Honda ZR-V vs MG MGS5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda ZR-V at 4 stars (2023) and the MG MGS5 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 90% for the MG MGS5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 6 on the MG MGS5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

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 ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the MG MGS5 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the MG MGS5. The MG MGS5 counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The MG MGS5 responds with a Electric Motor making 125kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 92mm longer than the MG MGS5 at 4,476mm (2,730mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 453L in the MG MGS5, giving the MG MGS5 a 73L advantage.

For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Honda ZR-V turns in a 10.4 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG MGS5's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/100km) and electricity for the MG MGS5 about $811 a year (16.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 10 years / 250k km (MG MGS5). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), no data (MG MGS5).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: more power (131kW against 125kW) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 750kg).

The MG MGS5: the bigger boot with the seats up (453L against 380L) and the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Verdict

Honda ZR-V scores higher, 74 vs 72

The Honda ZR-V scores 74 to the MG MGS5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: value (Honda ZR-V ahead by 12 points), practicality (Honda ZR-V ahead by 4 points). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the Honda ZR-V, 453L in the MG MGS5. Warranty: 5 years on the Honda ZR-V, 10 on the MG MGS5.

Common questions