MG 5 vs Toyota Corolla Sedan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Price Breakdown
The MG 5 starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Sedan opens at $32,585. That makes the Toyota Corolla Sedan the more affordable entry point by $405.
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 $36,289 and $35,844 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Sedan by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota Corolla Sedan holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Corolla Sedan 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, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG 5 and 7 in the Toyota Corolla Sedan. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota Corolla Sedan misses.
Feature Showdown
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Corolla Sedan gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Corolla Sedan. The Toyota Corolla Sedan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Corolla Sedan offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Corolla Sedan responds with a 1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 45mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Sedan at 4,630mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Corolla Sedan generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 361L in the Toyota Corolla Sedan, giving the MG 5 a 40L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $1,112/year for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $1,112 (Toyota Corolla Sedan). The Toyota Corolla Sedan saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Sedan). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Sedan if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The MG 5 and Toyota Corolla Sedan trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Corolla Sedan will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG 5 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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