MG ZST vs Hyundai Kona
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Hyundai Kona

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Inline 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

3.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

Annoying over-speed warning
Service pricing
Look won’t please everyone

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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2026 Hyundai Kona Summary

The Hyundai Kona is the Korean car giant’s best-selling model in Australia, by a reasonably comfortable margin. And in 2025 it managed to battle its way to the top of the ludicrously competitive ‘Small SUV under $45K’ new-vehicle sales category.

Chery’s breakthrough Tiggo 4 Pro, GWM’s Haval Jolion, the MG ZS and close to 20 other well-credited segment rivals can all dream on because currently the Kona has their measure.

So, what’s all that about? Why are so many Aussie SUV buyers choosing to put a Kona in the driveway?

In an attempt to answer that question we slotted a Kona Hybrid into the CarsGuide garage, in this case a new mid-spec Elite version, to explore its relative strengths and weaknesses.

So, if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, with the Kona on your shortlist (and odds are it already is) stay with us for a detailed examination.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Hyundai Kona

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Verdict

It’s easy to see why the Hyundai Kona leads the Aussie small SUV category, with this hybrid version enhancing the car’s abilities in key areas. Sharply priced and well-specified, comfortable and practical with a hugely efficient powertrain as well as refined dynamic performance. It’s a compelling package.

MG ZST vs Hyundai Kona What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Hyundai Kona
What's the difference?