MG MG ZS vs Toyota Corolla Cross
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 Toyota Corolla Cross opens at $33,490. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
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 $25,289 and $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Cross by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MG ZS and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MG ZS and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross.
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 5 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG MG ZS and 7 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Feature Showdown
The MG MG ZS features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display. 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 Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross 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 Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 90kW and 163Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the clear power advantage at 90kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Corolla Cross is 0.5s 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, 30mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Corolla Cross generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG MG ZS and 487L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Toyota Corolla Cross a 128L advantage.
For towing, the MG MG ZS leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,910/year for the MG MG ZS and $1,283/year for the Toyota Corolla Cross. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (MG MG ZS) vs $1,283 (Toyota Corolla Cross). The Toyota Corolla Cross saves you roughly $627 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 (Toyota Corolla Cross). 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, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Corolla Cross takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota Corolla Cross will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Cross 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 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross by $10,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MG ZS and Toyota Corolla Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the largest boot at 487L.
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 Toyota Corolla Cross makes the most power at 90kW. The Toyota Corolla Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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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