2025 MG HS Hybrid+ Review: New mid-sized SUV brings EV-heavy hybrid system to take the fight to the Toyota RAV4
The MG HS has the Toyota RAV4 squarely in its crosshairs.
And it’s the Hybrid+ variant that MG thinks could make the biggest impact on a market segment that also includes impressive rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
First, some background.
This latest generation HS is still fairly fresh, having first arrived Down Under late in 2024.
READ MORE: MG HS Super Hybrid review – the things we love (and some we don’t)
READ MORE: Slash and burn less fuel! Price cuts for MG HS and others
READ MORE: MG4 backs away from battle with BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora to be Australia’s cheapest EV with price rises that sees up to $3000 added to electric hatch
That was the regular petrol-powered version that’s already proven a popular entry-level model.
In mid-2025 MG unleashed two hybrid variants: the Hybrid+ is a regular hybrid while the Super Hybrid is a plug-in version with a bigger battery and the ability to drive purely on electricity.
2025 MG HS Hybrid+ price and equipment
The MG HS Hybrid+ slots in the middle of the mid-sized SUV line-up.
Whereas petrol models sell from $35,990 drive-away the Hybrid+ kicks off at $40,990.
If you want to have more of an EV experience you can choose the Super Hybrid, from $50,990 drive-away.
Within each of those drivetrain options you can then choose between two trim levels: Excite and Essence, the latter adding $4000 to the price (the petrol variant is also available as a Vibe).
It’s the Essence we tested, making our Hybrid+ a $44,990 proposition.
Excite models get a 360-degree camera, faux leather trim and dual 12.3-inch displays.
The Essence adds a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone ventilation, wireless phone charging, powered tailgate, a better sound system and heated and powered front seats.
Under the skin is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine paired with an electric motor.
The engine makes 105kW and 230Nm while the motor makes 146kW/340Nm.
Combined they’re claimed to make 165kW/340Nm.
2025 MG HS Hybrid+: What we think
Size matters with the MG HS Hybrid+.
And I’m not talking about the physical size of the car, although that is very competitive.
But it’s more the size of the electrical system generally, especially the electric motor.
Whereas the motor assisting the RAV4 makes 88kW/202Nm in the HS there’s a full 146kW/340Nm.
When you’re driving it’s that muscular pulling power that is the dominant force.
At lower speeds it’s the EV side doing all the work, at least in terms of turning the wheels.
The engine may be whirring away, but it’s purely generating electricity (along with the regenerative brakes when you’re coasting or braking).
At higher speeds the engine can directly drive the wheels through a two-speed auto transmission that behaves much like a CVT.
It’s all very seamless, with the electric side again playing the biggest role.
The engine can rev more at higher speeds, but it’s always fairly relaxed.
The big question is how much (or how little) fuel does it used.
The claimed average fuel consumption is 5.2 litres per 100km. And while we never saw that, the 5.9L/100km we clocked over many hundreds of kilometres was impressive.
One negative is that it needs premium unleaded, so you’ll be paying a little more.
But with such low everyday fuel use it’s hardly a big penalty.
Occasionally there’s also the issue of getting the generous grunt to the road.
The MG HS is only available as a front-drive model.
So anyone wanting the extra traction of all-wheel drive will have to look elsewhere.
And those front wheels can be challenged getting the 340Nm to the ground, occasionally chirping in protect, especially if you’re powering-on out of a corner or intersection.
It’s amplified on a wet road.
Dynamically it’s not as crisp as some but there’s enough talent for zipping around the suburbs.
Some more meaningful weight to the steering and better recovery over bumps would finish things off.
There’s also some frustrations around the infotainment.
Whereas MG Australia pushed to get more physical buttons in the all-electric S5, the HS misses out on things such as a volume control dial and direct access to the ventilation system.
It means more swipes and taps of the screen, which is occasionally laggy in its responses.
There are programmable buttons on the steering wheel that can shortcut you to commonly used features, but I still found myself yearning for a volume dial. Please…
It’s a shame, because the interior is generally well presented.
The stuff that looks like leather does a pretty convincing job and there’s some orange stitching and a few silver highlights to liven things up. The plastics are also thoroughly acceptable.
Space is good in the front, the back and the boot. This is family friendly transport.
2025 MG HS Hybrid+: Verdict
Value is the highlight in the MG HS Hybrid+.
At a smidge over $40K there’s plenty of mid-sized SUV for the money.
Its hybrid system also delivers on performance and efficiency, laying the gauntlet down to the brands that have been playing in this space longer.
Key to its goodness is the way it leans on the electric side of the drivetrain more than many rivals, aiding with driving manners.
It’s a shame you can’t get an all-wheel drive variant.
And we’d also like to see some of the in-cabin functionality attended to.
Still, as a cut-price hybrid family SUV that doesn’t look or feel remotely cut-price the MG HS Hybrid+ mounts a solid argument at least be added to the shortlist.
Score: 4/5
2025 MG HS Hybrid+ Essence specifications
Price: $44,990 drive-away
Basics: Hybrid, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, FWD
Fuel use: 5.2L/100km
Battery capacity: 1.83kWh
Drivetrain: 105kW/230Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo and 146kW/340Nm electric motor; 165kW/340Nm combined output
AC charging: NA
DC charging: NA
0-100km/h: NA
