MG MG ZS vs Jaecoo J5
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 Jaecoo J5 opens at $25,990. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $28,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG MG ZS by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Jaecoo J5 gets a 13.2-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG ZS stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Jaecoo J5. The Jaecoo J5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 Jaecoo J5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The Jaecoo J5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 81kW. 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, 50mm longer than the Jaecoo J5 at 4,380mm (2,620mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG MG ZS and 384L in the Jaecoo J5, giving the Jaecoo J5 a 25L advantage.
For towing, the MG MG ZS leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $2,138/year for the Jaecoo J5. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the MG MG ZS.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (MG MG ZS) vs $2,138 (Jaecoo J5). The MG MG ZS saves you roughly $228 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 8 years (Jaecoo J5). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —8yr (Jaecoo J5).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jaecoo J5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MG ZS takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG MG ZS will save you roughly $228 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 Jaecoo J5?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jaecoo J5 by $3,000.
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 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Jaecoo J5 has the largest boot at 384L.
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 Jaecoo J5 makes the most power at 108kW.
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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