Kia Sportage vs MG HS
Verdict
These two are almost price-matched: the Kia Sportage costs RM129,639, just RM261 less than the MG HS. The Kia is the space play, with a 2,755 mm wheelbase and 587-litre boot against the MG’s 2,720 mm and 463 litres. The MG counters with more output from its smaller engine, 160 hp and 250 Nm versus 154 hp and 192 Nm, plus far lower annual road tax at RM120 against RM440. Both are petrol, front-driven C-segment SUVs with five seats, six airbags and five-year warranties.
Pick the Kia Sportage if boot space, the longer wheelbase and a conventional automatic matter more than annual road tax or peak torque.
Pick the MG HS if you want stronger on-paper torque, lower yearly road tax and do not need the Kia’s extra boot capacity.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM129,639; MG HS RM129,900
- Engine: Kia Sportage 1,999 cc; MG HS 1,490 cc
- Output: Kia Sportage 154 hp/192 Nm; MG HS 160 hp/250 Nm
- Size: Kia Sportage 4,660 mm long/2,755 mm wheelbase; MG HS 4,574 mm long/2,720 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: Kia Sportage 587 L; MG HS 463 L
- Road tax: Kia Sportage RM440 a year; MG HS RM120 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 129,639✓ | RM 129,900 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,999 cc | 1,490 cc |
| Power | 154 hp | 160 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,574 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,876 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,664 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Boot space | 587 L✓ | 463 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 55 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 440 | RM 120✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Sportage
- Larger 587-litre boot
- Longer 2,755 mm wheelbase
- Conventional automatic gearbox
- Less torque at 192 Nm
- Higher RM440 annual road tax
- Slightly narrower at 1,865 mm
HS
- Stronger 250 Nm torque figure
- Lower RM120 annual road tax
- Slightly wider and taller body
- Smaller 463-litre boot
- Shorter 2,720 mm wheelbase
- Dry dual-clutch automatic may not appeal to buyers who prefer a conventional auto
Sportage vs HS FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or MG HS better?
The Kia Sportage is better for space, with a 587-litre boot and longer 2,755 mm wheelbase. The MG HS is better for output and running cost on paper, with 160 hp, 250 Nm and RM120 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage is RM261 cheaper than the MG HS. At this level, the price gap is tiny, so the bigger decision is space versus torque and road tax.
Which SUV has the bigger boot?
The Kia Sportage has the bigger boot at 587 litres, compared with 463 litres in the MG HS. That is a 124-litre advantage for luggage, prams or balik kampung loads.