MG HS vs Toyota RAV4

The MG HS Hybrid+ is $44,990 against the RAV4 GX Hybrid's $45,990, a $1,000 saving for the MG, which also throws in more power and towing for the lower price. Note RAV4 demand has long outstripped supply, so real-world availability and on-road pricing can favour the readily-available MG.

Running costs lean to the Toyota: the RAV4's 4.5L/100km uses about $1,280 a year over 15,000km versus roughly $1,480 for the HS's 5.2, around $200 a year. But the MG's 10-year warranty (versus Toyota's 5) is a major long-term ownership advantage, while the RAV4's exceptional resale is its counter, it gives back a high percentage of its price at trade-in.

Both are 5-star ANCAP, the MG HS carrying a newer 2024 rating and the RAV4 a 2019 datestamp, with the full active-safety suite standard on both. The MG's more recent assessment is a minor edge on paper. Both are well-built family SUVs with ISOFIX points; there's little to separate them on everyday safety.

The MG HS is the larger car at 4,670mm versus the RAV4's 4,600mm, and in Essence trim it's generously equipped with a big touchscreen, synthetic leather and a long features list that feels a step above the price. It also tows considerably more (1,500kg vs 800kg).

The RAV4 is the proven, sensible benchmark: a practical, durable cabin, more ground clearance (200mm vs 167mm) for light gravel and kerbs, and the reassurance of Toyota's reliability and the deepest dealer network in the country. Both are comfortable, well-packaged five-seat family SUVs; the MG offers more equipment and towing for the money, the RAV4 the proven ownership experience.

The MG HS Hybrid+ makes a strong combined 165kW and 340Nm against the RAV4's 143kW and 221Nm, so the MG is the more powerful and feels punchier, and it tows nearly double (1,500kg vs 800kg). The RAV4's answer is efficiency: its long-proven 2.5-litre hybrid sips 4.5L/100km, among the best in the class, and is famously smooth and reliable.

Both are front-wheel drive (Toyota offers AWD RAV4s higher up). The MG is the stronger, more flexible drivetrain on paper; the RAV4 the more frugal and battle-tested. For most buyers the decision comes down to the MG's value, power, towing and 10-year warranty versus the RAV4's economy, proven reliability and resale, both excellent hybrid mid-size SUVs.