Hyundai Kona vs MG MGS5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Kona 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 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 90% for the MG MGS5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The MG MGS5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona misses.

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 Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay — 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 Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

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 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the MG MGS5 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 126mm 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 407L in the Hyundai Kona and 453L in the MG MGS5, giving the MG MGS5 a 46L advantage.

For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 550kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Hyundai Kona 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, fuel for the Hyundai Kona costs about $1,881 a year (6.6 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 (Hyundai Kona) and 10 years / 250k km (MG MGS5).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Kona: the higher braked towing limit (1,300kg against 750kg).

The MG MGS5: more power (125kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (453L against 407L) and the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Verdict

MG MGS5 scores higher, 72 vs 71

The MG MGS5 scores 72 to the Hyundai Kona's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (MG MGS5 ahead by 31 points), value (Hyundai Kona ahead by 12 points), performance (MG MGS5 ahead by 8 points). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona, 453L in the MG MGS5. Warranty: 5 years on the Hyundai Kona, 10 on the MG MGS5.

Common questions