You might relate MG to small British sports cars, but these days MG is Chinese-owned and builds mainly SUVs. The MG HS is at the heart of its range, sitting in the family focussed mid-sized segment. This is the second generation to be sold in Australia and it shows plenty of improvement compared to the original. The HS is available in three models ranges from cut-price petrol to pricey – compared to other Chinese PHEVs – plug-in hybrid. Essentially, there’s something here that will appeal to many different buyer types.
In Short:
- Very affordable entry-level pricing with generous standard features across the range.
- Spacious, comfortable cabin with quality materials, though lacking physical buttons for simple controls.
- Base petrol models feel underpowered and need better ride and handling refinement.
- Hybrid+ improves efficiency and performance, while the Super Hybrid (PHEV) offers excellent EV range and strong drivability.
- PHEV is impressive but expensive compared with other Chinese plug-ins.
- Strong warranty, solid safety tech and good practicality make it a compelling family SUV overall.
Our MG HS Car Rating:
The 2025 MG HS earns a solid 7/10 as a well-equipped, great-value medium SUV, with its strongest performance delivered by the impressive, but pricier, Super Hybrid.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable pricing of entry-level models
- High level of standard equipment, including safety assistants
- The PHEV really is very good at its fuel-saving job
Cons:
- The entry-level models still need some work on their ride and handling
- The PHEV – for all its goodness – is expensive for a Chinese plug-in
- Not enough physical dials and buttons to perform simple tasks such volume adjustment
Features and Benefits
Pricing and Equipment
The MG HS range of five-seat five-door medium SUVs manages to be compact and complex at the same time.
The range is split into three powertrains: 125kW/275Nm HS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 165kW/340Nm HS Hybrid+ 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid and 220kW/350Nm 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid HS Super Hybrid.
All are front-wheel drive. The HS transmits power via a seven-speed dual clutch, and the Hybrid+ and plug-in via a CVT-like hybrid transmission.
Pricing starts incredibly competitively for the MG HS Vibe in the low $30K bracket on the road and then climbs through Excite and Essence grades to about $40K.
The Hybrid+ is offered in Excite and Essence grades from the low to mid-$40K range and the Super Hybrid is priced from the high $40K range into the low $50K area.
We’re being a bit loose on the pricing because MG tends to change its pricing regularly. Always be on the look-out for a deal!
The standard MG HS is a very well-priced vehicle, but the Super Hybrid is one of the more expensive Chinese plug-ins.
Speaking of which, logical Chinese rivals for the MG HS include the GWM Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 and – for the plug-in specifically – the Geely Starray EM-i and the BYD Sealion 6.
Then of course, there is the wider range of medium SUVs led by the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson, to name just a few.
The MG HS is a well-equipped range of vehicle. Even the Vibe comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, keyless entry, dual 12.4-inch digital screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio, a powered driver’s seat, USB ports front and rear and a space saver spare tyre.
Upgrade to Excite and – among other things – you get embedded sat-nav, 19-inch alloy wheels and fake leather seat trim. Key items the Essence adds includes a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, front passenger power seat adjust, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate and two extra speakers.
The Super Hybrid misses out on the spare tyre because it has a space-munching battery pack under the floor.
Warranty and Servicing
MG offers a standard seven-year/200,000km warranty that can be extended to 10 years/250,000km if you service with an MG dealer. If a vehicle is used for commercial purposes, shorter warranties apply.
The high voltage battery packs in the Hybrid+ and Super Hybrid are protected for seven years/150,000km.
Road side assistance applies for the duration of the vehicle warranty.
Service intervals are 12 months/15,000km and a capped price service program is available.
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Safety Ratings and Equipment
The MG HS petrol models are covered by a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2024 testing. The hybrid and PHEVs are not covered by this rating.
MG secures the HS with a drive assist suite it calls MG Pilot. All models includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, various forms of lane keeping and monitoring, rear cross traffic monitoring and braking and blind spot monitoring.
Speed monitoring and driver monitoring is also part of the package. The former is annoying, but pretty easily switchable. The latter is commendably unobtrusive. Lane keeping is similarly well-modulated.
The MG HS comes with seven airbags, at least rear parking sensors and a reversing camera – upgrading to surround view and front sensors higher in the range – three child seat top tethers and rear-seat outboard ISOFIX.
Space, Comfort and Quality
In typical Chinese fashion the MG HS family has a level of soft-touch interior trim and presentation that feels and looks more expensive than the price you’re being asked to pay.
That’s backed up by generous space front and rear with two taller people comfortably accommodated in row two.
The boot, at 507 litres, is generous and expands to 1484 litres with the second row folded.
The driver is well looked after by sizable and comfortable seating. The steering wheel adjust for reach and rake so finding the right position is achievable.
The main drawback within the cabin of the HS is the lack of physical buttons for audio and air-con controls.
You’re either dabbing at the screen, using voice control or using joysticks on the steering wheel to make changes for one function or the other.
Powertrain and Dynamics
Essentially, the further up the range you go, the nicer the MG HS driving experience is.
The petrol HS lacks engine punch and chassis driving refinement. It’s a bit loose and blowsy in the way handles and rides. It’s not objectionable, just needs a bit more refinement.
The Hybrid+ raises the power and torque level and also improves the fuel economy level, while retaining a similarly soft driving feel.
It’s the Super Hybrid that gels the best. It’s got generous amounts of e-motor and petrol engine response, but can legitimately also drive 100km as an EV alone.
That means thousands of kilometres without refuels if you keep battery charge maintained. Go for longer trips and 800km between refuels is definitely feasible.
Ignore the PHEV’s silly 0.7L/100km official fuel consumption claim. Driven as a hybrid you’re looking at real-world consumption between 5-6L/100km. Still darn good.
The Super Hybrid is also the most convincing drive. It’s settled, handles well and is very comfortable. It’s the best compromise of the three HS powertrains.
2025 MG HS Verdict
Without being a star the MG HS is a solid competitor in the medium SUV segment.
There’s lots of gear and space, making this an attractive family buy.
It’s incredibly affordable as a petrol model, but also gets better as the prices rise. The Super Hybrid is truly impressive, it just costs plenty more than some of its PHEV competition.
Rating: 7/10
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2025 MG HS Specifications
Model variants: Vibe, Excite, Essence.
Price: $33,990 drive-away to $52,990 plus on-road costs (but it changes regularly)
Engine/drivetrain options: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol; 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid; 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.
Power/torque: 125kW/275Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 7-speed DCT; 165kW/340Nm 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, 2-speed hybrid auto; 220kW/350NM 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, 2-speed hybrid auto; Front-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol; 5.2L/100km, Hybrid+; 0.7L/100km and 18kWh/100km, Super Hybrid.
Main Rivals
The MG HS competes in the crowded mid-size SUV segment, so it goes up against several popular models offering similar size, pricing, and features. Here’s why these vehicles are considered its main rivals:
- GWM Haval H6 – Similar size, price, and value-focused features; another strong Chinese mid-size SUV.
- Chery Tiggo 7 – Competes directly on affordability, tech, and equipment levels.
- Geely Starray EM-i – Comparable hybrid and plug-in hybrid options at competitive pricing.
- BYD Sealion 6 – Rival PHEV and hybrid option from another fast-growing Chinese brand.
- Toyota RAV4 – Benchmark mid-size SUV with strong hybrid options and huge popularity.
- Kia Sportage – Well-equipped, stylish, and similarly sized with multiple powertrains.
- Mitsubishi Outlander – Popular family SUV with a standout PHEV variant.
- Hyundai Tucson – A top-selling mid-size SUV offering strong value, tech, and practicality.