MG HS vs Honda CR-V
What's the difference?

MG HS

$21,977 - $53,690

2025 price

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Honda CR-V

$41,900 - $64,400

2026 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2025 MG HS

2026 Honda CR-V

By John Law

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Packed with equipment
Much-improved drive
Spacious cabin

Styling reflects premium grade level
Comfortable all-rounder on-road
Can easily hold passenger and cargo

Dislikes

Beeping driver monitoring
Expensive servicing
No USB-C ports

Could do with more gear for the price
Technology needs refinement and upgrade
Can sound whiny under load

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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2026 Honda CR-V Summary

Honda has refreshed the CR-V, with more than half the line-up now featuring a hybrid powertrain. It’s a clear move to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

After a week behind the wheel, the question is simple - does this hybrid deliver on the family-friendly practicality the CR-V is known for, while also meeting its efficiency claims?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 MG HS 2026 Honda CR-V

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.

Verdict

The Honda CR-V RS hybrid has plenty going for it. It’s a well-rounded package with good levels of comfort and practicality, and a driving experience that’s easy to live with day to day.

There are a few areas that hold it back from leading the segment. The multimedia system feels behind the curve for a flagship grade, and the engine can become vocal under load. Some rivals also edge ahead when it comes to outright equipment.

Even so, the CR-V still delivers where it counts. It’s efficient, spacious and comfortable.

MG HS vs Honda CR-V What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG HS vs Honda CR-V
What's the difference?