Kia Seltos vs MG 5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the MG 5 opens at $30,990. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $260.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,375 and $34,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Seltos holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 6 in the MG 5. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Seltos misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the MG 5 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Seltos stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the MG 5. The MG 5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Seltos gets cloth upholstery while the MG 5 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos 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 9.2 seconds.
The MG 5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 119kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 290mm shorter than the MG 5 at 4,675mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 468L in the Kia Seltos and 401L in the MG 5, giving the Kia Seltos a 67L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,824/year for the MG 5. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the MG 5.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $1,824 (MG 5). The MG 5 saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG 5 will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and MG 5?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $30,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $260.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG 5 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Seltos has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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