LDV D90 vs MG HS
What's the difference?

LDV D90

$19,980 - $27,999

2020 price

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MG HS

$25,888 - $54,990

2025 price

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Summary

2020 LDV D90

2025 MG HS

By Tom White

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.1L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Packed with equipment
Much-improved drive
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

Beeping driver monitoring
Expensive servicing
No USB-C ports

2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

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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

2020 LDV D90 2025 MG HS

Verdict

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

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.

LDV D90 vs MG HS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

LDV D90 vs MG HS
What's the difference?