MG HS Boot Space: The Complete Practicality Review

The MG HS has evolved into one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs on the British market. Spacious, clever, and refreshingly affordable, it manages to offer comfort and usability in equal measure. But how much real space do you get in the boot? And does it stand up against rivals like the Hyundai Tucson or Skoda Karoq? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about the MG HS boot space, interior storage, and everyday practicality.

Overview — How Spacious Is the MG HS?

The MG HS is currently MG’s largest SUV sold in the UK, sitting above the ZS in size and presence. Its proportions translate directly into a roomy interior, particularly noticeable in the second row.
With a longer wheelbase and slightly wider body than before, this SUV feels airy and well balanced — a key reason it’s become a strong contender for families needing generous space at a reasonable price.

• Length: 4,610 mm
• Width: 1,876 mm
• Height: 1,685 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,720 mm

These dimensions are not just numbers; they shape a cabin where passengers and luggage coexist comfortably.

MG HS Boot Capacity in Detail

Standard Boot Size

Let’s start with the headline figure:

• Boot capacity (seats up): 507 litres
• Boot capacity (seats folded): 1,484 litres

This places the MG HS firmly in the respectable middle ground among mid-size SUVs. You’ll fit a week’s worth of luggage for five people or a full load of shopping without trouble. Fold the seats down, and the near-flat load floor opens a cavernous cargo bay suitable for bikes, bulky boxes, or even small furniture.

Plug-in Hybrid Boot Space (PHEV)

Unlike many hybrids, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version doesn’t compromise boot capacity. Thanks to clever battery packaging under the floor, it offers the same 507 litres as the petrol model.

That’s impressive considering it houses a 24.7 kWh battery — almost as large as the one in the Dacia Spring EV. Families looking to go greener won’t have to sacrifice practicality for electrification.

Boot Shape and Layout

The MG HS benefits from a wide tailgate opening and a low loading lip, making it easy to lift items in and out. The square design of the opening makes full use of available width, and the rear seats fold nearly flat with a simple one-touch mechanism.

However, there are no sliding or reclining rear seats, which would have added versatility. The boot floor is flat and uncluttered, but it lacks adjustable height settings or hidden compartments found in some rivals.

Everyday Usability

What we appreciate most is how usable the space feels:

• The boot floor sits level with the folded seats.
• The opening is wide enough for large suitcases.
• The lip is minimal, ideal for loading heavy objects.
• There’s a small under-floor compartment for tools and small accessories.

Still, MG could improve the practicality by adding bag hooks, movable dividers, or a 12V power socket — features that make rivals like the Skoda Karoq and Hyundai Tucson more family-friendly.

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MG HS vs. Competitors — Boot Space Comparison

While the MG HS isn’t class-leading, its space is still generous enough for daily life, holidays, and school-run chaos. It simply trades a bit of volume for comfort and affordability.

Rear-Seat Flexibility

Passenger Comfort

Rear passengers benefit from excellent legroom and good headroom, even for adults over six feet tall. The seat base is long and supportive, making long journeys more comfortable than in most budget SUVs.

However, the fixed backrests slightly limit load flexibility. You can fold them down in a 60/40 split, but they don’t slide forward or recline like in some pricier models.

Cabin Materials and Design Impact

Without the optional panoramic sunroof, the cabin can feel darker. MG offers tan leather upholstery as a £500 upgrade that brightens the atmosphere significantly. The premium-looking seats balance practicality with style — easy to clean, durable, and comfortable for family life.

Interior Storage — Beyond the Boot

Inside the cabin, storage is decent but not exceptional. MG’s designers have prioritised clean design over abundance of cubbies.

• Front door bins: Deep enough for 1-litre bottles.
• Centre console: Covered compartment for keys or wallets.
• Glovebox: Medium size, lined for a premium touch.
• Rear storage: Limited to small door bins and seat-back pockets.

The lack of thoughtful storage touches, such as modular organisers or sliding trays, is where the HS falls short of the segment’s benchmarks.

Parking and Manoeuvrability

Despite being larger than its predecessor, the HS remains surprisingly easy to park. Visibility is excellent, and all models include a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors as standard.

Advanced Parking Assistance

Top-spec Trophy models benefit from 360-degree surround-view cameras, which make threading through narrow streets or supermarket car parks straightforward.
The only drawback is that the camera image quality is mediocre — functional but grainy in low light.

Dimensions in Practice

The door mirrors protrude noticeably, so extra care is needed in tight parking bays. Yet, overall manoeuvrability remains one of the HS’s strong suits.

Safety and Peace of Mind

MG has made significant progress in safety, and the latest HS proudly holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating (2024) — with 90% for adult protection and 85% for children.

Standard Safety Features

• Adaptive Cruise Control (auto versions)
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Traffic Door Opening Alert (PHEV)
• Multiple airbags and stability control

However, some of its driver-assistance systems can be overly sensitive. The Driver Attention Camera in particular tends to issue warnings too frequently, even when drivers are attentive.

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Family-Friendly Security

Families will appreciate ISOFIX mounting points, child locks, and wide-opening rear doors. MG also integrates automatic emergency braking and speed-limit detection for added reassurance.

Practical Verdict — How Does the MG HS Measure Up?

The MG HS is not the absolute leader in boot capacity, but it nails the balance between practicality and value.
Here’s what stands out:

✅ Flat and spacious boot floor
✅ Same boot space across petrol and PHEV versions
✅ Roomy rear seats ideal for families
✅ Excellent Euro NCAP safety rating
❌ Lacks sliding seats and flexible storage
❌ Some driver aids are intrusive

Overall, it’s a well-rounded SUV that delivers everyday usability with an accessible price tag — a combination that continues to attract UK buyers seeking value without compromise.

Final Thoughts

The MG HS boot space may not dominate its class, but its practicality, clever battery integration, and everyday usability make it one of the smartest buys under £30k. It strikes that rare balance between family comfort and efficiency, offering just enough flexibility for modern life without the premium-brand price tag.

For growing families, commuters, or anyone wanting generous space wrapped in value — the MG HS remains a compelling choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the MG HS boot capacity?

The MG HS offers 507 litres with the seats up and 1,484 litres when folded down flat.

2. Does the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid have less boot space?

No, the PHEV version offers the same capacity as the petrol model thanks to smart battery positioning beneath the boot floor.

3. How does the MG HS compare to the Hyundai Tucson?

The Tucson is more spacious (up to 1,799 L folded), but the HS is cheaper and equally practical for most families.

4. Can the MG HS’s rear seats slide or recline?

No, they only fold in a 60/40 split configuration and remain fixed in position.

5. Is the MG HS good for family travel?

Absolutely. It offers roomy seating, a comfortable cabin, and strong safety credentials, making it an ideal family SUV.

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