The 2025 MG HS Essence is MG’s flagship midsize SUV, offering a premium driving experience without the premium price tag. With a refined design, a feature-rich interior, and an impressive suite of safety technology, the HS Essence competes against top players like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V. But does it have what it takes to stand out in this competitive market? This detailed review covers its design, performance, interior comfort, technology, and overall value.
Exterior Design: Bold Yet Elegant
The 2025 MG HS Essence sports a modern and stylish exterior that immediately catches the eye.
Front Fascia and Lighting
- The front grille is large and distinctive, featuring MG’s signature chrome accents and a prominent emblem.
- The sleek LED headlights provide excellent illumination and add a high-tech look.
- The lower bumper incorporates stylish air intakes, enhancing aerodynamics while giving the SUV a sporty touch.
Side Profile and Rear Design
- The sculpted body lines and 19-inch alloy wheels give the HS Essence a confident stance.
- Chrome window trim and subtle black cladding add to its premium feel.
- At the rear, slim LED taillights and a subtle roof spoiler enhance its modern aesthetic.
While not revolutionary in design, the HS Essence successfully blends elegance with sportiness, ensuring it looks as good in the city as it does on the highway.
Interior and Comfort: A Step Above Expectations
The cabin of the 2025 MG HS Essence feels more premium than its price suggests. MG has focused on high-quality materials and a driver-centric layout, making it a pleasant place to be.
Seating and Materials
- The leatherette-trimmed seats are soft yet supportive, providing good comfort for long drives.
- The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, a luxury rarely found in this price range.
- The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making it a practical choice for families.
Dashboard and Infotainment
- The 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the dashboard.
- The interface is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The 8-speaker premium audio system delivers a rich sound experience.
Additional Features
- A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light.
- Dual-zone climate control ensures comfort for all passengers.
- Wireless phone charging and multiple USB ports add convenience.
Overall, the HS Essence’s interior punches above its weight, providing a near-luxury experience in an affordable package.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2025 MG HS Essence is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 125kW (168hp) and 275Nm of torque.
Acceleration and Power Delivery
- The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) ensures smooth shifts.
- Acceleration is decent, though some turbo lag is noticeable at low speeds.
- The power delivery is linear, making it well-suited for urban and highway driving.
Handling and Ride Quality
- The independent rear suspension enhances stability and ride comfort.
- The steering is light but lacks some feedback at higher speeds.
- The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections, though it leans slightly on corners.
Fuel Efficiency
- MG claims a fuel economy of around 7.5L/100km, which is competitive for the segment.
- The turbocharged engine is efficient on highways but may consume more fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
While not the sportiest SUV in its class, the HS Essence offers a balanced ride with comfort-focused tuning.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
MG has packed the 2025 HS Essence with an extensive range of safety features, making it one of the safest choices in its category.
Key Safety Features
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Adaptive Cruise Control that maintains speed and adjusts distance automatically.
- Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keep Assist to help prevent unintentional lane drifting.
- Blind Spot Monitoring to warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for safer reversing in parking lots.
- 360-degree camera for easier maneuvering in tight spaces.
With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the HS Essence ensures peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The MG HS Essence is designed for practicality, making it an ideal choice for families and adventure seekers.
- The 507L boot space is generous, expanding to 1,484L with the rear seats folded down.
- The electric tailgate makes loading and unloading effortless.
- Plenty of storage compartments, including a spacious center console and door bins, add convenience.
For those needing a versatile vehicle for both urban commutes and weekend getaways, the HS Essence delivers.
Technology and Connectivity
MG has integrated the latest tech into the HS Essence, ensuring it meets modern expectations.
Infotainment System
- The 13-inch touchscreen offers a responsive and intuitive user experience.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone integration.
- The built-in satellite navigation provides accurate and real-time guidance.
Convenience Features
- A fully digital instrument cluster displays key driving information.
- Voice control allows hands-free access to essential functions.
- A premium 8-speaker audio system delivers high-quality sound.
While some competitors offer slightly more advanced software, the HS Essence’s tech package is still impressive for its price.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
The 2025 MG HS Essence competes against established midsize SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.
| Feature | MG HS Essence | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota RAV4 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo (168hp) | 2.5L NA (187hp) | 2.5L Hybrid (219hp) | 1.5L Turbo (190hp) |
| Infotainment Screen | 13-inch | 10.25-inch | 10.5-inch | 9-inch |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star ANCAP | 5-Star ANCAP | 5-Star ANCAP | 5-Star ANCAP |
| Starting Price | $40,990 | $42,000 | $44,000 | $41,500 |
While the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 offer slightly better performance, the HS Essence undercuts them in price while delivering more features.
Pricing and Ownership Costs
Price
- The 2025 MG HS Essence starts at $40,990 driveaway, making it one of the most affordable fully-loaded midsize SUVs.
Warranty & Servicing
- MG provides a 7-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, one of the best in the industry.
- Capped-price servicing keeps maintenance costs predictable.
Considering its pricing and warranty coverage, the HS Essence offers excellent value for money.
Verdict: Is the MG HS Essence Worth It?
Pros:
✅ Feature-rich interior with premium materials
✅ Advanced safety and technology package
✅ Panoramic sunroof and high-end convenience features
✅ Competitive pricing with a long warranty
Cons:
❌ Some turbo lag at low speeds
❌ Steering could offer better feedback
❌ Brand perception still evolving compared to Toyota & Honda
Final Rating: 8.5/10
For buyers seeking a stylish, well-equipped, and affordable SUV, the 2025 MG HS Essence is an excellent choice. While it may not have the brand prestige of Toyota or Honda, its impressive features and pricing make it a serious competitor in the midsize SUV market.