2025 MG HS review: Full range detailed

There’s no Most Improved Award in the automotive industry, but if there was the new MG HS would certainly be in with a shout of needing to write an acceptance speech.

Its predecessor had its strengths and its weaknesses, but this new model rectifies most of the latter and extends the former. It’s another example of the steep upward trajectory of improvement the brand finds itself on and is worth a look for any mid-size SUV buyer.

And that’s before you get to how much it costs.

JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing
• Body styles
• Standard features
• Additional features
• Technology
• Safety
• Comfort and practicality
• Boot space
• Driving experience
• Fuel economy
• Towing capacity
• Warranty and servicing
• Which version does Wheels recommend?
• Key rivals

MG HS pricing

Like most new models, the latest MG HS has risen in price, but in this case it’s only $1000 and its driveaway pricing makes it one of the most affordable options in its segment.

What body styles are there?

The MG HS is sold only as a five-door, five-seat wagon. It’s classed as a medium SUV and sits in the sub-$60,000 segment.

Six metallic paint finishes are offered, all at no extra cost: silver, grey, blue, red, black and white.

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What features are in every MG HS?

The features listed below are standard in every variant, unless they’ve been replaced by premium equivalent features.

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

Step one rung further up the ladder and the MG HS Excite adds 19-inch wheels, front fog lights, navigation on the instrument cluster and PVC upholstery in place of the Vibe’s fabric.

Scale one rung further again and you’ll score a sunglasses box, electric sunroof, electric folding mirrors with memory, rear privacy glass, four-way electrically adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, power tailgate and dual-zone climate control.

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What technology does the MG HS offer?

All MG HS variants feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), AM/FM/DAB radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports (two front and two rear) and a reversing camera.

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The mid-spec Excite adds a 360-degree camera, satellite navigation and 12 months complimentary access to MG’s iSmart app connectivity, while the flagship Essence includes an eight-speaker stereo (up from six in the Vibe and Excite) and wireless phone charging.

Driver instrumentation is handled by another 12.3-inch screen.

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How safe is the MG HS?

The new MG HS has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP, but its predecessor carried a five-star rating from when it was tested in 2019.

Every variant receives seven airbags (driver and passenger front and side, side-curtain across both rows and a centre airbag) and the full MG Pilot active safety suite.

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How comfortable and practical is the MG HS?

Certainly, there are no obvious clues that the MG HS is cheaper than the vast majority of its rivals. There are plenty of leather-look surfaces with contrasting orange stitching, quilted door cards, dual high-resolution screens, excellent ergonomics, the list goes on.

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It’s a thoroughly modern and very well-presented interior. The HS’s trump card, however, is acres of space. Even in the top-spec Essence with its sunroof there is ample headroom and the rear seat is extremely spacious.

Good luck to the kids wanting to kick the back of mum or dad’s chair – they'll need very long legs. Thanks to the lack of transmission tunnel, three across is made easier by the flat floor and the often-overlooked centre pew isn’t raised unnecessarily and there’s a headrest, too.

Both outboard seats have ISOFIX points and there are a trio of top tethers.

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How much boot space does the MG HS offer?

Measuring 4655mm long, 1890mm wide and 1655mm tall with a 2765mm wheelbase, the new MG HS is 81mm longer, 14mm wider and 30mm lower than its predecessor, with an extra 45mm in the wheelbase.

This has resulted in a useful increase in luggage carrying capacity, the boot now measuring 407 litres (+44L) with the rear seats in place and 1484 litres (+197L) with them down.

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I like driving, will I enjoy the HS?

A front-wheel drive medium SUV isn’t going to be the first choice for petrolheads, but by the standards of the segment the new MG HS acquits itself well.

It was developed in Europe and benchmarked against European rivals, with a more sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension in place of the torsion beam you might expect at this price point.

Our experience thus far with the new HS has been limited to an urban environment, but that’s where the vast majority will predominantly ply their trade, anyhow.

Turbocharged torque means its performance belies the engine’s diminutive size (0-100km/h is claimed to take 9.4sec), the ride is on the firmer side but acceptable and the steering is light with a relatively tight turning circle. All in all, a polished and undemanding partner.

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How much fuel does the MG HS use?

Currently, only the one powertrain option is available, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.9L/100km, with a highway claim of 5.8L/100km and an urban claim of 8.9L/100km, and the engine requires at least 95 RON premium fuel.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are expected to appear in the not-too-distant future.

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What is the MG HS’s towing capacity?

The maximum towing capacities for the MG HS are 750kg (unbraked) and 1500kg (braked), which is enough for trailers, small boats or caravans.

Maximum payload is 475kg and the roof rails are rated to 75kg.

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How long is the warranty and what are the MG HS's servicing costs?

No other manufacturer in Australia can match MG’s 10-year/250,000km warranty. Fixed-price servicing is available for the same duration (or 150,000km), with intervals of 12 months/15,000km.

Servicing will cost $5741 over the first 10 visits for an average cost of $574.10 per visit, though the services themselves range from $274 to $1647. See below for a detailed breakdown:

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Which MG HS variant does Wheels recommend?

Without wishing to hedge our bets, there are two. The entry-level Vibe is extraordinary value for money, a spacious and practical mid-size SUV that wants for little in terms of everyday equipment.

However, if the budget can stretch, the range-topping Essence makes a very strong for itself, adding useful niceties like dual-zone climate, heated seats, wireless charging and a sunroof, while still only costing a tick over $40,000 parked on your driveway.

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What are the MG HS's key rivals?

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Haval H6 and Ssangyong Korando are the MG HS’s primary competition in terms of size, price and equipment.

However, the mid-size sub-$60K segment is one of Australia’s most hotly contested and there is a plethora of lower-spec rivals such as:

• Honda CR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Mazda CX-5
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan X-Trail
• Skoda Karoq
• Subaru Forester
• Toyota RAV4

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