Name: MG HS (2024 onwards) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: MG HS
Rating: 75.0

Summary

The MG HS is a budget mid-size SUV/crossover, which sits above the smaller ZS in the MG range. Available petrol-powered or as a plug-in hybrid, this second-generation model arrived in the UK in the middle of 2024.

UK reviewers agree that this latest iteration of the HS has many of the same traits as its fairly popular predecessor that sold in good numbers in the UK – value-for-money, plenty of interior space and good levels of standard equipment – but improves on the former HS in several areas.

Car’s Ted Welford argues that the next-generation HS is “better to drive, smarter inside and yet still outstanding value”, while Carbuyer’s Charlie Harvey adds that the “competitive 75-mile range for the plug-in hybrid” version is impressive when you consider the price.

As of February 2025, the MG HS holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 75%. It scores top marks for its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and low CO₂ emissions, while its running costs are also low. However, its media review scores to date have been poor.

HS highlights

Good value-for-money family car
Well-equipped as standard considering price
Spacious interior

HS lowlights

Rather coarse petrol engine
No fast charging for the plug-in hybrid version
Not as engaging to drive as alternatives

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-size SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £24,995 on-road

Launched: Summer 2024
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Score: 6.4 / 10
“The new MG HS is a huge step forward over the previous model. As a plug-in hybrid, it combines zero-emission electric city driving with plenty of long-distance range from the petrol engine.”
Author: Stuart Masson
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The MG HS might be an inexpensive mid-size SUV, but it’s not missing any kit or quality.”
Author: Sam Naylor, Ellis Hyde
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Trophy
Score: 7 / 10
“Like its predecessor, the new MG HS will trade primarily on value for money, but not exclusively. The aggressively priced mid-size SUV looks modern, the interior quality is impressive, cabin space is plentiful and there’s loads of tech onboard – some good, some not. That said, we’d strongly recommend waiting for the hybrid models to arrive, rather than settling for the basic pure-petrol version we drove.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
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Auto Trader+

Score: 9 / 10
“All-new MG HS builds on success of its predecessor with more space, improved interior quality and impressive plug-in hybrid option.”
Author: Dan Trent
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The benefits of the HS’s growth in size can best be felt from the rear seats, where the legroom is extremely impressive for the segment, and headroom.”
Author: Sean Keywood
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Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Better to drive, smarter inside and yet still outstanding value – plug-in hybrid especially. Given how many of the of the original HS were sold – and what a decidedly average product it was – things look very positive now MG finally has a family SUV that can be recommended.”
Author: Ted Welford
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The latest MG HS represents a huge improvement over its predecessor, offering extra practicality, a nicer interior and a very competitive 75-mile range for the plug-in hybrid, especially considering the price.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG HS isn’t much fun to drive, but it’s affordable, spacious and well-equipped – plus the PHEV is seriously impressive.”
Read review

Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“For the price of an MG HS, you could forgive it a long list of flaws. But that won’t be necessary as, even putting its tremendous value for money to one side, it’s still a very strong alternative to the Skoda Karoq and Peugeot 3008. Its boot isn’t the biggest, the petrol engine is coarse and rivals like the SEAT Ateca are better to drive, but there’s a lot going for the MG HS.”
Author: Andrew Brady
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The new MG HS is a significant improvement compared to the previous car, and well worth considering if you’re looking for a well-priced family car.”
Author: Ted Welford
Read review

Regit+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The MG HS has proven popularity in the UK, and there’s every indication that the newcomer will only increase public approval, especially with the long warranty allaying reliability concerns. If buying outright, the petrol in SE trim arguably offers the best value. It retains a cheap price tag yet has excellent equipment levels that include all the necessities, even if it lacks the added luxuries offered in the Trophy.”
Author: Tim Barnes-Clay
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“A pleasing step on form the car it replaces, but you’re unlikely to be buying it for anything other than its remarkable pricing.”
Author: Stephen Dobie
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 83%
Safety assist: 74%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2025, the MG HS has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	38 mpg	D	38 – 38 mpg	D – D
Plug-in hybrid models	565 mpg	A	565 – 565 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	171 g/km	C	171 – 171 g/km	C – C
Hybrid models	38 g/km	A	– g/km	A – A
Plug-in hybrid models	12 g/km	A	12 – 12 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	75 miles	C	75 – 75 miles	C – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	22	A	22 – 22	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£225	B
Year 2	£560	B
Year 3	£984	B
Year 4	£1,127	B
Year 5	£1,531	B
Overall	£4,427	B

The second-generation MG HS is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Let’s start with the bad news – the petrol-only versions of HS are thirstier than the average car, with a rather low average fuel consumption of 38mpg. The plug-in hybrid model’s fuel consumption figures look spectacular, but this is because the EU/UK government testing process is completely rubbish for plug-in hybrids…

The much better news is that the car’s insurance grouping is on the cheaper side, and the SUV’s predicted servicing and maintenance costs for the first five years of ownership are very good when compared to similarly sized rivals.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the new MG HS to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the HS, we’ll publish the results here.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the MG HS

As of February 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the second-generation MG HS. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local MG dealer.