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Kia Sportage vs MG ZS comparison

Compare performance (288 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 – Kia Sportage or MG ZS?

Kia Sportage vs MG ZS: Key differences

Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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MG ZS

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • a bit lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Sportage

Quick snapshot: Kia Sportage VS MG ZS

Kia Sportage and MG ZS set up a classic trade‑off: the Sportage pushes refinement, space and long‑distance calm, while the MG ZS undercuts on price and delivers an eager hybrid character in town. The Sportage feels more grown‑up in its presentation and on the motorway, whereas the MG ZS makes the better argument when acquisition cost and urban drivability matter most. That split plays through to ride quality, perceived build quality and how tiring a long trip becomes. Read on to see how those differences translate into everyday use rather than spec sheets.

ZS

Cabin feel and perceived quality

Inside, the Kia Sportage projects a more considered, slightly more premium environment while the MG ZS is deliberately pragmatic and cost‑aware. Sportage materials around the driver are nicer to touch and the cabin settles into a quieter, more composed atmosphere; MG ZS relies on harder plastics but rewards with generous glazing and a bright, airy feel. The trade‑off is tactile: the Sportage feels like a small step up in ownership pride, but the MG ZS is honest about where the savings are made and remains perfectly usable. If tactile refinement and silence matter, the Sportage nudges ahead; if durability at a low price matters more, the MG ZS keeps things sensible.

Sportage

Comfort and long‑distance behaviour

On the motorway the Kia Sportage favors serenity — engine and wind intrusion are better suppressed and the suspension is tuned to reduce fatigue over long runs. The MG ZS is livelier off the line and feels more like a city‑first car, but its firmer setup and louder engine make long highway stints more wearing. In town the MG ZS’s hybrid system gives smooth, electric‑like launches that make traffic and short trips pleasant; the Sportage is comfortable too but its strengths come into focus over hundreds of kilometres rather than around the traffic lights. Choose the Sportage for calm, stress‑free tours; pick the MG ZS if you want brisk urban responses and don’t mind a firmer road feel at speed.

ZS

Practicality and family usability

Both cars are family‑friendly, but they approach practicality differently: the Kia Sportage offers smarter load‑fleets and a more flexible rear seat arrangement that adapts better to mixed luggage and passengers. The MG ZS gives excellent knee and headroom and a nearly flat boot floor that makes bulkier items easy to load, which is a win for everyday grocery runs and school gear. Sportage’s variable boot floor and split‑seat convenience make holiday packing less of a puzzle, while MG ZS’s straightforward layout is simpler and quicker to use. Families who need versatility for longer trips will prefer the Sportage’s clever touches; those who want maximum space for the money will appreciate the MG ZS’s pragmatic generosity.

Sportage

Daily driving, tech and usability

The Kia Sportage brings a more modern tech stack and nicer screens, but some of its touch‑sensitive controls require a learning curve and can distract when used on the move. The MG ZS keeps many comforts standard and its driver aids are generous for the price, though connectivity is more basic and some functions are tucked behind dated menus. In practice the Sportage feels more polished to interact with once you’ve adapted, whereas the MG ZS rewards straightforward use and a value‑first outlook. Warranty and equipment levels reduce ownership anxiety on both sides, so your daily preference for tactile tech or simple functionality should guide the choice.

ZS

Buyer fit: who should choose which car?

If your life includes regular motorway miles, frequent luggage swaps for holidays and you value a calmer, more refined cabin, the Kia Sportage will suit you better; it emphasises comfort, perceived quality and modular practicality. If you are budget‑sensitive, spend most of your time in town, want a punchy hybrid feel and lots of equipment for the money, the MG ZS makes more sense despite a firmer ride and simpler finishes. Neither car is aimed at the driving enthusiast, but the Sportage favours composed progress while the MG ZS favours value and urban zest. The technical comparison that follows will map engine character, efficiency and weights onto these real‑world differences so you can match the numbers to your routine.

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

Sportage

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

MG ZS is substantially cheaper – starting at 18,000 £ , while the Kia Sportage costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,143 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Sportage uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the MG ZS with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

ZS

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Sportage offers noticeably more power – delivering 288 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 91 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Sportage is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.5 s, while the MG ZS takes 8.7 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Sportage delivers significantly more torque with 380 Nm compared to 148 Nm. That’s about 232 Nm more.

Sportage

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, MG ZS is a bit lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,552 kg. The difference is around 222 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Sportage offers clearly more boot space – 587 L compared to 443 L. That’s a difference of about 144 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sportage carries slightly more – 580 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 110 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Sportage 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 £29,100
Sportage

Kia Sportage

  • Engine Type Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 136 - 288 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 63 - 66 km
Kia Sportage
MG ZS

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a roomy, well-equipped compact SUV that balances comfort and practicality for daily driving. It delivers a modern interior, composed ride, and strong value for buyers who want versatility without fuss.

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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
Kia Sportage
MG ZS

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,100 - 47,100 £
Price
18,000 - 24,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
63 - 66 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
67 - 177 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
1,552 - 1,896 kg
Curb weight
1,330 - 1,420 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
443 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,818 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
533 - 580 kg
Payload
375 - 470 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 288 HP
Power HP
116 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.7 - 12.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 380 Nm
Torque
148 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 212 kW
Power kW
85 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,495 - 1,498 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Kia
Brand
MG
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.