Hyundai Inster vs MG MGS5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

The MG MGS5 has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2025) against 4 stars (2025), both tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 90% for the MG MGS5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG MGS5, against 5 on the Hyundai Inster.

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 Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the MG MGS5. The MG MGS5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed 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 MG MGS5 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 49kWh (MG MGS5). DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 120kW (MG MGS5).

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 651mm shorter 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 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 453L in the MG MGS5, giving the MG MGS5 a 173L advantage.

The Hyundai Inster turns in a 10.6 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, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 kWh/100km) and electricity for the MG MGS5 about $811 a year (16.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $139 a year less for the Hyundai Inster.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Inster) and 10 years / 250k km (MG MGS5).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($672 a year against $811).

The MG MGS5: more power (125kW against 71.1kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (453L against 280L) and the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Verdict

Hyundai Inster scores higher, 75 vs 72

The Hyundai Inster scores 75 to the MG MGS5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 8 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: energy efficiency (Hyundai Inster ahead by 19 points), value (Hyundai Inster ahead by 15 points), performance (MG MGS5 ahead by 11 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $139 less (14 kWh/100km against 16.9 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 453L in the MG MGS5. Warranty: 5 years on the Hyundai Inster, 10 on the MG MGS5.

Common questions