MG HS vs MG ZS: The Complete 2025 UK SUV Comparison

Choosing between the MG HS and MG ZS can feel like deciding between two siblings with distinct personalities. Both are British-market SUVs that promise value, space, and style — yet they serve different lifestyles. We dive deep into performance, efficiency, practicality, and ownership to reveal which MG suits your driveway best.

Overview: Two MG SUVs, Two Missions

The MG ZS appeals to urban drivers after a compact, efficient SUV that’s easy to park and affordable to run. The MG HS, on the other hand, targets families craving more power, space, and refinement. Both offer MG’s renowned 7-year/80,000-mile warranty, making them hard to ignore in the crowded SUV market.

Exterior Design and Road Presence

MG ZS: Compact and Confident

The MG ZS is a small SUV that punches above its weight. With a length of 4.32 m, it feels agile in tight UK streets yet mature in design. Its signature stellar field grille, slim LED headlights, and sculpted side panels give it a premium feel without the premium price.

MG HS: Larger, Sharper, More Assertive

The MG HS stretches to 4.65 m, offering a commanding stance and sleek proportions. Its chromed grille, athletic shoulders, and 18-inch alloy wheels convey sophistication. While the ZS feels playful, the HS radiates grown-up confidence — more motorway cruiser than city runabout.

Engine and Performance

MG ZS: Built for Everyday Efficiency

UK buyers can choose from two main engines:

• 1.5 VTi-TECH petrol (106 bhp, 5-speed manual) — ideal for short commutes and relaxed driving.
• 1.0 T-GDi turbo petrol (111 bhp, 6-speed auto) — adds punch for motorway overtakes while keeping emissions at 149 g/km CO₂.

Both are front-wheel drive, delivering predictable handling and light steering — perfect for urban journeys or school runs.

MG HS: Power and Refinement Combined

The 1.5 T-GDi petrol engine generates 162 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It feels composed at speed and confident when overtaking.

For those wanting electrified muscle, the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) adds:

• 1.5 T-GDi petrol engine + 90 kW electric motor
• Total output: 258 bhp
• Electric range: Up to 32 miles WLTP
• 0–62 mph: 6.9 seconds

That blend of smoothness and torque makes the HS PHEV one of the most affordable performance-hybrids in its segment.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

• MG ZS Petrol: Up to 46 mpg combined
• MG HS Petrol: Around 35 mpg combined
• MG HS PHEV: Up to 155 mpg (official WLTP) when regularly charged

If your daily drive involves short commutes or access to a home charger, the HS PHEV drastically reduces fuel bills and road-tax exposure. Otherwise, the ZS remains the more economical choice for pure petrol driving.

Interior Comfort and Cabin Design

MG ZS: Simple, Smart, and Functional

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a straightforward, tech-friendly cabin.
Highlights include:

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• 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Rear parking camera
• Faux-leather seats (Exclusive trim)
• Ample headroom despite compact size

The ZS’s dashboard design feels uncluttered and robust — proof that MG understands modern practicality.

MG HS: Premium Touches and Spacious Feel

The HS cabin rivals pricier rivals like the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.
Key features include:

• 10.1-inch HD infotainment system
• Soft-touch dash with red contrast stitching
• Ambient interior lighting
• Panoramic glass roof (Trophy trim)
• Dual-zone climate control

Rear legroom is exceptional, and the boot offers up to 507 litres, expanding to over 1,400 litres with the seats down.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both SUVs share MG’s latest infotainment platform with DAB radio, smartphone mirroring, and voice control.
However:

• The ZS’s interface is simpler and quick to learn.
• The HS’s system features a sharper display, richer graphics, and additional driving data.

Wireless connectivity and USB ports come standard across trims, while the HS adds built-in navigation and driver profiles.

Ride and Handling

MG ZS: Urban Smoothness

Thanks to light steering and soft suspension, the ZS excels in low-speed comfort. It absorbs city bumps and remains easy to park. The trade-off is body roll in corners — but for typical UK roads, it feels composed.

MG HS: Refined and Relaxed

The HS delivers a more mature ride, balancing comfort and confidence. Its longer wheelbase ensures stability on motorways, while improved cabin insulation reduces noise. In short, it’s built for relaxed cruising rather than sharp corner carving.

Practicality and Boot Space

Both SUVs comfortably fit a family’s weekend luggage, but the HS wins if you regularly carry prams, pets, or outdoor gear.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both models achieve strong Euro NCAP ratings and offer MG’s “Pilot” safety suite, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-Keep Assist
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind-Spot Monitoring (HS only)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (HS only)

While the ZS provides solid protection, the HS goes further with semi-autonomous aids, ideal for long-distance commuting.

Ownership Costs and Warranty

MG continues to undercut rivals on running costs.

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• MG ZS: Insurance group 10–14
• MG HS: Insurance group 16–22
• Warranty: 7 years / 80,000 miles (transferable)
• Service Intervals: Every 15,000 miles / 12 months

MG’s reliability record has improved significantly, and parts availability across the UK is strong. The HS’s hybrid components are backed by the same warranty, reinforcing long-term peace of mind.

Trim Levels and Equipment Highlights

MG ZS

• SE: LED headlights, cruise control, rear parking sensors
• Trophy: Leather-style seats, 360° camera, blind-spot detection

MG HS

• SE: Keyless entry, digital driver display, adaptive cruise
• Trophy: Sports seats, panoramic roof, 18-inch alloys, full LED pack

Both trims deliver generous value, though the HS Trophy edges ahead for luxury seekers.

Driving Impressions

ZS: Everyday Companion

Light steering and compliant suspension make it a friendly companion for city life. It’s unpretentious, easy to live with, and cheap to insure — perfect for first-time SUV buyers.

HS: Long-Distance Cruiser

With hushed refinement and higher torque, the HS feels at home on the M1 or A1. The PHEV version transforms stop-and-go traffic into serene electric gliding, saving fuel while reducing emissions.

Verdict: MG HS vs MG ZS – Which Should You Buy?

• Choose the MG ZS if you want a compact SUV that’s affordable, simple to drive, and efficient for daily use. It’s perfect for city dwellers and small families.
• Choose the MG HS if you crave more power, luxury, and long-journey comfort. Its PHEV variant stands out as one of the UK’s most cost-effective plug-in SUVs.

In truth, MG offers something rare: two value-packed SUVs that each excel in their own arena. The ZS keeps life uncomplicated, while the HS lets you travel with extra confidence and class.

Final Thoughts

Both the MG HS and MG ZS capture MG’s mission to democratise comfort and technology. Whether you’re conquering narrow London streets or heading to the Lake District, one of these SUVs will fit your lifestyle — and your wallet.

FAQs

1. Which MG SUV is larger?
The MG HS is longer (4.65 m vs 4.32 m) and offers more interior and boot space.

2. Is the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid available in the UK?
Yes. It delivers up to 32 miles of electric range and combines petrol and electric power for 258 bhp.

3. What’s the boot capacity difference?
MG ZS: 448 L. MG HS: 463–507 L, depending on trim.

4. Which model is more fuel-efficient?
For petrol only, the ZS wins. However, the HS PHEV beats both when regularly charged.

5. Are MG vehicles reliable in the UK?
Modern MGs have shown strong reliability under the brand’s 7-year warranty and expanding dealership support.

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