MG MG ZS vs Honda HR-V
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 Honda HR-V opens at $32,900. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
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 $36,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG ZS and Honda HR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MG ZS and 82% for the Honda HR-V.
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 3 in the Honda HR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG MG ZS and 6 in the Honda HR-V.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Honda HR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. 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 Honda HR-V. The Honda HR-V counters with ambient lighting. 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 Honda HR-V responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 172Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Honda HR-V has the clear power advantage at 96kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 0.7s 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, 85mm longer than the Honda HR-V at 4,345mm (2,610mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 359L in the MG MG ZS and 339L in the Honda HR-V, giving the MG MG ZS a 20L advantage.
For towing, the MG MG ZS leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,910/year for the MG MG ZS and $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (MG MG ZS) vs $1,539 (Honda HR-V). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG ZS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda HR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG ZS takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. 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 Honda HR-V?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda HR-V by $9,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG ZS and Honda HR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MG ZS has the largest boot at 359L.
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 Honda HR-V makes the most power at 96kW. The Honda HR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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