Kia Sportage vs MG ZS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 19 Aug 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$38,490RRP
- no option data for this car
$22,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $15,500.
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 $42,339 and $25,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG ZS by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and MG ZS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 81% for the MG ZS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG ZS, against 5 on the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sportage and 6 in the MG ZS.
Recalls on our record
Kia Sportage
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006112 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2009
- REC-006109 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
MG ZS
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG ZS counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 255mm longer than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 443L in the MG ZS, giving the Kia Sportage a 100L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the MG ZS.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sportage: Level on the CarSorted Score at 75, ahead on the category wins, but the MG ZS is $15,500 cheaper
The Kia Sportage comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 75), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Kia Sportage ahead by 14), fuel economy (MG ZS ahead by 12), performance (Kia Sportage ahead by 11). The MG ZS will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The MG ZS 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 Sportage and MG ZS?
The MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sportage by $15,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG ZS uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Sportage and MG ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sportage makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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