MG ZS vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

MG ZS

$17,980 - $32,990

2025 price

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Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 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

2024 Volvo XC40

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

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

485 km

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Value
Performance
Refinement

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

Thirsty
Pricey servicing
Over-speed warning

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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.

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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 MG ZS 2024 Volvo XC40

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

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

MG ZS vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZS vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?