MG ZS vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?

MG ZS

$17,980 - $32,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

BYD Atto 3

$39,990 - $46,990

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 MG ZS

2026 BYD Atto 3

By James Cleary

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

480 km

Energy consumption

14.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

60.48 kWh

Seating

Likes

Value
Performance
Refinement

More enjoyable to drive
Well-equipped for the money
Improved cabin layout

Dislikes

Thirsty
Pricey servicing
Over-speed warning

Looks the same despite big update
More expensive than before
Ride is quite firm at times

2025 MG ZS Summary

The MG ZS stands as a firm favourite with Aussie small SUV buyers, in a close-fought arm wrestle with the Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi ASX for supremacy in a cut-throat competitive part of the new-car market.

Launched here in late 2017, and updated in 2020, MG subsequently added the ZS EV before launching this new-gen version in late 2024. It has initially been offered in hybrid and naturally aspirated petrol versions to maintain its position at the pointy end of the sales race. However, there’s nothing like a turbo model to add some extra spice to your compact SUV line-up.

And that’s what we have here, the ZS Essence Turbo, a punchy, keenly-priced addition to MG’s local range. Stay with us to see if it has enough boost pressure to muscle its way onto your new-car short list.

View full pricing & specs

2026 BYD Atto 3 Summary

Back in 2022 a friend asked me if they should buy the then-new BYD Atto 3. My advice was to avoid such a new brand, because despite positive first impressions of the electric SUV I couldn’t comment with any certainty on the long-term prospects for BYD.

Well, fast forward to 2026 and things could not be more different. No brand exemplifies the seismic shift in the local car industry more than BYD.

It has emerged not only as the clear leader of the pack from the Chinese car brands, but has done so by taking risks and offering some unusual products. This new Atto 3 Evo is a prime example of that, because while it looks almost-identical to the old model, it has huge changes underneath.

When I say ‘huge’ I mean major upgrades like all-new, 800-volt underpinnings, bigger batteries and even a switch to rear-wheel drive - at least for one model.

BYD is selling one model, with the same name but two very different powertrains and layouts. It highlights the radical changes brought on by the electric revolution in the car industry and demonstrates the flexibility of these platforms compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

And also explains why BYD is no longer just a newcomer with an uncertain future but rather a well-established member of the mainstream market.

But would I recommend buying this new Atto 3 Evo? Read on…

@carsguide.com.au Here’s how the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo differs from the regular Atto 3. This Jaecoo J5 EV rival has flipped from front to rear-wheel drive. #byd #bydatto3 #ev #cartok #electriccar ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2025 MG ZS 2026 BYD Atto 3

Verdict

The MG ZS Essence Turbo has a lot going for it. It’s keenly priced, well equipped, spacious and comfortable with good performance, refinement and safety. On the downside, it’s thirstier than it should be, despite a stonking 10-year warranty servicing is relatively pricey and there are some low-level quality concerns. But should it be on your $30-35K small SUV shopping list. One hundred per cent, yes.

Verdict

So, would I recommend this new Atto 3 Evo to my friend, or indeed anyone in the market for a mid-size electric SUV?

While it may look largely the same as it did back in 2022, the Atto 3 is now a far more compelling proposition than it was then. Certainly BYD has established itself in the market and that means there is more certainty for buyers.

But this new Atto 3 Premium is a big leap forward when it comes to the driving experience. And while that’s not likely to be a huge factor for most mid-size electric SUV buyers, given the price has only crept up marginally (by modern standards) it remains competitively positioned.

For context, the Leapmotor C10 is another mid-size, rear-wheel drive electric SUV from China and it is even more expensive than the Atto 3 and is, to be blunt, nowhere near as good.

If BYD continues to produce cars this good there’s no reason to believe it won’t be a major player for years to come.

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

MG ZS vs BYD Atto 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZS vs BYD Atto 3
What's the difference?