MG HS Review (2026): Petrol, Hybrid and a 120km-EV Plug-In, All Under $55k

The MG HS is MG's mid-size SUV, a size up from the smaller ZS, and it has quietly become one of the brand's biggest sellers. The reason is simple: it offers more powertrain choice for less money than almost anything else in the class, and the latest range stretches all the way from a cheap turbo petrol to a properly quick plug-in hybrid. Here is the data-led take.

How much is the MG HS?

Seven grades across three powertrains. All prices are before on-road costs.

*Plug-in hybrid combined-cycle figure, assumes a charged battery. Real-world economy depends on how often you charge.

Three powertrains, one clear pick

The turbo petrol grades make 125kW/275Nm, use a claimed 6.9L/100km and get the job done without fuss. They are the value entry point at $33,990. The Hybrid+ steps up to 165kW/340Nm and a claimed 5.2L/100km, which is the sweet spot for most buyers: noticeably more frugal in town, more grunt, and still well priced from $40,990.

The headline act is the Super Hybrid plug-in. It makes a combined 220kW/350Nm, claims 120km of electric range, and sprints to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. From $50,990 it is the cheapest plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV in Australia, and if your commute fits inside that EV range you could go weeks between fuel stops. For a household that can charge at home, it is the standout.

Inside and practicality

At up to 4,670mm long, the HS is a genuinely mid-size SUV, and that translates to roomy rear seats and a big, family-friendly cabin. The Essence grades pile on the equipment, with a large central touchscreen, synthetic leather, a panoramic roof and the kind of kit list that would cost a lot more from a mainstream badge. It is a five-seater, so if you need a third row this is not your car, but for a couple or a family of four it is spacious and comfortable.

As with all MGs, the trade-offs are software polish and the eager driver-assist chimes rather than anything fundamental. The materials and fit are well ahead of where Chinese SUVs sat a few years ago.

Safety and ownership

The MG HS holds a 5-star ANCAP rating dated 2024, with AEB, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise across the range. Ownership is the trump card: a 10-year/250,000km warranty, the longest in the class, with servicing every 12 months or 10,000km. As with any newer Chinese SUV, resale is still maturing, so weigh that against the low purchase price.

How it compares

The natural rival is the GWM Haval H6, which also spans petrol, hybrid and PHEV and plays the same value game, so cross-shop the two closely. The Chery Tiggo 7 is another value option, though it leads with its plug-in hybrid. Against the establishment, the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 feel more resolved to drive and hold their value better, but they cost more and cannot match the HS on warranty or the sheer reach of its powertrain range.

Weighing it up? See where it lands in our best SUVs under $50k guide and the best Chinese cars roundup.

The verdict

The MG HS wins on breadth and value. Whatever your budget or charging situation, there is an HS that fits, from a $33,990 turbo petrol to a 120km-EV plug-in hybrid that is quicker than most hot hatches. The Hybrid+ is the smart all-rounder, the Super Hybrid is the one to get if you can plug in. It is not the last word in driving polish, but as affordable, well-covered family transport with a powertrain for everyone, it is one of the strongest value cases in the class.