VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
103 kW
Torque
275 Nm
172 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
800 Kg
Engine
1496 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the MG HS and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The MG HS delivers 125 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 103 kW. On fuel, the HS returns 6.9 l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R534 900 for the HS and R532 300 for the Corolla Cross. 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.
Specification
MG HS1.5t Luxury A/T 2025 - From R534 900
Toyota Corolla Cross1.8 GR-S 2026 - From R532 300
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
103 kW
Torque
275 Nm
172 Nm
Top Speed
195 Km/h
185 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
47 l
CO2 Emissions
156 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4655 mm
4460 mm
Width
1890 mm
1825 mm
Height
1655 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2765 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
—
161 mm
Kerb Weight
1602 Kg
1325 / 1395 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
507-1484 l
434 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
800 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 engine
3
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG HS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
HS
Fuel Economy
Corolla Cross
Value
Tied
Practicality
HS
Pros & Cons
MG HS
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla Cross
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R532 300)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the HS or Corolla Cross?
The HS uses 6.9 l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the HS or Corolla Cross?
The HS produces 125 kW and 275 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 103 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The HS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the HS and Corolla Cross?
The HS starts from R534 900 and the Corolla Cross from R532 300, a difference of just R2 600, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the HS or Corolla Cross?
The HS has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Corolla Cross can tow 800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the HS or the Corolla Cross?
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.