MG HS vs. MG ZS: which is better?
Choosing between MG’s two SUVs? We’ll help you decide which is best for you
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The MG HS vs. ZS is a debate that many prospective buyers have before purchasing an MG SUV.
This is because they both appear similar on the outside but are in fact very different.
They’re both practical, well-equipped as far as tech is concerned and they’re very affordable.
But which should you buy?
MG HS vs. ZS
Our guide will answer:
Which car has the better styling?
Is the MG HS or MG ZS better to drive?
Does the MG HS or MG ZS have better tech?
Is the MG HS or MG ZS more reliable?
What are the MG HS vs. MG ZS dimensions?
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MG HS vs. MG ZS: styling
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Upon first glance, the HS and ZS look very familiar – they’re both smart and certainly don’t look as cheap as they are.
On the road, the MG HS looks the most impressive, with its shark-mouth-like wide front grille and sleek lines that tie the rest of the design together.
The MG ZS, however, is the smaller car and therefore carries less presence on the road, but if you want a slightly more understated look, this is the one to go for.
But no matter the car, in some instances, you’d think you’re looking at something much more premium, such as an Audi.
MG HS vs. MG ZS: what are they like to drive?
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Both cars come as standard with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine – 115hp for the ZS and 169hp for the HS.
The reason the HS gets so much more power is because it has a turbocharger, making it a little punchier and more efficient from the get-go.
It’s not fast by any means (0-62mph takes just less than 10 seconds), but it’s plenty quick enough for overtaking and nipping about town.
The ZS, however, completes the 0-62mph sprint in 12.5 seconds, so a little sluggish by comparison, considering it’s the smaller and lighter car.
Luckily, more engine options are available.
The ZS also offers a hybrid engine (called the ZS Hybrid+) with 193hp with a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds, which is brisk for a small SUV.
On the used market, you can also get a fully electric ZS with up to 273 miles of range, or a newer MGS5 EV, which has indirectly replaced it.
The HS adds a similar hybrid setup as the ZS, called the HS Hybrid+, which gets 224hp and is a great way to add a little bit more power and efficiency.
But what sets the HS apart from all other MGs is its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. This pairs a large 24.7kWh battery to its engine, giving you up to 75 miles of electric-only driving – perfect for cities.
MG HS vs. MG ZS: interior and technology
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The interiors are broadly the same between both cars.
We think the HS has a slightly more upmarket cabin, with more space and that dual-screen setup, unlike the ZS’s separated screens.
Both get the same 12.3-inch infotainment screen, but the HS gets a larger digital driver’s display measuring 12.3 inches, over seven inches in the ZS.
They also have built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as you’d expect from a modern car.
And if you haven’t connected your phone, the infotainment system itself is fairly self-explanatory and easy to use.
MG HS vs. MG ZS: boot space and practicality
It’s rather obvious, but the MG HS has the bigger boot because it’s the larger car.
The HS’s boot has 507 litres of space (1,484 litres with the seats down), whereas the ZS has a 443-litre boot (1,457 litres with the seats down). Still good, mind.
As for overall practicality, we’re impressed with what both cars offer. There are plenty of cubbies for all your items, and the cabins feel airy and spacious.
MG HS vs. MG ZS: safety and reliability
New cars have to be safe if they want to comply with modern safety regulations, and the MG HS and ZS are no exceptions to this rule.
In its most recent Euro NCAP safety test, the HS scored the full five stars, whereas the ZS scored four out of five stars. These are both impressive scores that are due to the car’s onboard safety features.
Some of these include hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring systems, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and more.
MG HS vs. MG ZS: dimensions
MG HS
Length: 4,670mm
Width: 1,890mm
Height: 1,663mm
Boot space: 507 litres (1,484 litres with seats down)
MG ZS
Length: 4,430mm
Width: 1,818mm
Height: 1,635mm
Boot space: 443 litres (1,457 litres with seats down)
Verdict: MG HS vs. MG ZS: which should you buy?
If you’re still not entirely sure which is for you, we’ve laid it out in a simple way to help you decide:
You should buy an MG HS if...
The option of a PHEV is important to you
You need more practicality
You’re after slightly better tech
You should buy an MG ZS if...
You’re considering an electric car
You don’t want a large SUV
You have less to spend
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