Sculpted Sophistication: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Torres’ Exterior Design
When I first laid eyes on the 2025 Torres, it felt like catching a glimpse of something both familiar and unexpectedly fresh. Those chunky bonnet “handles” immediately evoke classic off-road legend vibes, but somehow they’re rendered with a modern twist that feels entirely of this decade [1]. There’s a spare-wheel-style bulge stamped boldly across the tailgate that practically begs you to imagine weekend jaunts down dusty trails or impromptu beach escapes. Yet the overall silhouette remains squat and composed, a neat marriage of ruggedness and sculpted refinement. Crisp crease lines chase sunlight around the flanks, making the sheetmetal appear almost carved—like some urban warrior’s armor.
Up front, the broad trapezoidal grille plants itself confidently between slim LED headlights that look like slit-eyed sentinels watching the road go by [2]. The bumper’s thick lower edge is muscular, while the black cladding that wraps the wheel arches speaks volumes about its dual urban-and-outdoor ambitions [3]. To my surprise, beneath that rugged veneer lies surprisingly premium paint uniformity and panel gaps that feel tight—a testament to careful engineering rather than a purely budget-driven approach.
One more thing: that tailgate bulge isn’t mere ornamentation. It serves as a visual anchor, lending the rear end a beefy stance, and reminds me of classic Jeeps—yet here it’s distilled into something fresh. The squat proportions give it a low-slung look, but the high ride height and chunky fenders hint at adventures beyond city streets [4]. Have you ever seen a car that looks ready to climb a mountain one moment and glide through commuter traffic the next? The Torres does that trick with surprising ease.
Oddly enough, it’s in crowded parking lots that the Torres really shines. I once parked next to a lineup of crossovers that all blurred into one another—until the Torres rolled in. Suddenly, there was this playful contrast: fat fenders, angular shoulders, and those silver bonnet handles gleaming under fluorescent lights. People stopped, did double-takes. It’s not subtle, and that’s precisely the point. You’re making a statement: “I’m here, and I’m not blending in.”
Still, this design isn’t just for show. That cubic roofline means your headroom won’t be compromised, and those squared-off haunches translate into genuine cargo capacity. Speaking of which, if you’re intrigued by how bold styling can coexist with everyday practicality, you might want to check out our 2025 Suzuki eVitara review—it plays a similar game of personality plus functionality. Anyway, where was I? Right—the Torres’ exterior. It’s a confident, almost theatrical design that somehow feels right at home on both city boulevards and dirt roads. Even on a dreary Tuesday morning I found myself smiling at its cheeky presence, a rare feat for any SUV in this fiercely competitive segment.
Immersive Cabin Experience: Tech, Comfort, and Craftsmanship Inside the Torres
Stepping into the Torres’ cabin is a bit like entering a stylish yet rugged living room that’s been thoughtfully laid out for real-world use. The moment you swing the door open, there’s this sense of volume—ample headroom that won’t leave your tallest friends ducking, and rear legroom so generous that even lanky teenagers will stop complaining on long drives. The seats themselves strike a fine balance: supportive enough to hold you through winding country roads, but cushioned for comfort on marathon commutes.
Material choices inside are a study in contrasts. Soft-touch panels grace the upper dash, lending a plush feel, while harder plastics live lower down where scuffs and kicks are inevitable. It’s a reminder that the Torres doesn’t shy away from its value-driven roots [1]. Still, there’s an air of thoughtful design in how buttons are laid out—easy to reach, logically grouped, and with tactile feedback that doesn’t make you wonder if you actually pressed anything.
The centerpiece is undoubtedly the infotainment screen. At 10.25 inches in mid-spec trims, it offers crisp graphics and intuitive menus, though I have to admit it can be sluggish to wake from standby [4]. No wireless phone charging here, nor digital radio—features you’ll find on some rivals, such as the upcoming electrified Nissan Skyline in our Unreal Tech Demo feature next-gen EV showcase. But wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly, and the clear, legible graphics ensure you’re never fumbling for directions.
Storage is another highlight. The center console is generous—a deep bin beneath the armrest, cupholders that actually hold takeaway lattes without spillage, and door pockets sized for water bottles and umbrellas. In the rear, a fold-down armrest hides two more cupholders, and the split-folding bench flattens the cabin floor when you need to haul awkward boxes or sports gear. According to CarSauce, that boot swallows up to 571 litres of luggage with the rear seats up—a figure that edges out several pricier European and Japanese rivals [2].
Comfort tech extends beyond infotainment. Dual-zone climate control is standard on mid and top tiers, and heated front seats cushion your back on chilly mornings. A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light on warm days, making the interior feel even more spacious, though it does introduce a touch of cabin heat if you forget to slip on the sunshade.
