Toyota Kluger vs MG ZST
What's the difference?

Toyota Kluger

$49,888 - $87,777

2025 price

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MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Toyota Kluger

2024 MG ZST

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo 3, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Still looks good inside and out
Decent features round out comfort
Practical and easy to drive

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

Dislikes

Lacking some newer charging options
No child anchor points in third row
Adaptive cruise control not well-tuned

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

2025 Toyota Kluger Summary

Straight off the bat, let's just acknowledge that there's nothing new about the Toyota Kluger large SUV for 2025 – but that might not be a bad thing.

In a world where there seems to be some new fangdangled piece of car tech out there that works on paper but not in reality - like keyfobs that don't unlock the car properly, or multimedia systems that are just too darn smart for their own good.

There is something quite charming about the familiar specs and on-road comfort of the mid-spec Toyota Kluger GXL seven-seater we're family testing this week. In true Toyota style, it has a healthy mix of the tradition thrown in with workable technology.

It's newer seven-seat SUV rivals might try to tell you that the old Kluger is starting to fall behind, but is it? Or will simplicity win out for tired parents who just want an SUV to do what it says it will?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Kluger 2024 MG ZST

Verdict

The Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid has been the ultimate SUV this week, as it fits my gear and family in comfort, the on-road handling is excellent and the fuel usage makes owning this long term actually feasible.

This is a great example of a mid-spec seven-seater that is both functional and comfortable. There’s lots to satisfy here and even though it hasn’t been updated, it may be a case of ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’.

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.

Toyota Kluger vs MG ZST What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Kluger vs MG ZST
What's the difference?