MG MGS5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
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 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG MGS5 and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MGS5 and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Tiguan packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG MGS5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the MG MGS5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The MG MGS5 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MGS5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. 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 Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The MG MGS5 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 0.7s 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 shorter than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 453L in the MG MGS5 and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 162L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 MGS5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The MG MGS5 and Volkswagen Tiguan trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a clear edge. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MGS5 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The MG MGS5 is the cheapest at $44,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tiguan uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MGS5 and Volkswagen Tiguan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the largest boot at 615L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MGS5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG MGS5 makes the most power at 125kW. The Volkswagen Tiguan is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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