MG MGS5 vs Renault Symbioz
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 MGS5 starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Symbioz opens at $44,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $49,489 and $49,489 respectively.
The MG MGS5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Renault Symbioz, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG MGS5 by roughly $3,195 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG MGS5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Renault Symbioz. The Renault Symbioz counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MGS5 uses a Electric Motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Renault Symbioz responds with a Inline 4 making 70kW and 149Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.
The MG MGS5 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MGS5 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG MGS5 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 63mm longer than the Renault Symbioz at 4,413mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 453L in the MG MGS5 and 434L in the Renault Symbioz, giving the MG MGS5 a 19L advantage.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $672/year for the MG MGS5 and $1,311/year for the Renault Symbioz. That is a $639 annual difference in favour of the MG MGS5.
Estimated annual total: $672 (MG MGS5) vs $1,311 (Renault Symbioz). The MG MGS5 saves you roughly $639 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 999,999km (MG MGS5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Symbioz). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Symbioz if: You or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MGS5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The MG MGS5 will save you roughly $639 a year in fuel. The MG MGS5 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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