Admittedly, nothing here feels revolutionary—more an exercise in balanced execution. But it’s those little gestures—a well-placed USB port, a purplish ambient light bar hugging the dash, a neatly recessed sunglass holder—that add up to a cohesive, user-friendly environment. And for families or anyone needing versatility, the Torres cabin proves itself day after day: kid seats snap in without fuss, cargo loads lift in with minimal bending, and visibility out is excellent thanks to thin pillars and large windows. All told, it’s a comfortable, capable cocoon for both daily routines and long hauls.
Price Perspectives: From Base Model to Fully Loaded – What You Pay and Why
One of the Torres’ most compelling arguments is its pricing structure. Starting just under £24,000 for the Pure trim, it undercuts key rivals like the Toyota RAV4 by about £3,000, yet still bundles in modern safety kit and a usable infotainment touchscreen [3]. That base model may sport steel wheels and manual air-con, but it includes lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 7-inch display—items sometimes reserved for mid-spec levels elsewhere.
Climbing through the ranks, you hit the Odyssey trim around £28,500, unlocking genuine leather-appointed heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and that larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Many competitors charge similar figures for their mid-range models, yet those often lack the panoramic glass roof or the premium seat materials you get here [2]. At the top end, the Ultimate model sits just shy of £32,000, adding adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and 19-inch alloys that fill the arches and polish the on-road stance.
| Trim Level | Approx. Price | Key Features | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure | £23,800 | 7″ touchscreen, AEB, lane-keep assist, steel wheels | 5 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Odyssey | £28,500 | 10.25″ screen, heated leather seats, panoramic sunroof | 5 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Ultimate | £31,900 | Adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitor, 19″ alloys | 5 yr / 100,000 mi |
Prices aside, the Torres wields a class-leading 5-year/100,000-mile warranty that outshines many Japanese and European rivals, translating to real savings if repairs ever arise [4]. One owner shared that they’d saved nearly £4,000 compared to their original budget yet still enjoyed heated front seats and a slick digital display—proof that practical frugality can coexist with creature comforts.
And let’s not forget running costs. The 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder isn’t exactly a stellar fuel-sipper in spirited real-world driving, flirting with 9 L/100 km under mixed conditions, but when amortized over years and offset by the generous warranty, the total cost of ownership remains compelling. If budget-minded families or budget-aware solo adventurers are reading, the Torres offers a rare combination: show-stopping style, substantive content, and a price tag that doesn’t punch a hole in your wallet. With electrified variants rumored on the horizon, there’s even more value waiting just around the corner.
The Big Picture: Pros, Cons, and How the Torres Stands Up to Its Rivals
So, where does the Torres land in the crowded midsize SUV arena? Let’s start with its undeniable strengths. The exterior design is a conversation starter, packing Jeep-esque cues into a compact footprint that feels playful yet purposeful [4]. Inside, the cavernous cabin and large cargo bay—571 litres with seats up—outmatch many pricier competitors, and the driver assistance suite is comprehensive, especially in top trims [3].
On the flip side, the powertrain is more about placid acceleration than punchy get-ups, clocking a leisurely 0–62 mph that lags behind several rivals. The touchscreen’s occasional lag, absence of wireless charging, and lack of digital radio feel like missed opportunities given how close the Torres comes in other areas [1]. Fuel economy hovers north of 9 L/100 km in normal driving, which means you’ll want to factor in a few extra fill-ups for long road trips.
Compare it to household names: it undercuts the Toyota RAV4 on price while matching its cabin space, yet the RAV4’s more refined ride and sharper infotainment can feel like a more seamless package. The Honda CR-V brings its own blend of polish, while the newcomer Suzuki e-Vitara edges ahead with superior infotainment polish in our take on the 2025 Suzuki eVitara review. Still, the Torres wears its quirks proudly, rewarding buyers who want character as much as commodity.
Ultimately, if you prize bold styling, a spacious cabin, and a warranty that reads like a comfort blanket, the Torres emerges as a strong contender. If you crave rapid sprints, lightning-fast tech, or ultra-efficient hybrids, you might look elsewhere. But for those seeking an affordable SUV that genuinely stands out in a sea of sameness, the 2025 Torres delivers a package that’s tough to ignore.
Key Takeaways & Final Words
The KGM Torres is nothing if not ambitious. It couples chunky, adventure-ready styling—complete with bonnet handles and tailgate bulge—with an interior that swallows people and gear in generous measure [2]. You get modern safety systems, a surprisingly premium feel for the money, and a backing warranty that outpaces most rivals—without pushing beyond a wallet-friendly price ceiling.
That said, the Torres asks you to accept a less thrilling powertrain, occasional infotainment lag, and a thirstier appetite at the pumps. It’s a trade-off: you gain character and substance but surrender a bit of polish and performance. Is it a perfect SUV? No. But it’s a thoroughly engaging one, and frankly, I’m here for its unapologetic personality.
So, if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that doesn’t blend into the background, offers genuine space, and won’t leave you worrying about big repair bills—give the Torres serious consideration. It just might be the stylish, value-packed steal you didn’t know you needed.
