MG MG ZS vs BYD Atto 2
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.
Price Breakdown
The MG MG ZS starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 2 opens at $31,990. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $25,289 and $35,189 respectively.
The BYD Atto 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG MG ZS, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG ZS and BYD Atto 2 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MG ZS and 82% for the BYD Atto 2.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG ZS packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the BYD Atto 2.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG MG ZS and 6 in the BYD Atto 2.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 2 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG ZS stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BYD Atto 2. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG ZS uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 140Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The BYD Atto 2 responds with a Electric making 130kW and 290Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The BYD Atto 2 has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 2 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MG ZS measures 4,430mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 120mm longer than the BYD Atto 2 at 4,310mm (2,620mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 2 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG MG ZS and 400L in the BYD Atto 2, giving the BYD Atto 2 a 41L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Atto 2 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG ZS) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 2). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 2 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 2 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 2 has a clear edge. The MG 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, MG MG ZS and BYD Atto 2?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 2 by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG ZS uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG ZS and BYD Atto 2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 2 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 2 makes the most power at 130kW. The BYD Atto 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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