2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ review

The second generation MG ZS continues to be one of the cheapest new small SUVs in Australia, now with a hybrid option for the first time. But what are the tradeoffs?

Looking for a new SUV but on a tight budget? Amid cost-of-living pressures, the MG ZS and ZST have been a popular choice for many Australians, helping the Chinese car brand re-establish itself Down Under as a top 10 best-selling automaker.

Now, the ZS small SUV has entered its second generation with new looks, technology, and the option of a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.

Yet, despite some price rises, it’s still one of the most affordable SUVs on sale thanks to sharp promotions – starting from $25,990 and maxing out at just $34,990 drive-away as at the time of publication – when some other rival entry-level SUVs don’t even touch the MG’s top-end.

But what’s the catch and how fuel-efficient is MG’s hybrid? We tested the flagship Essence Hybrid+ for a week to test it out.

NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by MG Motor Australia for an eight-day independent evaluation. We have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.

Vehicle tested:

Model	2026 MG ZS
Variant	Essence Hybrid+
Starting price	$34,990 drive-away (July 2025 promotional pricing)
Exterior colour	Lunar Grey Metallic (+$700)
Interior colour	Black PVC
Country made	China

Design and quality.

The new MG ZS is evolutionary in design changes with a more mature, rather than sporty look.

Gone are the angular lights and faux red brake callipers on the ZST. The second-generation MG ZS has grown up with a bolder grille, classier alloy wheels on this top-spec Essence, and a rather conventional crossover SUV shape.

There isn’t much wow factor, but the conservative and generic design may appeal to the masses.

Similarly, the ZS’ interior is evolutionary with the touchscreen still set lower down in the dashboard, alongside a redesigned centre console, hexagonal air vents, and a new steering wheel in line with the MG 4.

Materials are good in places including a perforated flat bottom leatherette steering wheel, nice metal imitation and minimal gloss black trims, an aeroplane-style gear shifter, satisfyingly clicky buttons and switches, and a soft-touch dashboard.

However, there are some budget areas including a hard plastic door top – even if it gives the impression of leather with a faux stitching line – thinly padded door armrests, and rough plastic surface at the new dashboard shelf.

While the ZS is ‘all-new’, there are still some parts that have been transferred from the old model – namely the same overhead light switches and sunglasses holder on the Essence, interior door handles, and wing mirror switches.

The glovebox hinge is now dampened and opens smoothly, yet the centre armrest lid still flops down abruptly. Similarly, the key fob remains the same design with a cheap-feeling plastic build with rubber buttons.

Practicality.

2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ dimensions:

Length x width x height	4430 x 1818 x 1635mm
Wheelbase	2610mm
Ground clearance	161mm
Boot space (min / rear seats folded)	443 / 1457 litres
Rear seat split fold	60:40
Child seat anchors	2x ISOFIX and 3x top tethers
Air-conditioning system	Single-zone climate control with rear air vents

The 2026 MG ZS is still a practical and family-friendly small SUV, with even more interior space than before.

The 443-litre boot is a whopping 84 litres larger than its predecessor – impressive for a small SUV. An adjustable two-level boot floor allows for a flat loading lip, too.

Disappointingly, while there are two bag hooks, they’re tiny and the single LED light illumination is dimmer than ideal at night.

The tailgate is also manually operated across the range, and we found that it was heavy to close on our tester, often requiring two hands despite the presence of a handle. The boot release button also isn’t recessed under the licence plate, so it isn’t easy to open with one hand either.

Inside the rear row, the MG ZS small SUV offers good headroom thanks to the boxy design and adequate legroom, with only a small centre floor transmission hump. There are two directional air vents, well-sized door pockets, and seatback pockets.

But the rear seat area is where the Chinese car brand’s cost-cutting is most obvious to achieve an affordable price.

There are no rear row lights – so it’s pitch black at night – neither is a fold-down middle armrest with any cup holders, and there’s only one old-type USB-A charging port – despite the introduction of USB-C up front.

While the Essence gains an openable panoramic glass roof, it is slightly shorter than its predecessor. The built-in sunshade is still thin and semi-transparent, letting the sun in when closed.

Meanwhile, front occupants now benefit from an open shelf on the dashboard – even though it has a coarse plastic surface.

A key step back compared to the original ZS is its tiny cup holders. While it has an adjustable slider in the middle, it’s too narrow to fit more than one small cup. At least the door bottle pockets are large.

