MG ZST vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Dislikes

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

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

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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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

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

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

MG ZST vs Hyundai Santa Fe What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?