Overview

Out of nowhere, the MG HS has become one of the UK’s most popular cars, regularly appearing in the list of best-selling new vehicles. Though it’s not among the best SUVs on sale, the HS has many merits that are tempting buyers – in particular, its outstanding value. The HS is a mid-size family SUV available for small SUV money, and with very attractive finance deals to go with it.

It’s MG’s largest SUV sold in the UK, sitting above the smaller ZS, and it follows the same formula as the rest of the MG product range – which is to say these British-branded but Chinese-built vehicles aim to tempt buyers away from the mainstream by undercutting the established competition on price. By a lot.

Underlining this approach, a facelifted HS model introduced in May 2023 brought in updated looks, revised trim levels and some changes to the standard equipment – including new LED lights – without any increase in the basic asking price.

As such, while intended to rival the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan, the MG HS costs thousands of pounds less, and boosts its appeal further with a seven-year warranty. A value-orientated proposition that for many buyers might just make up for its shortcomings in other areas.

The HS’s interior stands up well to the CX-5 and Sportage – and it’s leagues ahead of the smaller MG ZS SUV in terms of both quality and equipment.

However, while the cabin quality is good, the engines leave much to be desired. MG has offered just two options – the cheaper of which is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine. Producing 162hp and 250Nm of torque, this can be specified with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

There is also a more expensive plug-in hybrid model, adding a 16.6kWh battery pack and a 90kW electric motor to the same 1.5-litre petrol engine. Power jumps up to 257hp and 370Nm of torque as a result – and MG says it’ll return up to 155.8mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. However, both powertrains sound coarse, especially when they’re asked to work hard. But again, its starting price thoroughly undercuts those of its hybrid SUV rivals.

Prices for the petrol HS start from £24,030, and the plug-in hybrid comes in at £31,095. If you compare that to the Kia Sportage, you’re looking at £29,390 for the petrol and £40,575 for the plug-in, and you can see why the MG HS suddenly seems appealing.

Standard equipment is still generous too, with the entry-level SE getting keyless entry, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. The top-spec Trophy adds sports seats, heated front seats and an electric boot into the mix.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review every aspect of the MG HS, taking into account its cabin practicality, interior quality, running costs and driving experience, before offering our final verdict. Read on for all the information you need to make an informed decision before you sign on the dotted line.