, which is expected for a family SUV. Although nothing serious, on closer inspection the car shows some flaws that reveal that its build quality is not quite up to European standards.

Upon closer inspection of the exterior, we noticed some inconsistencies in the body composition. The gaps between the panels were not evenly aligned, which is especially noticeable around the edges of the doors and fenders. In addition, the varnish application was less precise in some places, with a slight overflow over the edges. These are visual little things, but for buyers who appreciate details, they could be annoying.

In terms of the interior, the car has retained its functionality no major signs of wear. The only inconvenience was the wipers, which showed signs of wear after only 7,000 kilometers - quite early for a car that was supposed to promise long-term reliability. On inspection, the chassis impressed with its solid construction with no signs of rust, only a few small things indicating contact with the weather.

During the test, which lasted several days and covered various weather and road conditions, the Torres EVX passed the test without any major problems. The vehicle worked stably and without malfunctions, with one exception - after four hours of continuous driving, Apple CarPlay stopped working. But this problem resolved itself the next day, without the need for additional intervention. The problem is probably related to the software and not the hardware of the car.

The build quality of the KMG Torres EVX is a mix of solid and average. The exterior reveals some flaws in build precision, while the interior and chassis show greater durability. The test experience was mostly flawless, with only occasional minor issues like the wipers and Apple CarPlay pointing to some room for improvement. If you're willing to overlook a few minor faults, the Torres EVX offers a solid vehicle for its price - but the sophistication typical of European products isn't quite there yet.

Build quality: 7/10

Value for money: Hard to beat for the money

The KMG Torres EVX is hard to beat in its price range. With a starting price of less than 29,900 euros with subsidy deducted (or just 24,000 euros for companies after deduction of VAT), it offers a spacious electric SUV with a large enough battery and plenty of useful equipment, such as radar cruise control, a lane keeping system, automatic lights and a reversing camera . With a 7-year factory warranty and a battery warranty of up to 10 years or a million kilometers, it is the ideal choice for families and taxi services. Considering its performance, equipment and low cost, the Torres EVX is excellent value for money.

Value for the price: 9/10

Final overall rating and impression: Highly recommended

The KMG Torres EVX is a car that adheres to the proven formula of offering the most for the least money. But, to be honest, it also has its Achilles heel. The biggest of these is disconnection. In 2024, “Over-the-Air Updates” is almost a religion in the motoring world, but Torres does not have this feature. Will this confuse the average user? Probably not, unless you're one of those people who likes to push a button and hope the car miraculously learns new tricks, like parking without a license. There is also no heated seats in the basic version - which means that in winter you will only be warmed by the power of the electric motor and perhaps your optimism.

Now for the brighter side of the story. Although the plastics inside are cheap, the base version of the Explore convinces with plenty of equipment and functionality. Radar, lane assist, reversing camera - all included, no hidden extras. And this for a price that won't spoil your mood, even if you also take a set of winter tires with your purchase. This version is the most recommended in our opinion. But if you go for the more expensive versions, you get the same materials (read plastic), but also higher expectations, which Torres doesn't always live up to, but they become part of the more expensive package.

The Torres EVX convinces with reliability on the road, but its biggest asset is value. For just under 30,000 euros, it offers spaciousness, usability and guarantees that will last longer than the average love affair. If you are a company, you will be even more pleased with the possibility of VAT deduction - 24,000 euros for an SUV of this size is actually absurdly low. (read. rude)

More importantly, Torres should achieve 5 stars in NCAP tests. Why are we so sure? Recently, KMG has been trying to get out of the shadow of the "low-priced" ones, and they do not skimp on safety. Some of their cars have recently been awarded 5 stars. But if the result is worse, we will lower the rating accordingly. Now we come to the conclusion: 9/10 because for its price, the Torres EVX is a marvel that cannot be ignored - even if its lack of connectivity in 2024 feels like a call from the past. Simply throw it pragmatically over your shoulder.

Total points scored: 75 points / 100 points

Conclusion: So, the KMG Torres EVX is like that friend who may not wear the most expensive clothes, but always brings beer to the party and is the first to help you move the sofa to the third floor without an elevator. It's not perfect – the interior plastics deserve less derision, Apple CarPlay has a bad day more often than you, and there's no 4x4 drive in sight. But for a price under 30,000 euros? You get an electric SUV that won't let you down long after others have given up. If you're looking for a car that can think with farm logic and stick to its terrain, then you've found it. Simply put: common sense on four wheels.