The Australian electric vehicle market is about to get a serious dose of rugged, boxy attitude. After months of anticipation, the 2025 KGM Torres EVX has officially landed, and it’s throwing a remarkably competitively priced gauntlet down to the established heavyweights.

Priced at a sharp $58,000 drive-away, this South Korean contender (from the brand formerly known as SsangYong) is not just another jelly-mould crossover. It is a dedicated family hauler that leverages a massive boot, honest range, and a “tough truck” aesthetic to carve out its own niche in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.

For Aussie buyers tired of the ubiquity of the Tesla Model Y or the futuristic curves of the BYD Sealion 7, the Torres EVX offers a refreshing, pragmatic alternative. But does it have the specs to back up the tough looks? At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we’ve dived deep into the data to see if this newcomer is the real deal.

💰 The Price of Admission: Undercutting the King

The headline story here is value. KGM Australia has launched the Torres EVX in a single, highly-specified trim for $58,000 drive-away.

This is a strategic strike. The benchmark Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive starts at around $58,900—but that is before on-road costs. Once you add delivery fees, stamp duty, and registration, the Tesla’s real-world price pushes well into the mid-$60k bracket. The KGM Torres EVX effectively puts over $5,000 back in your pocket compared to the Tesla, while matching it on size and surpassing it on practicality.

It also lands right in the ring with the Kia EV5 Air (approx. $56,770 drive-away for standard range), offering a larger battery and longer range for a comparable price.

🔋 Battery, Range & Charging: Honest Performance

Under the rugged bonnet lies a powertrain that prioritizes reliability and longevity over blistering speed.

• Battery: An 80.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) “Blade” battery, sourced from industry giant BYD. This chemistry is renowned for its safety, durability, and ability to be charged to 100% regularly without degradation issues.
• Range: A claimed 462km (WLTP). In real-world Australian conditions, this should translate to a solid 380-400km of highway driving, making it a capable interstate tourer.
• Motor: A single front-mounted motor delivering 152kW and 339Nm. It won’t win drag races against a dual-motor BYD Sealion 7, but it offers smooth, adequate power for a family SUV.

Charging Reality:

The Torres EVX features 145kW DC fast charging, capable of topping up the battery from 10-80% in approximately 37 minutes. While not the lightning-fast 18-minute charge of a Hyundai Ioniq 5, it is par for the course in this price bracket. For home charging, an 11kW AC onboard charger is standard, allowing for a full recharge overnight.

Crucially for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Torres EVX features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power laptops, coffee machines, or camp lights directly from the car’s charge port.

📦 The “Killer App”: Space, Space, Space

Where the KGM Torres EVX truly embarrasses its rivals is cargo capacity. Thanks to its boxy, upright design, it offers a cavernous 839 litres of boot space with the rear seats up.

Compare that to the competition:

• KGM Torres EVX: 839L
• Tesla Model Y: 854L (technically larger, but relies on floor storage/frunk math)
• BYD Atto 3: 440L
• Kia EV5: 513L

For Australian families who need to carry prams, sports gear, or camping equipment, the Torres EVX is in a league of its own. It effectively offers large-SUV practicality in a mid-size footprint.

🖥️ Tech & Interior: A Mixed Bag?

Inside, KGM has modernized the cabin with a panoramic dual-screen setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard equipment is generous:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Power tailgate
• 360-degree camera

However, enthusiasts should note that early international reviews suggest the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection may be wired, unlike the wireless setups in most rivals. Additionally, KGM’s driver monitoring systems have been noted as “overzealous” in other markets—something prospective buyers should test on their local roads.

🛡️ Peace of Mind: The 10-Year Promise

KGM is tackling any “new brand” anxiety head-on with an industry-leading warranty package. The Torres EVX comes with a 7-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and a massive 10-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty.

This matches or exceeds almost every competitor in the segment, offering long-term assurance that KGM backs their BYD-sourced battery tech for the long haul.

🇦🇺 The Verdict: Who is it For?

The 2025 KGM Torres EVX isn’t trying to be a Tesla killer in terms of tech or speed. Instead, it is the “anti-Tesla.” It’s for the buyer who wants physical buttons, a traditional SUV shape, and a massive boot without paying a premium. It’s for the family that wants the savings of an EV but the practicality of a Subaru Forester.

Against the Kia EV5 and BYD Sealion 7, it carves out a unique identity: the rugged, value-packed workhorse. If you can look past the lack of a “frunk” and the modest charging speeds, the Torres EVX is arguably the most practical family EV you can buy for under $60k.

🤖 Join the Evolution

Navigating the exploding list of mid-size electric SUVs can be overwhelming. Is the Torres EVX’s LFP battery better for your needs than the NMC battery in a Long Range Model Y? Does the Kia EV5’s interior suit your family better?

Don’t guess—get the answers instantly.

At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI chatbot. It is trained on the latest Australian specifications, pricing, and real-world reviews.

• “Compare the boot space of the KGM Torres EVX vs Kia EV5.”
• “What is the real-world range of the KGM Torres EVX on the highway?”
• “Is the KGM Torres EVX eligible for the FBT exemption?”

EV Evolution is a premier digital platform for Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We serve as a comprehensive online community and an essential source for up-to-date EV news and industry insights.

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EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.