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Is the MG HS a reliable car?

We give you the details on MG HS reliability so you can decide if it’s the car for you

A red MG HS model parked by the sea

MG HS reliability has a lot on its shoulders – it's one of the main factors many of us look for in cars.

If you’re shopping for a family SUV and the HS has caught your attention, you’ll be glad to know it’s a dependable model with a lot to offer.

Also, MG HS fuel economy is impressive, it’s got plenty of safety tech, and reviews are positive.

Find the answer to your question, ‘Is the MG HS reliable?’ in our guide below.

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Most reliable features of the MG HS

MG has earned itself a stellar rep for reliability in recent years. Knowing that overall MG reliability is something to brag about is a great sign for the HS – it's clearly got great roots.

Reviews and chatter on the forums have the HS pegged as a dependable motor. There are minimal grumbles about first year issues and plenty of praise for its value for money.

Engine

The HS is hailed as an ideal budget car with plenty to offer, and some of that comes from its cheerful engine line-up.

For petrol, there’s the 1.5-litre 162hp option that’s perky and never sluggish.

There’s the option for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that’s smooth and covert in its changes.

Opt for the plug-in hybrid if you want to cut your fuel costs, with the 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid getting a 32-mile electric driving range.

The hybrid is capable of up to 155.8mpg as well, so it’s great for keeping petrol prices low.

All models come with a seriously impressive seven-year or 80,000 miles warranty as well, so you know MG is confident these models are built to last.

Safety

Round of applause for the MG HS – it was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019. That makes it a seriously safe SUV, with a 92% rating for adult passengers safety and 81% for children.

There’s boat loads of safety tech, including Active Emergency Braking that can brake for you and sense a collision.

You’ll also have blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and speed limit assist. Plus, higher-trim options get adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

Interior

Inside, the MG HS is solidly built and will suit families with small children that are going to put it through its paces.

Everything feels quality and won’t sag under consistent use, but it still has plenty of style, which is a bonus.

There’s also a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s an easy-to-use system with plenty of handy features.

The inside front seat of the MG HS

MG HS compared to other compact SUVs

The MG HS is reliable in its own right, but how does it compare to other models?

Nissan Qashqai vs. MG HS

The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most popular SUV picks and it’s considered to be pretty reliable.

It was awarded with a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2021 – the same as the HS. It does pull ahead slightly with the occupant safety scores – both adults and children get 91%.

The Qashqai has placed on plenty of car reliability surveys and leader boards, and has been crowned ‘Car of the Year’ in a few different places.

It’s a worthy rival to the HS and one you might want to consider as a reliable family SUV, and comes with a three-year warranty from brand-new.

Hyundai Tucson vs. MG HS

The Hyundai Tucson is another model that promises great value for money and has a strong reliability reputation.

The HS is typically cheaper than the Tucson but does offer plenty of features at that lower price point.

Like the Qashqai and the HS, you’ll get a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating here as well.

It also offers an impressive wararnty – five years and unlimited mileage.

Kia Sportage vs. MG HS

Another favourite in the SUV market, the Kia Sportage is reliable and easy to live with. It also brings a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so level with the other HS rivals we mentioned.

The Sportage’s record of reliability is relatively spotless – there are a few complaints here and there about things such as issues with the sat-nav system, but they’re generally strong mechanically.

It also gets seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

What to look out for when buying a MG HS

If you’re weighing up a used MG HS, there are a few things you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

  • If you’re buying from a private seller, you might want to bring somebody with plenty of car knowledge to help you give the car a good check over

  • Reputable car retailers often have their own inspection policies that should mean you’re getting a reliable car, plus aftercare if you have any issues

  • Has your car got all the right documents? You’ll want to check things like the V5C and service history

  • An HPI check can help you spot things like insurance right offs or outstanding finance

  • You can also use the government site to check details of the car and its MOT history to make sure it all lines up

Take a look at our full range of used MG HS models to see options that have undergone our full inspection.

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