VS

Honda HR-V vs MG ZS comparison

Compare performance (131 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 18,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Honda HR-V or MG ZS?

Honda HR-V vs MG ZS: Key differences

Honda HR-V

4.3 (22 Reviews)
rate
details

MG ZS

4.5 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Achim Sedelmaier
HR-V

Honda HR-V VS MG ZS: which compact SUV fits your everyday life?

Honda HR-V VS MG ZS is the matchup many buyers consider when they want a compact SUV that prioritises either clever packaging or sheer value. The Honda HR-V presents itself as a compact, highly usable city-first car with clever rear-seat tricks and an easy, tactile cabin. The MG ZS trades that tight footprint for noticeably more passenger and luggage room and a very competitive price and warranty package. Both target family buyers, but they approach the brief from opposite angles — Honda focuses on refined utility and simple ergonomics, MG on space and equipment for the money. Read on to see where each one earns the edge for real-world drivers.

ZS

Character and driving feel

The Honda HR-V feels tuned for everyday calm: soft compliance around town, composed cruising and a drivetrain that favours smoothness at low speeds. The MG ZS feels livelier off the line and offers more overt punch, so drivers who like a brisk shove in traffic will prefer the MG’s urge. That extra eagerness in the MG comes with a firmer suspension and a noisier character under load, whereas the HR-V masks road coarseness but betrays itself with a louder engine when you ask for full acceleration. If you value relaxed, predictable responses and a button-and-dial cockpit, the HR-V wins on temperament; if you want stronger acceleration and a more aggressively packaged feel, the MG ZS is the pick.

HR-V

Comfort and long-distance behavior

On long stints the differences become obvious: the Honda HR-V’s softer, comfort-minded setup soaks up urban irregularities and keeps occupants feeling less jolted over mixed roads. The MG ZS rewards with more rear legroom and a larger luggage area, but its firmer suspension and higher tendency for wind and tyre noise make extended motorway miles less serene. Honda’s rear-seat packaging trades outright boot space for clever flexibility, while MG’s generous trunk and roomy back bench keep families more comfortable with luggage. Pick the HR-V if you prioritise overall ride refinement and fatigue-free short-to-medium trips; choose the MG ZS if you need real space for people and luggage even if that costs a bit of highway tranquillity.

ZS

Practicality and everyday usability

Practicality is where both cars take different routes: the Honda HR-V shines with its flexible rear seat system that changes how you load odd-shaped items, and its straightforward physical controls make daily operation easy. The MG ZS is simpler to pack for real family life thanks to a noticeably larger boot and more rear passenger space, and it often undercuts the HR-V on price while packing more driver assistance as standard. The trade-off is ergonomics — MG leans more on touchscreen controls and misses some wireless connectivity niceties, while Honda keeps important functions on physical dials. If you value clever interior tricks and fuss-free controls, the HR-V is more usable; if you need seat and boot space or want a tighter budget, the MG ZS delivers.

HR-V

Cabin feel and perceived quality

The Honda HR-V’s interior projects a tougher, more purposeful feel with sensible materials and lots of tactile switches that age well under daily use. The MG ZS feels more generously equipped but reveals more cost-conscious plastics and simpler finishing on close inspection, which undermines its initial “value” appeal for buyers who care about haptics. MG offsets that with a long warranty and abundant standard kit, giving confidence on ownership even if the cabin lacks luxury touches. For buyers who prize perceived quality and ergonomics, the HR-V feels more cohesive; for those who prioritise spec and reassurance on paper, the MG ZS is persuasive.

ZS

Who should choose which car — buyer fit and next steps

Pick the Honda HR-V if you’re a city or suburban commuter who values clever interior flexibility, tidy ergonomics and a calm everyday driving character; it’s aimed at pragmatic families and buyers who prefer tangible controls over gadgetry. Choose the MG ZS if your priority is rear-seat comfort, maximum luggage room and the lowest outlay for a full-hybrid package plus a long warranty — it suits larger families and budget-conscious buyers who want equipment and space. Both cars make sensible cases for different priorities, so use these practical distinctions to guide your test drive: try the HR-V for its usability and manners, and the MG ZS to experience its space, punch and spec before you move on to the technical comparison.

Frequently compared as well

Honda HR-V
Honda Jazz
VS
Think of the HR-V as the SUVs' extrovert — taller stance, more boot space and a confident road presence — while the Jazz is the clever, city‑savvy hatch that hides a brilliant, flexible cabin and frugal running costs. Choose the HR-V if you need space and SUV style; pick the Jazz if you value …
Honda HR-V
Honda ZR-V
VS
Choosing between the Honda HR-V and the Honda ZR-V comes down to whether you prefer a nimble subcompact crossover (HR-V) or a slightly larger, more spacious compact SUV (ZR-V) — both deliver Honda’s practicality and efficiency. This quick comparison will focus on the key differences in size, …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

HR-V

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

MG ZS is significantly cheaper – starting at 18,000 £ , while the Honda HR-V costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,066 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the MG ZS uses 5.1 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Honda HR-V with 5.4 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

ZS

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the MG ZS offers clearly more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 66 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the MG ZS is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 8.7 s, while the Honda HR-V takes 10.6 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Honda HR-V delivers significantly more torque with 253 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 105 Nm more.

HR-V

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MG ZS is only slightly lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,452 kg. The difference is around 122 kg.

Looking at boot space, the MG ZS offers clearly more boot space – 443 L compared to 319 L. That’s a difference of about 124 L.

