Honda Prelude vs MG HS
What's the difference?

Honda Prelude

$65,000 - $65,000

2026 price

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MG HS

$25,888 - $53,690

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Honda Prelude

2025 MG HS

By Byron Mathioudakis

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Electrifying handling
Hybrid economy and muscle
Design inside and out

Packed with equipment
Much-improved drive
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

No overhead grab handles
No frameless windows
No spare wheel

Beeping driver monitoring
Expensive servicing
No USB-C ports

2026 Honda Prelude Summary

Honda is a company that rarely looks back.

Badge aside, the resurrected Prelude series is more about being revolutionary than retro, with not even any classic-era styling cues (though a few likely Porsche ones).

In fact, Honda made it clear this was created as a hybrid sports car first, with the name settled on later. Probably by marketing.

It could just as easily have been branded Integra, which – given the shared Civic platform and liftback when previous Preludes had two doors only – might have been the case, except that name is already on an Acura and Chinese GAC version of Honda’s venerable small car.

That said, its new sports car is arguably more Prelude in spirit than even some of the past originals were anyway, and then some, and here’s why.

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2025 MG HS Summary

The meteoric rise of the Chinese-owned MG brand continues with the HS, a family-focused SUV stepping into the most hotly contested segment in Australia.

When the first generation HS arrived in December 2019, it should have been MG’s big sales driver, yet it sat in the shadows of the cut-price MG3 hatch and ZS small SUV as they lifted the storied MG badge into Australia’s overall top-10 sellers.

The HS has so far been MG’s missing link and that’s down to the segment being full of such strong name plates such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The mid-size SUV has also been the focus of other strong value rivals that were better, namely the GWM Haval H6.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Honda Prelude 2025 MG HS

Verdict

Expectations have clearly been exceeded by the latest Honda Prelude.

Along with a striking design, combining hybrid with Civic Type R-enhanced engineering underneath has created a uniquely frugal yet ferociously capable 2+2-seater coupe experience that rarely puts a foot wrong. Possessing no spare wheel is its worst sin.

This is one of the most enjoyable Hondas we have ever driven, period. If sports coupes are your thing, then the $65,000 drive-away pricing is just the icing on a most delicious cake. Brilliant and tasty.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

There are a few niggles with the latest MG HS, for example the annoying driver-attention monitoring and expensive maintenance costs. We’ve not had a full sample of its open-road performance yet either, which may prove more telling.

Yet the HS is shaping up to be one of the most successful product updates of recent years, second only to, I don’t know, the MG3? The family SUV is also backed by a 10-year warranty and, despite the drastic improvements, doesn’t cost a whole lot more than before.

The entry-level Vibe is our pick, there's no need to spend more. It features all manner of safety equipment and a quiet drive but with cloth upholstery that doesn't get all sticky and sweaty in the Australian climate.

The end of 2024 is the tipping point where MG goes from cheap and cheerful to a real headache for established players. Perhaps not for the strongest in the segment like the RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail, but the HS is now an easy car to recommend for a family looking for a spacious SUV that drives their dollar further. The hybrid will boost appeal further when it arrives next year.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Honda Prelude vs MG HS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda Prelude vs MG HS
What's the difference?