Forget compromise. The MG HS, already a champion in the crowded mid-size SUV arena for its incredible value, now electrifies the gamewithoutneeding a plug. A petrol-electric hybrid option joins the family, promising to win over even more hearts (and wallets).
The MG HS Hybrid+ isn’t just joining the hybrid game; it’s changing it. Boasting a cutting-edge petrol-electric heart, this model delivers impressive power and efficiency without breaking the bank. Get ready for a thrilling drive packed with high-tech features and unparalleled value.
In this review we’ll talk you through why this is one of the best budget HEV SUVs on the market.
How much does the MG HS cost?
Australian drivers seeking a plug-in hybrid SUV with mainstream appeal now have two compelling MG HS Hybrid+ options that boast a game-changing price advantage.
| Model | Drive-away pricing | | — | — | | 2026 MG HS Excite | $35,990 | | 2026 MG HS Essence | $39,990 | | 2026 MG HS Hybrid+ Excite | $40,990 | |2026 MG HS Hybrid+ Essence|$44,990| | 2026 MG HS Super Hybrid Excite | $50,990 | | 2026 MG HS Super Hybrid Essence | $54,990 |
We wrestled the fully-loaded beast for this test, and let’s be frank: you’d need to drop another ten grand minimum on a Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, or Toyota RAV4 just to sniff this level of kit.
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Let us help you find your new car
Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.
"Travis and his crew knocked it out of the park again! This is my second time relying on their expertise, and frankly, I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Seriously, look no further – they’re the real deal."
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.
Find a deal
What is the MG HS like on the inside?
The Essence trim elevates the driving experience with a touch of luxury. Imagine sunlight flooding the cabin through its expansive glass roof, while the supple, faux-leather seats cradle you in comfort – a world away from the Excite’s simpler cloth interior and standard roof lining.
"Hot take: I’m sticking with the basics. While everyone’s raving about the upgraded interior, I’m actually digging the cloth trim in the base model. Plus, let’s be honest, that PVC can feel like sitting on a pizza oven. Speaking of ovens, the cabin definitely runs warm, a solar effect supercharged by that massive glass roof and its, shall we say,minimalistshade."
Forget dials and gauges; this cabin leaps into the present with twin 12.3-inch digital displays. Consider one a vibrant portal to your media universe and vehicle controls, boasting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. My experience? Apple CarPlay synced flawlessly, a welcome escape from tech frustrations.
However, the touchscreen can feel like wading through molasses, and loading times often test your patience when zipping between menus.
The car’s central screen is a command center, a digital deep-dive that absorbs most of the climate controls. A small battalion of buttons huddles beneath, offering a meager physical resistance. But the tactile joy of twisting a temperature dial, the satisfyingclickof adjusting the fan speed? Banished. Prepare to navigate menus to warm your toes; even the seat heaters are trapped behind glass.
The driver isn’t left out either, with their own customizable display. Choose from several modes, including a map view to guide your journey. One catch: forget mirroring your preferred Apple or Google Maps. This screen is strictly old-school, relying solely on the car’s built-in navigation.
Beyond the main display, a digital speedo, trip computer, and other essential info await. Mastering it requires navigating minimalist steering wheel controls. New users might need a couple of drives to fully familiarize themselves with the system’s nuances, but the learning curve is smooth.
Stepping inside, the cabin whispers practicality wrapped in a thoughtful design. Clever storage solutions abound, from perfectly positioned cupholders and generous bottle holders up front to a respectably sized center console bin. Even the glovebox offers ample space, proving that functionality doesn’t have to sacrifice cleverness.
Forget cramped quarters! Even with the front seats pushed back to accommodate taller drivers and passengers, the back practically begs six-footers to stretch out. I nestled in behind a phantom giant, and discovered limousine-level legroom, toe-wiggling space, and enough shoulder and headroom to rival a first-class cabin. The seats themselves? Plush and supportive, like sinking into a favorite armchair on wheels.
Squeezing three across the back? A barely-there transmission tunnel hump is the only real hurdle. Child seats? Anchor heaven: ISOFIX points for the window seats plus three top-tether mounts are all present and accounted for.
Backseat bliss awaits! Think happy kids (and happier parents) thanks to thoughtful touches like USB charging ports, directional air vents, and cleverly placed bottle holders and map pockets. A flip-down armrest with cupholders transforms the back into a comfortable haven on wheels.
