Is this the Ultimate Family SUV? Great Value and Impressive EV Range: MG HS Plug-in Hybrid Review
Watch DriverReviews ambassador Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the new MG HS PHEV.
Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she gets behind the wheel of the second-generation MG HS Plug-in Hybrid - a smart, budget-friendly SUV aiming to stand out in the crowded family car market. With updated styling, a spacious cabin, and impressive tech for the money, the HS PHEV offers up to 75 miles of electric-only range, low company car tax, and a smooth, quiet driving experience. In top-spec Trophy trim, it also delivers a strong 370hp combined output from its petrol-electric powertrain. But does this plug-in SUV deliver more than just great value? Is it practical, well-equipped, and genuinely enjoyable to live with? And can it tempt drivers away from pricier rivals like the Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan?
Specifications
Price: From £25,000 up to approx. £34,000 for the Trophy specification
Electric Range: 75 miles
Boot Space: 507 litres
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds
Estimated Charging Time: 4 hours to 100% on a 7kW fast charger
Exterior
The latest MG HS is the largest yet, being wider and longer, although it is slightly shorter in height, with neater overhangs that rise towards the rear, giving the HS a coupé-like appearance. The huge front grille is impossible to miss when standing in front of the car, and this means there is less space for anything else, which is perhaps why the headlights are on the slimmer side. Running alongside the edges of the HS are steps, most often seen on large SUVs, to help you climb in and out of the car. Vicki says that, in her opinion, they aren’t really needed on the MG HS, but they do add to its overall look. We would love to know what you think: do you agree with Vicki that they enhance the car's appearance, or not? Let us know in the comments. Moving to the rear of the car, one of the striking features is the X-shaped brake lights.
You can access the boot through keyless entry, which is useful if you have shopping bags and no spare hand to grab the key and press the tailgate button. However, the key is required to open the other doors, which is a little nonsensical given that the boot can be opened without it. Once the tailgate is open, you have access to at least 507 litres of space, which is better than the Volkswagen Tiguan but not as much as the Kia Sportage. If you need more space, you can drop the rear seats to create 1,484 litres of space, almost trebling the amount.
Wheels & Tyre Talk
The 'Trophy' specification HS that we reviewed comes with 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels surrounded by Bridgestone Alenza 001 tyres.
These tyres have been reviewed by hundreds of drivers on DriverReviews, who have provided real-world feedback on their performance. They have achieved an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Interior
There’s plenty of technology inside the HS for you to get involved with. Where should you start? For example, you can fold the wing mirrors in to help with parking in tight spaces or when leaving the car parked on a road with passing traffic. While you might expect this feature, you might not have expected the mirrors to have a heating function to help clear them when there is morning mist blocking your view. Another parking aid is the 360-degree camera, which provides a clear view of what is behind you, as well as a top-down view showing the space into which you are trying to manoeuvre the HS.
For those who like to have a karaoke session on their commute, there’s an 8-speaker audio system, decent storage in the doors and a good-sized glove box. The HS also comes with a mobile phone charging pad, so you don’t need to remember to bring a charging cable on longer journeys. The touchscreen main screen of the infotainment system makes navigating the car’s settings much easier, and it is surprisingly responsive given the MG HS's price point.
Although you can forget your mobile phone charging cable, you will actually need it if you want to connect your phone via Apple CarPlay. Vicki also points out that it took her a while to find the perfect seating position, as it seems that MG has opted for a one-size-fits-all approach with the seats. She would have liked to see more sculpting.
Vicki describes the rear of the HS as a pleasant place to be, as it is spacious. She goes on to say that there is definitely enough room for a passenger who is 6 feet tall to sit behind a driver who is also 6 feet tall. This could be ideal for families with grown-up children, or perhaps for office car-sharers. There are two USB ports in the back for passengers to charge their devices, and if there are just two people in the back, the armrest can be lowered to reveal two cup holders, which would be a welcome addition for holding morning coffee.
Engine & EV Range
You may need to get used to the fact that there is no engine noise to indicate that the car is on. Accelerating from a standstill to 62 mph takes 6.8 seconds, which isn't too bad for a car of its size. However, the star of the show here is the battery, which gives you 75 miles of range before it needs to be charged. This could be a fantastic solution for those who cover short distances each week — you might not even use the petrol engine at all! Compared to competitors, the Kia Sportage offers only half the range of the HS, and the Volkswagen Tiguan offers 15 miles less, making the HS class-leading. You can slow the car down using various levels of regenerative braking, which you can configure to your liking, as well as the physical brakes.
Steering Modes, Weight & Handling
When it comes to steering, there are three modes – comfort, normal and sport – which can be changed either through the main infotainment screen or by setting a shortcut to cycle through them using a button on the steering wheel itself. Vicki suggests that comfort mode is the best option, as the other two leave the steering a little too heavy.
Unsurprisingly, the HS is the heaviest in the range, weighing in at 1,875 kg — heavier than the all-electric Tesla Model 3. However, the potential for additional weight doesn't stop there, as you can add a roof box for extra storage, which adds another 75 kg and takes the HS to nearly two tonnes. Bearing this in mind, Vicki says that, when it comes to handling, the HS is more competent than captivating, and that the grip and comfort levels are “highly decent” at all speeds.
Plug-in Hybrid Charging
Charging the HS PHEV through a 3-pin socket would take around 7.5 hours, so it is best to do this overnight. However, if you have access to a home wall box, it would take half that time. If you have a good overnight tariff, that would make it relatively cheap (cheaper than petrol anyway!).
Vicki’s Verdict
“The enticing thing is that it offers a lot for comparatively little money, saving you £7,000 or more compared to rivals, and it comes with an attractive 7-year warranty.”
If you're looking for an SUV that offers fantastic value for money and can help you save money on fuel, the MG HS PHEV should certainly be at the top of your shortlist. With an all-electric range of 75 miles, ample storage space, and a comfortable ride, we would argue that this car is well worth considering.
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