2026 MG HS Hybrid+ review

The MG HS has long been one of the best-value SUVs in the top-selling mid-size segment, but now there is a people-pleasing plug-free petrol-electric hybrid lineup as part of the model mix.

The MG HS Hybrid+ range offers a new petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) powertrain with some high-tech componentry and competitive power and efficiency numbers, and there’s a whole heap of value on offer in this model range.

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?

There are just two versions of the MG HS Hybrid+ model variant on offer in Australia, and both have prices that undercut mainstream rivals.

We drove the top-spec flagship for this test, and you’d have to spend at least $10k more to get similar equipment levels in the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, or Toyota RAV4.

To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

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What is the MG HS like on the inside?

The Essence grade is clearly a slightly more upmarket looking space, with its big opening glass roof and fake leather seat trim making it stand out compared to the entry-level Excite with its roof-lining and cloth trim.

But, controversially, I prefer the base model. I like cloth trim, and the PVC in this model feels a bit hotter than I’m comfortable with. Beyond that, the cabin does feel hot, no doubt in part due to the glass roof and the thin fabric shade. 

But the cabin design has some ‘to-the-minute’ trends, including a pair of 12.3-inch digital screens. One is for your media system and menus, and it houses wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the former of which worked fine during my time with it.

But the screen itself can be slow to respond to touch, and there can be delays in loading times, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to jump from one menu to another.

And there’s a lot on that screen, including the majority of the car’s climate controls. There is a row of buttons below the screen, but sadly no physical knobs or dials for temp or fan, which must be managed on the display. Same with the seat heating. 

The other screen is for the driver, with a few configurable display modes including a map mode, which can show turn-by-turn instructions, but it doesn’t hook up to your Apple or Google Maps, only the car’s navigation system.

There’s other info on that screen, including a digital speedo, trip computer, and more. You’ll need to learn the steering wheel controls to manage that, and they’re very minimalist, so for the uninitiated it could take a couple of drives before you get the hang of it.

Otherwise, the cabin design and practicality is good, with decent storage including cupholders and bottle holders in the front, a reasonable centre console bin, and a good-sized glovebox. 

The back seat is considerably more spacious than in some other mid-size SUVs, with easily enough room for six-foot-tall adults to sit behind big adults. At that height, I had enough leg, toe, shoulder and head room to be very comfy, and the seat itself has a good amount of cushion to it.

There’s a very small transmission tunnel intrusion to contend with for three-across duties, but of course there are the requisite ISOFIX child seat anchors for the window seats and three top-tethers, too.

Parents will be happy there are USB ports for charging and directional air-vents in the back, too, as well as bottle holders, map pockets, and a flip-down armrest with cupholders.

Boot capacity is competitive at 507 litres, offering enough room for a pram or a few suitcases. There are no shopping bag hooks, but there is a 12-volt port, lighting, and a cargo cover.

The boot floor has an almost flat load-in space for heavy items, and there is a space-saver spare tyre under there, too, which is a huge bonus for an electrified SUV like this.

To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The new MG HS Hybrid+ has a different powertrain to the smaller hybrid MGs that you might have also read about – the ZS compact SUV and the MG 3 light hatch.

This one is more powerful, has a much more powerful electric motor (which MG claims is the oomphiest in the class for a hybrid SUV), and it also houses another motor-generator and an innovative water-cooled lithium-ion battery, which is designed to withstand extreme conditions more confidently than an air-cooled battery.

It is worth pointing out for urban drivers that the official fuel use number for that sort of driving is actually a staggeringly low 4.2L/100km, as the system will more readily work in EV mode and have the battery topped up by way of the multi-mode regenerative braking system.

However, I spent more of my time doing longer-distance driving and highway commuting-style testing, and I saw a displayed return of 5.9L/100km – which is still respectable, but not spectacular.

To see how the MG HS lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the MG HS drive?

Frankly, better than you’re probably expecting.

I really liked my time in this SUV. My partner drove it too, and she thought it was one of the most agreeable hybrids she’s driven, and also one of the most likeable Chinese cars she’s tested, too. (I fall into the latter category too, coincidentally).

There’s one thing that made us both come to that conclusion – the MG Pilot Custom button. There’s a drop-down menu that allows you to tap the MG Pilot Custom button, then hit confirm… and all the things that you don’t like about the active safety tech will be disabled. You have to do it each time you drive the car, but it’s a damn sight simpler than driving through multiple screens and pressing the display a dozen times to make it all how you want it to be…

That is, if you don’t like the speed sign recognition system warning you of speed zone changes, and the driver monitoring camera system watching you and telling you that you’re not being attentive, or the emergency lane keeping system intervening when you probably had matters under control anyway.

Look, if you leave the systems on, this SUV is still better than some others. But the fact you can quickly enable it to be easier to live with based on your own tastes? Excellent.

And that’s not all that’s excellent in terms of the drive, because this hybrid SUV is a very likeable operator.

The engine, electric motor and transmission all work together without you needing to think about it. It’s smooth to shuffle between EV mode, petrol mode, hybrid mode or regen mode. It is hushed in its operation, and you only really hear the engine at idle every now and then.

There’s abundant performance on offer too. It’s not lightning-fast, but it’s certainly admirably quick when it comes to hustling in traffic or hammering the throttle for quick overtakes.

And while you may have read some horror stories about the smaller hybrid models from MG, this one exhibited no such issues with (lack of) acceleration when the battery was depleted. I drove in a number of hilly areas (I live in the Blue Mountains!) and it always had the guts to get the job done.

Meanwhile the regen braking offers three modes, including a more assertive one that allows a level of single-pedal-style driving, and the actual brake pedal feel is positive and responsive, too.

The other thing you mightn’t be expecting is that this SUV drives better than many of its rivals.

The suspension is on the slightly firm side, but it doesn’t have that wobbly, pillowy squish factor you find in some other cheaper SUVs from China. It is consistently comfortable and composed, but you can feel sharp edges being communicated to those in the cabin, and it does really tell you when you’re entering a driveway.

It’s not too sharp or too crashy though, and unlike some others in the segment it has a multi-link rear suspension setup at the rear that makes it feel better balanced in the bends.

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 our comparison 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 our comparison tool

Is the MG HS safe?

The MG HS has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2024, and that score states it covers “all petrol variants”. That reads to me like this car has a five-star score, too.

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 our comparison tool

How much does the MG HS cost to run?

Buy an MG and there’s a way to get a 10-year, 250,000km warranty – you need to make sure you service within MG’s dealership network. Otherwise, it’s a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – which is still better than some big-name alternatives.

MG’s capped-price servicing scheme, dubbed ‘Precise Price Servicing’, covers seven years of servicing for the HS Hybrid+ with 12-month/15,000km intervals, whichever comes first.

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. 

CarExpert’s Take on the MG HS Hybrid+ Essence

If I was looking for a coin-conscious hybrid option, this would be the one.

I like it more than other Chinese-made SUVs to drive, the safety tech is more liveable and, aside from all that, I think it looks great.

I think it’s also good enough to worry some of the more popular Korean and Japanese mid-size hybrid SUVs out there. But what do you make of the MG HS Hybrid+? Have your say in the comments.

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MORE: Explore the MG HS showroom