The 507-litre boot isn’t just spacious; it’s family-ready. Picture this: a fully assembled pram nestled comfortably, or enough room for a weekend getaway’s worth of suitcases. While you won’t find shopping bag hooks, a 12-volt port stands ready to power your adventures, and thoughtful lighting ensures you’re never fumbling in the dark. A cargo cover provides peace of mind, shielding your valuables from prying eyes.
The boot offers a near-seamless, flat entry point – a godsend when wrestling in bulky cargo. Plus, ditch those roadside assistance anxieties! Beneath the floor hides a space-saver spare tyre, a rare and reassuring inclusion for a modern electric SUV.
| Dimensions | MG HS Hybrid+ | | — | — | | Length | 4670mm | | Width | 1890mm | | Height | 1655mm | | Wheelbase | 2765mm | | Cargo capacity | 507L (behind rear seats) 1484L (behind front seats) |
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Forget what you know about hybrid MG’s. The HS Hybrid+ isn’t just another ZS or MG 3 with a battery; it boasts a completely different powertrain that sets it apart.
| Specifications | MG HS Hybrid+ | | — | — | |Engine| 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol hybrid | |Engine outputs| 105kW 230Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 146kW 340Nm | |System outputs| 165kW 340Nm | |Battery| 1.83kWh | |Transmission| Hybrid transmission | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight (tare)| 1656kg | |Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.2L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 5.9L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 55L | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 119g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked towing capacity| 1500kg |
This model isn’t just powerful; it’s a powerhouse. MG boasts its electric motor is the undisputed heavyweight champion in the hybrid SUV class. But the real innovation lies in the advanced water-cooled lithium-ion battery, engineered to laugh in the face of extreme temperatures – a resilience air-cooled systems can only dream of.
City drivers, prepare to be amazed! That stop-start urban crawl you dread? This car sips fuel at an unbelievable 4.2L/100km. How? It’s all about clever tech: electric mode kicks in effortlessly, and the regenerative braking system turns every red light into a battery boost. Think of it as earning fuel while you drive!
My mileage skewed towards highway hypnosis and open-road adventures, netting me a still-respectable 5.9L/100km. Not earth-shattering, but decent considering the scenery blurring past.
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the MG HS drive?
Frankly, better than you’re probably expecting.
MG HS Excite shown
Cruising in this SUV was a genuine pleasure. My partner, a hybrid skeptic and seasoned auto critic, was equally impressed. She declared it one of the most agreeable hybridsandone of the most surprisingly charming Chinese cars she’s ever test-driven. Color me a convert – I’m wholeheartedly in agreement.
There’s one thing that made us both come to that conclusion – the MG Pilot Custom button. Tired of your car’s safety features acting like a backseat driver? MG Pilot got you covered. Just dive into the drop-down menu, tap ‘MG Pilot Custom,’ and bam confirm your escape from tech tyranny. Sure, you’ll have to repeat the ritual each drive, but trust us, it beats navigating a digital labyrinth of screens and endless taps just to get your car to behave. Freedom is only a few clicks away.
Imagine a car that nags more than your mother. Speed sign recognition beeps incessantly about every zone change. A driver monitoring camera acts like a judgmental eye, constantly questioning your attentiveness. And the emergency lane keeping system? It wrestles control from your capable hands at the slightest perceived deviation.
"Even with all the bells and whistles cranked up, this SUV outshines a lot of the competition. But the real magic? The way you can dial it down, tailor the tech toyourlife,yourdrive. That’s not just good, that’s brilliant."
And that’s not all that’s excellent in terms of the drive, because this hybrid SUV is a very likeable operator.
Seamlessly and silently, the powertrain orchestrates a symphony of electric, petrol, hybrid, and regenerative power. Transitions are imperceptible, a hushed ballet of energy. Only the faintest murmur betrays the engine’s occasional awakening.
The engine isn’t going to break any land speed records, but it packs a punch. Think assertive agility in city sprints and a satisfying surge of power for those crucial overtaking maneuvers.
Forget the MG horror stories you’ve heard about gutless hybrids sputtering to a halt on inclines. This one? Pure mountain goat. I put it through its paces in the Blue Mountains, a proper proving ground of steep climbs and winding roads. Even with the battery drained, it dug in its heels and delivered the power I needed, every single time. Consider those MG myths officially busted.