When it comes to payload, the MG ZS carries somewhat more – 470 kg compared to 418 kg. That’s a difference of about 52 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The MG ZS is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £18,000
ZS

MG ZS

  • Engine Type Petrol, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
details
Honda HR-V
MG ZS

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a compact crossover that blends practical versatility with a comfortable, refined cabin, making it a strong choice for daily driving and weekend trips. Its clever packaging and easy-to-use features give owners flexible cargo space and a confidence-inspiring driving experience without feeling fussy.

details
341992_N_chste_Generation_Der_neue_Honda_HR-V
341983_N_chste_Generation_Der_neue_Honda_HR-V
341976_N_chste_Generation_Der_neue_Honda_HR-V
346745_2021_Honda_HR-V_e_HEV

Reviews Honda HR-V

4.3 (22 Reviews)
rate
Overall, owners tend to find the Honda HR‑V a practical, reliable and economical compact SUV that’s easy to live with in town and for family duties, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride. Common positives include good fuel economy, roomy/intuive packaging and reassuring manners; common negatives some owners mention are noticeable noise under brisk acceleration or low‑speed maneuvers and a tendency to feel underpowered on sustained highway runs. So while feedback is broadly favorable for city and everyday use, opinions are more mixed on long‑distance refinement — worth a motorway run during your test drive if that’s your regular terrain.
Sina
13 Sept 2026, 12:39:35

Quality&material, reliability.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Frank
9 Sept 2026, 15:59:20

I've tested quite a few hybrid cars and find the Honda HR‑V the most practical and convenient car. In terms of drivetrain it might be in second place after the C‑HR.

Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Lou
26 Aug 2026, 19:05:19

The combustion engine is a bit noisy. The trunk isn't very big. The switch from combustion to electric is good.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
ROSE
23 Aug 2026, 16:54:02

Excellent vehicle. Premium feel, comfortable to drive. Economical. Legendary Honda reliability.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mir
20 Apr 2026, 08:19:16

High-tech features, excellent reliability, superb comfort and adaptability to a range of needs. Clean, elegant design.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

MG ZS

The MG ZS is a compact crossover that delivers strong value with a roomy cabin and straightforward tech, making it a sensible choice for budget-minded buyers. It’s easy to live with, offering comfortable rides and a practical layout that suits daily commutes and family errands.

details
MG-ZS-EV-dynamic
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-07
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-21
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-luxury_interior
MG-ZS-EV-PRESS-16

Reviews MG ZS

4.5 (5 Reviews)
rate
Constantin
9 Jun 2026, 22:34:01

I replaced my Dacia Jogger with an MG ZS Hybrid and I don't regret it.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Ahmed
30 Sept 2025, 14:05:11

With all the features it offers at that price, the MG has no competition. A BMW X1 of similar dimensions with a few extra upgrades costs more than twice as much, and considering that 40% of MG’s spare parts come from Germany (Bosch, Continental, etc.), I’d go for the MG ZS Hybrid without a second thought.

Frequently compared as well

Honda HR-V
VW T-Roc
VS
Choosing between the Honda HR‑V and the VW T‑Roc comes down to whether you prioritise practical versatility and fuel economy or sharper styling and a more engaging drive. In this comparison I’ll cut through the specs and show how they stack up on space, comfort, technology and running costs so you …
Honda HR-V
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
Choosing between the Honda HR-V and the Toyota Yaris Cross means deciding between two compact crossovers that prioritize practicality and city-friendly dimensions. The HR‑V is known for versatile interior packaging and composed driving, while the Yaris Cross emphasizes fuel efficiency, modern …
MG ZS
Nissan Qashqai
VS
Cheap and cheerful, the MG ZS punches above its price with a roomy, gadget-heavy cabin and surprisingly sprightly electric options, while the Nissan Qashqai feels more grown-up — quieter, better driven and tougher to fault on long motorway runs. Pick the ZS if you want maximum kit for your money; …
MG ZS
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The MG ZS and the Toyota Yaris Cross are two popular compact crossovers aimed at buyers who want SUV styling without big running costs. The ZS undercuts with strong equipment and roomy cabin for the money, while the Yaris Cross prioritises refinement, hybrid efficiency and Toyota’s proven …
Honda HR-V
Lexus LBX
VS
The Honda HR-V is the sensible, roomy all‑rounder—efficient, practical and easy on the wallet—while the Lexus LBX swaps utility for boutique luxury, sharper finishes and a hushed cabin. If you want value and usable space, pick the HR‑V; if you crave premium materials, a posh badge and don’t mind …
MG MG3
MG ZS
VS
Choosing between the compact MG3 hatchback and the larger MG ZS crossover comes down to whether you prioritise city-friendly agility and low running costs or interior space and practicality. This comparison covers driving character, equipment, fuel economy and ownership costs to help you pick the …
Honda HR-V
Nissan Qashqai
VS
Choosing between the Honda HR‑V and the Nissan Qashqai comes down to how you balance practical space, fuel economy and driving refinement. The HR‑V shines for clever interior packaging and city-friendly practicality, while the Qashqai prioritizes comfort, tech features and a more composed on-road …
Jeep Avenger
MG ZS
VS
The Jeep Avenger and the MG ZS both aim at buyers wanting a small, practical SUV but take very different approaches. The Avenger is a compact, city-friendly Jeep with an electric drivetrain and rugged styling, while the MG ZS is a budget-focused small SUV offering spacious practicality and a choice …
Honda HR-V
MG ZS

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 34,700 £
Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
122 g/km
co2
115 - 145 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,452 kg
Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
Trunk capacity
319 L
Trunk capacity
443 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,866 mm
Width
1,818 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
418 kg
Payload
375 - 470 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
131 HP
Power HP
116 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.6 - 10.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
253 Nm
Torque
148 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
96 kW
Power kW
85 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Honda
Brand
MG
What drivetrain options does the Honda HR-V have?

The Honda HR-V is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.