The redesigned centre console also introduces a large rubberised pad, but it’s shallow and items will fly away with some more zealous cornering. The tray ahead of the shifter is still too small for larger phones with a cable plugged in, and the centre armrest bin is also small.

That’s unlike the well-sized glovebox which has a dampened hinge, as is the carryover overhead sunglasses holder (a rare feature in new cars nowadays) and bright LED lights for the front row – but only on the top-spec Essence.

One-touch auto down windows are available for all four doors, but only the driver’s side is auto up as well – another budget sign. The rear-view mirror is frameless on the Essence, but there’s no auto-dimming.

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) faux leather seats are supportive, with manual lumbar support for the driver, and have heating functionality. The latter merely offers one level, so it’s either on or off.

The MG SUV doesn’t have a heated steering wheel either.

Unfortunately, the new MG ZS’ single-zone climate control is now operated via the touchscreen even more. The physical row of temperature and fan switches are no longer; instead they’re now buried within the centre display.

At least there’s a widget on the home screen for quick access to the temperature and recirculation buttons, and the software is quicker to respond with prominent touchscreen buttons. Therefore, delving into the full climate page for other controls isn’t too annoying – it just takes some adjusting to.

While MG offers a shortcut to adjust the climate control via the steering wheel D-pad, it does not pop up when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It’s quick and easy to press the home button, though.

Front and rear window demisters are easily accessible with physical buttons.

Technology.

2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ tech features:

12.3-inch touchscreen running MG software	7.0-inch part digital driver instrument display
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, and 1x 12-volt charging ports
Built-in maps	Six speakers
MG iSmart connected services with mobile app (one-year included)	Proximity key with auto-folding mirrors

The second-generation MG ZS has substantially improved its technology and software, but it could still be more polished.

The larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen is high resolution and bright – even though it still isn’t in the driver’s line of sight.

While the display is slanted and has a fingerprint resistant matte coating, it is susceptible to the sun’s glare.

Importantly, the new MG ZS features much improved software that’s a substantial upgrade than the old model and is notably better than the two-year-old MG 4 electric hatchback.

It’s now much quicker to respond and has a more modern user interface, with bigger buttons, larger and bolder text, and a more mature touch sound effect that were key sore points in the past.

A row of clicky physical switches beneath allow for quick access to the home screen and volume controls.

However, the software still doesn’t offer an automatic brightness function (only auto light/dark modes) – so driver’s need to swipe down the screen and adjust every time. Even on the lowest setting, it is still brighter than ideal at night.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still require plugging in a USB-A cable, with no Qi wireless charging pad available on any ZS variant.

While MG offers two custom star buttons on the steering wheel, the pop-up for the climate controls can’t show when using the smartphone projection systems, yet the volume overlay does – a software oversight that wasn’t present on the older MG 4.

Chinese cars usually carry software with nebulous English translations and, while the new ZS is generally well-designed, it still calls the wing mirrors ‘rearview mirrors’ instead just like the Leapmotor C10, and the option to automatically turn on the 360-degree cameras when indicating is awkwardly labelled ‘steering with peace of mind’.

Additionally, the 7.0-inch part digital instrument display has an inconsistent interface which looks older than the central screen, and has the same lack of auto brightness issue – although it’s now linked with the main display.

MG iSmart connected services are included for the first one year – which is lacklustre when other car brands provide it for up to seven years.

The iSmart mobile app has improved with a more modern design, with the ability to turn on the climate control, heated seats, trigger the alarm, and monitor its location.

Yet, the Android app has had a bug with the QR code scanner that prevents owners from ‘binding’ with the car for months, owners can’t trigger the window demisters via the app, and it goes into a deep sleep mode after the car has been parked for a couple of days.

Safety.

2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ safety features:

Front AEB with vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection	360-degree camera system
Blind-spot detection	Rear parking sensors
Rear cross-traffic alert	Door open warning
Lane-keep assist	Road sign detection and speed limit assist
Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist	Part LED headlights and tail-lights

The 2026 MG ZS has gained much improved safety assistance systems, including more dependable adaptive cruise and a clear 360-degree camera system.

The all-new ZS now packs every active safety assist feature as standard. Compared to its predecessor and the MG 4 electric car, the Chinese carmaker has re-calibrated its systems to be less intrusive.

Adaptive cruise control now accelerates and brakes more smoothly with no aggressive slow-down when turning a bend.