Regenerative braking offers a trio of modes, culminating in an aggressive setting that enables near one-pedal driving. Moreover, the traditional brake pedal delivers confident, immediate feedback.
The other thing you mightn’t be expecting is that this SUV drives better than many of its rivals.
The suspension walks a fine line: firm enough to inspire confidence, yet devoid of the unsettling float common in budget SUVs. It’s a composed ride, consistently so, but not without a touch of unfiltered honesty. Expect subtle reminders of road imperfections and a clear announcement each time you transition onto a driveway.
It’s balanced, not brutal. Where some rivals jar and jolt, this one flows through corners thanks to its sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
The steering is predictable and well-weighted as well. Not thrilling, but manageable and easy enough to park, too.
All in all, the MG HS hybrid left a very positive driving impression on me.
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
The HS Hybrid+ is available in Excite and Essence trims.
2026 MG HS Hybrd+ Excite equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in 225/55 R19 tyres
- Space-saver spare wheel
- Electric parking brake
- Rear privacy glass
- Heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors
- Automatic LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6-speaker sound system
- 2 x front USB outlets
- 2 x rear USB outlets
- PU steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter
- Fabric upholstery
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Air-conditioning with rear air vents
- Power windows with one-touch up/down
- 12 months’ complimentary iSmart access
The Essence adds:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Front fog lights
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker sound system
- 4-way power driver’s seat lumbar
- Driver’s seat memory
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- PVC upholstery
- Sunglasses holder
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the MG HS safe?
"Crowned with a coveted five-star ANCAP safety rating after rigorous 2024 testing, the MG HS boasts top-tier protection across its entire petrol-powered lineup. In simpler terms? You’re looking at a remarkably safe vehicle."
Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices
<blockquote> Tired of car buying headaches? Childcareman.xyz delivers expert reviews, personalized guidance, and unbeatable savings, so you can drive off in your dream car, stressfree. </blockquote >
<strong > Option 2 (Intriguing and concise):</strong >
<blockquote> Unlock the secrets to smart car buying. Childcareman.xyz: Expert reviews, tailored advice, and real deals that put you in the driver’s seat. </blockquote >
<strong > Option 3 (Problem/Solution):</strong >
<blockquote> Overwhelmed by car buying? Childcareman.xyz simplifies the process with trusted reviews, personalized support, and exclusive savings on your next new car. </blockquote >
View showroom
Compare cars
Find a deal
| Category | MG HS | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 90 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 87 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 83 per cent | |Safety assist| 74 per cent |
Standard safety equipment across the HS Hybrid+ range includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Intelligent Cruise Assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe exit warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front, front-side, two-row curtain airbags + far-side airbag
The Essence also includes front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.
To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the MG HS cost to run?
Unlock serious peace of mind: Drive away in a new MG and you could snag a phenomenal 10-year, 250,000km warranty! The key? Stick to MG’s expert dealership network for servicing. Can’t commit? No sweat. You still get a stellar seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – a deal that leaves some major competitors eating dust.
| Servicing and Warranty | MG HS Hybrid+ | | — | — | |Warranty| 7 years, unlimited kilometres (standard) 10 years or 250,000km (conditional) | |Roadside assistance| Up to 10 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 7 years | |Average annual service cost| $404 | |Total capped-price service cost| $2828 |
Tired of servicing surprises? MG’s "Precise Price Servicing" locks in your HS Hybrid+ maintenance costs for a full seven years! Enjoy worry-free driving with scheduled servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Budget with confidence and keep your hybrid humming.
The service costs work out to be $404 per visit, which – again – undercuts some of the big-name brands.
Roadside assistance is included for the period of the warranty, too.
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the MG HS Hybrid+ Essence
If I was looking for a coin-conscious hybrid option, this would be the one.
Forget the rest – this Chinese SUV actuallydriveswell. The safety features? They’re not just there, they’reusable. And let’s be honest, it’s a head-turner.
Could the MG HS Hybrid+ ruffle feathers among the reigning Korean and Japanese hybrid SUV giants? Perhaps. But we wantyourtake. Is this a serious contender, or just another player in a crowded field? Sound off in the comments below!
childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new MG HS. Clickhereto get a great deal
Click the images for the full gallery
Explore the MG HS showroom
Thanks for reading 2026 MG HS Hybrid+ review
