Honda HR-V vs MG IM5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda HR-V at 4 stars (2022) and the MG IM5 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 89% for the MG IM5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG IM5, against 5 on the Honda HR-V.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 7 in the MG IM5.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the MG IM5 gets a 26.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda HR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the MG IM5. The MG IM5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda HR-V gets cloth upholstery while the MG IM5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Honda HR-V and 2-zone in the MG IM5.

Drivetrain

The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The MG IM5 responds with a Electric making 217kW and 450Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels.

The MG IM5 has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 89kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 586mm shorter than the MG IM5 at 4,931mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG IM5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 304L in the Honda HR-V and 457L in the MG IM5, giving the MG IM5 a 153L advantage.

For towing, the MG IM5 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Honda HR-V turns in a 11.0 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG IM5's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda HR-V) and 7 years / Unlimited (MG IM5). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda HR-V), no data (MG IM5).

Where each one leads

The Honda HR-V: the lower starting price ($29,900 against $55,450).

The MG IM5: more power (217kW against 89kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (457L against 304L), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

MG IM5 scores higher, 75 vs 74

The MG IM5 scores 75 to the Honda HR-V's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 5 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (MG IM5 ahead by 17 points), safety (MG IM5 ahead by 10 points), reliability (Honda HR-V ahead by 7 points). Boot space with the seats up: 304L in the Honda HR-V, 457L in the MG IM5. Warranty: 5 years on the Honda HR-V, 7 on the MG IM5.

Common questions