Kia Sportage vs MG HS +EV

What's the difference?

An updated Sportage is a big deal for Kia. It's the brand's best-selling model in Australia and around the world, and arguably has never faced more and stiffer competition.

There's a new Mazda CX-5 around the corner, this time with a hybrid, and Toyota has just whipped the covers off its new RAV4. And that's before you mention Hyundai, Volkswagen, Honda or the litany of Chinese newcomers all here for slice of the pie.

Kia tells us this mid-life update is designed to look better, drive better, offer better tech, better safety and better equipment right across a vast range that includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, turbo and non-turbo alike.

So the question is, is all of that enough to keep the Sportage fresh in the face of all this new competition? Let's go find out.

The MG HS +EV Essence is a smart-looking hybrid medium SUV that comes well-stacked with features and has a price point that will make you swoon.

Add the plug-in hybrid engine/motor combination and it’s pitched as a firm competitor against heavyweights like the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and the newer-kid on the block – the Haval H6.

For the top model, it has the goods on paper but how does it perform in real life? I’ve been driving it with my family of three to find out for you.