Verdict
Just RM261 separates these two C-segment SUVs, so this is a choice of priorities rather than budget. The MG HS brings 160 hp and 250 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo, against the Sportage’s 154 hp and 192 Nm 2.0-litre, plus a panoramic glass roof, navigation and a powered driver’s seat. The Kia counters with a 587-litre boot, 124 litres more than the MG, a 12.3-inch screen and wireless charging. Its RM440 annual road tax is steep beside the HS’s RM120, however.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you need the larger 587-litre boot, longer 2,755 mm wheelbase and a conventional six-speed automatic.
Pick the MG HS if you want 250 Nm turbo torque, a panoramic glass roof and unlimited-mileage warranty cover for RM261 more.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM129,639; MG HS RM129,900.
- Output: Kia Sportage 154 hp and 192 Nm; MG HS 160 hp and 250 Nm.
- Boot space: Kia Sportage 587 litres; MG HS 463 litres.
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage 2,755 mm; MG HS 2,720 mm.
- Infotainment: Kia Sportage 12.3-inch touchscreen with six speakers; MG HS 10.25-inch touchscreen.
- Road tax: Kia Sportage RM440 per year; MG HS RM120 per year.
Sportage
- 587-litre boot is 124 litres larger
- 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charger and six speakers
- Conventional six-speed automatic
- 192 Nm trails the MG HS’s 250 Nm
- No panoramic glass roof, navigation or powered driver’s seat
- Five-year/100,000 km warranty has a mileage cap
HS
- 160 hp and 250 Nm 1.5-litre turbo engine
- Panoramic glass roof, navigation and powered driver’s seat
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty plus seven-year unlimited-mileage powertrain cover
- 463-litre boot is 124 litres smaller
- 10.25-inch screen is smaller and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are wired
- No wireless charger or remote boot operation
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM129,639✓ | RM129,900 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,490 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | 160 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 74 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 7-speed, Twin-clutch Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | 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 |
| Weight | 1,578 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres✓ | 463 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Maxxis Bravo HPM5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| 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 |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| 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 | Single-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
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.
Used Sportage & HS for sale
Sportage vs HS FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or MG HS better?
The MG HS is better equipped for nearly the same money, with 250 Nm, a panoramic glass roof, navigation and a powered driver’s seat. Choose the Kia Sportage instead if its 587-litre boot, larger touchscreen and conventional automatic matter more.
What is the price difference?
The MG HS costs RM129,900 and the Kia Sportage costs RM129,639, making the MG RM261 more expensive. The MG’s annual road tax is RM120, against RM440 for the Kia.
Which has the larger boot, the Kia Sportage or MG HS?
The Kia Sportage has the larger boot at 587 litres. The MG HS has 463 litres, leaving the Kia with a 124-litre advantage for luggage or family shopping.
