MG ZST vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Volvo XC60

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

Dislikes

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

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

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 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Volvo XC60

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

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

MG ZST vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?