Kia Sportage vs MG ZS EV
Verdict
At RM129,639 for the Kia Sportage and RM126,629 for the MG ZS EV, the MG is RM3,010 cheaper yet gets a 174 hp/280 Nm electric motor, 320 km range, adaptive cruise, AEB, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The Sportage answers with proper C-segment size: 4,660 mm length, a 2,755 mm wheelbase and a 587-litre boot against the MG’s 4,323 mm, 2,585 mm and 448 litres. Space or kit? That is the real Malaysian buyer’s call here.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you want the larger SUV, the bigger 587-litre boot and petrol refuelling with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine.
Pick the MG ZS EV if you want electric drive, stronger 174 hp/280 Nm outputs, more driver assists and lower RM120 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM129,639; MG ZS EV RM126,629
- Powertrain: Kia 2.0L petrol with 154 hp/192 Nm; MG single electric motor with 174 hp/280 Nm
- Size: Kia 4,660 mm long with 2,755 mm wheelbase; MG 4,323 mm long with 2,585 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: Kia 587 litres; MG 448 litres
- Road tax: Kia RM440 per year; MG RM120 per year
- Rear suspension: Kia multi-link; MG torsion beam
Sportage
- Much larger body and wheelbase than the MG
- Bigger 587-litre boot
- Multi-link rear suspension and a space-saver spare wheel
- Costs RM3,010 more
- Lower outputs at 154 hp and 192 Nm
- Lacks AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise and 360-degree camera
ZS EV
- Cheaper to buy and cheaper to tax
- 174 hp/280 Nm electric motor with 320 km range
- Adds panoramic glass roof, powered driver seat, dual-zone climate control and stronger active safety kit
- Smaller B-segment body with a shorter 2,585 mm wheelbase
- Smaller 448-litre boot
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 129,639 | RM 126,629✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | — |
| Torque | 192 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 81 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 174 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 51.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 320 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 50 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 170 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,323 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,625 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,585 mm |
| Weight | 1,578 kg | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres✓ | 448 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 215/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Michelin Primacy 3 ST |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| 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 vs ZS EV FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or MG ZS EV better?
The MG ZS EV is better equipped and cheaper, with electric drive and more safety assists. The Kia Sportage is better if cabin and boot space matter more, because it is a larger C-segment SUV with a 587-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The MG ZS EV costs RM126,629 and the Kia Sportage costs RM129,639, so the MG is cheaper by RM3,010.
Which one is more practical for family use?
The Kia Sportage is more practical for luggage and space, with a 4,660 mm body, 2,755 mm wheelbase and 587-litre boot. The MG ZS EV counters with a 448-litre boot and a smaller B-segment footprint.