Likewise, lane-centring assist is much more light – although it’s so subtle that it’s a very hands-on system. A light tune is still more welcome than an aggressive one, though.

The 360-degree surround-view camera system is far more clearer and high resolution.

Yet, it still doesn’t match the bar of its Japanese, Korean and European rivals. Even on the shortest distance setting, MG’s adaptive cruise keeps too wide of a gap with the vehicle in front, the lane-centring assist still likes to constantly twitch the wheel when the driver intervenes, and there aren’t any front parking sensors with only three rear sensors.

The indicator sounds still cancel out when another safety system is triggered, including the overspeed warnings, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors – a typical Chinese car trait.

Furthermore, the European-mandated speed limit assist system isn’t calibrated well for Australian road signs as it often detects the wrong speed limit, including highway off-ramp exit speed signs, and doesn’t understand school zone times.

At least the overspeed warning chimes aren’t too annoying, unlike Hyundai and Kia’s system, and the almost accurate speedometer (albeit around 1km/h off) on the MG means you’ll likely be (actually) going over the detected limit when it’s sounding off.

LED headlights are standard on the Essence, providing good reach and spread visibility at night. But unlike the old ZST, it reverts to halogen-type front turn indicators, along with halogen rear indicators and reverse bulbs.

The 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ has a four-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating under 2024 testing criteria – with 75 per cent adult occupant protection, 84 per cent child occupant protection, 73 per cent vulnerable road user protection, and 79 per cent safety assist scores.

Range and fuel consumption.

2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ fuel and efficiency specs:

Claimed driving range (combined cycle)	1170km
Claimed fuel efficiency (combined cycle)	4.7L/100km
Battery size and type	1.83kWh NMC lithium-ion battery
Fuel tank size	41 litres
Minimum fuel quality requirement	95 RON
Claimed CO2 exhaust emissions (combined)	110g/km
European emissions compliance	Euro 5

The 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ indicated an average fuel efficiency of 5.4L/100km after a week of mixed driving.

This results in a real-world driving range of about 759km from its 41-litre fuel tank.

Unlike regular petrol-only variants, the fuel tank is 14 litres smaller and requires pricier 95 RON premium unleaded petrol as a minimum.

While MG’s series-parallel hybrid system does save fuel, it isn’t as frugal as its rivals. For context, we achieved 5.0L/100km in real-world testing with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid.

While we haven’t tested the regular petrol-only ZS yet, the Chinese brand claims the hybrid only saves 2.2L/100km on the combined driving cycle.

It is self-contained with the battery recharged via the engine and regenerative braking; no plug-in charging is required.

The fuel cap is located at the left rear-quarter side of the vehicle.

Driving.

2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+ powertrain specs:

Engine and Electric motor	1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine + 100kW EV motor
Power	158kW
Torque	465Nm
Transmission	Three-speed torque convertor automatic
Drive type	FWD
Tare weight	1400kg
Payload	~459kg
Towing (unbraked / braked)	500 / 500kg

While the MG ZS Hybrid+ may not be as fuel efficient, the key benefit of its petrol-electric hybrid system is its extra power.

A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is combined with an electric motor to produce up to 158kW of power and 465Nm of torque combined via a unique three-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to the middling standard petrol engine, there’s plenty of punch thanks in part to the instant response from the 100kW EV motor – but it’s still controlled, and doesn’t overload and slip the front wheels when pushed.

The ZS’ handling feels nimble thanks to its smaller dimensions and 1.4-tonne tare weight, with sport mode making the steering wheel feel heavier with a press of a button on the centre console.

On paper, it’s meant to be a hot SUV – but it’s nowhere as fun to drive as the MG 4 electric hatch.

The electronic gear shifter is extrovertedly designed like a fighter jet and the engine push button start is at the centre console, too.

However, the series-parallel hybrid system could be more refined. Unlike other brands, the MG Hybrid+ system rarely deactivates the petrol engine when slowing down and coasting; it only turns off at low speeds.

The three-speed auto also keeps the engine revving higher than ideal on the highway – alll to keep the small 1.83kWh lithium-ion battery charged up with optimum power delivery as part of a software update that was released late last year.

In one case where the hybrid battery drained while the SUV was idle, there was still noticeably reduced power when accelerating up onto the highway immediately after. There was still enough push with a harder accelerator press required.

