VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
125 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
275 Nm
Fuel
6.5
6.9 l/100km
Towing
1600
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.8
—
Engine
1995
1496 cc
Choosing between the KIA SPORTAGE and the MG HS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@4000 while the MG HS produces 125 kW. On fuel, the SPORTAGE returns 6.5 while the HS uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R379 995 for the SPORTAGE and R499 900 for the HS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
130kW@4000
125 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
275 Nm
0-100 kph
9.8
—
Top Speed
194
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
1496 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
55 l
CO2 Emissions
174
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445
4655 mm
Width
1855
1890 mm
Height
1635
1655 mm
Wheelbase
2640
2765 mm
Ground Clearance
172
—
Kerb Weight
1574
1562 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
507-1484 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1887
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
100000
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA SPORTAGE
3 / 4 categories
Performance
HS
Fuel Economy
SPORTAGE
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
SPORTAGE
Pros & Cons
KIA SPORTAGE
Better fuel economy (6.5)
Lower starting price (R379 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
No factory service plan
MG HS
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SPORTAGE or HS?
The SPORTAGE uses 6.5 and the HS uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The SPORTAGE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the SPORTAGE or HS?
The SPORTAGE produces 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque while the HS delivers 125 kW and 275 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SPORTAGE and HS?
The SPORTAGE starts from R379 995 and the HS from R499 900. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R119 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SPORTAGE or HS?
The SPORTAGE has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the HS can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SPORTAGE or the HS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.