I could also hear the hybrid battery cooling fan running underneath the rear seats intermittently in the interior when driving – which is not a good sign, at least on our test vehicle.

Three regenerative braking levels are available, but it defaults to two every time you start the MG hybrid SUV. Driver’s can program one of the star buttons to adjust the regen, but I prefer the default setting anyway as the strongest setting feels like an abrupt on/off brake switch.

The driver’s footrest pedal is also too narrow with my feet half resting on it.

Another key cost-cutting measure is that the steering wheel still only adjusts up and down, but not in and out, as per the previous gen MG ZS.

MG’s cheapest small SUV offers good all-round visibility with large rear windows and compact dimensions.

Warranty and servicing.

2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ capped-price servicing costs:

1 year/15,000km	2 years/30,000km	3 years/45,000km	4 years/60,000km	5 years/75,000km
$144	$304	$208	$432	$144

The 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ is covered by a long 10-year/250,000km vehicle and battery warranty – albeit on the condition that you service it with a MG dealer.

Both are one of the longest in the industry, in line with Nissan and Mitsubishi, and Toyota in the case of the battery coverage.

However, owners who use the MG for commercial purposes, including rideshare, are covered by a shorter seven-year/160,000km conditional vehicle and battery warranty.

If owners choose to not service the ZS with a MG dealer, a seven-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle and battery warranty applies instead.

Servicing is required every one year/15,000km (whichever occurs first) with prices fixed for the first five visits.

After the first five years/75,000km, it’ll cost a reasonable $1232 in total to service the hybrid MG small SUV.

Roadside assistance is included for up to 10 years/250,000km provided you service it with an MG dealer every time, as it renews every one year.

One year of MG iSmart connected services are included for the new vehicles – which is short for the industry – with it costing $50 per year to optionally maintain afterwards.

Unfortunately, ZS Hybrid+ models don’t include any form of spare tyre. Only a temporary patch-up goo kit is provided.

Price and rivals.

2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ model range pricing (accurate as at the time of publication):

Excite Hybrid+	Essence Hybrid+
From $32,990 drive-away*	From $34,990 drive-away*

The 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ is priced from $32,990 drive-away in Australia as at July 2025.

Two variants are offered with sharp promotional pricing from MG that undercuts many non-electrified small SUV rivals’ base models, despite some price rises.

Compared to the regular petrol version, the ZS Hybrid+ represents a $6000 to $7000 premium. It also costs about $4000 more than the more similarly-powered turbocharged petrol engine.

All exterior colours except Dover White costs $700, with the Essence having the choice of a black or ‘Warm White’ interior for no extra cost.

The 2026 MG ZS Hybrid+ directly rivals the following hybrid small SUVs:

• GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid
• Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid (full review)
• Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
• Nissan Qashqai e-Power (full review)

Other alternatives to the MG ZS Hybrid+ include:

• MG 4 (full review)
• Mazda CX-30 (full review)
• Volkswagen T-Cross (full review)
• Kia Seltos (full review)
• Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid (full review)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid (full review)

Would I pick the 2026 MG ZS Essence Hybrid+?

The second-generation MG ZS Hybrid+ is much improved, yet still one of the cheapest new small SUVs in Australia – but there are some tradeoffs.

The tech and safety assists have taken a significant step up, the interior is still spacious and family-friendly, and the optional hybrid system gives some good punch – while retaining a good value price and a long warranty.

Yet, MG’s hybrid system isn’t as refined as its rivals with a battery fan that audibly runs intermittently, and there are still some continued basic cost-cutting compromises such as limited steering wheel adjustment and no rear interior lights.

I’d pick the entry-level ZS Excite Hybrid+ which provides most kit for $33K drive-away and much more power than the base non-turbocharged petrol engine.

The ZS Hybrid+ is attractively priced and it’s commendable that it’s still one of the most affordable new SUVs in Australia, but note that there are some shortcomings to achieve its affordable cost.

Photographs by Henry Man

READ MORE: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid review

READ MORE: 2024 Hyundai Kona Hybrid review: The new default.

READ MORE: Nissan e-Power hybrid review

Pros:

• Still-affordable price
• Much improved tech and safety assists
• Small footprint, spacious interior
• Powerful hybrid system
• Long warranty

Cons:

• Audible hybrid battery fan
• Hybrid isn’t as refined, premium petrol required
• Compromised cost-cutting in some areas
• No rear interior lights
• Tech still has room for improvement