Review: MG ZS Hybrid+ Can it tow? Need a MG ZS Hybrid+ towbar?

Review: MG ZS Hybrid+ Can it tow?  Need a MG ZS Hybrid+ towbar?

The second-generation MG ZS Hybrid+ is one of the most aggressively priced full-hybrid compact SUVs on the market. It combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output approaching 200 hp, making it substantially more powerful than many budget-oriented hybrid rivals while remaining relatively fuel-efficient. The result is a car that offers exceptional equipment and performance for the money, but with some compromises in refinement and long-term reputation.

At a glance

Pros

• Outstanding value for money
• Powerful hybrid drivetrain (around 196–197 hp depending on market)
• Strong acceleration for the class
• Generous standard equipment
• Spacious rear seating
• Good city fuel economy
• Competitive warranty in many markets
• Modern infotainment and safety technology

Cons

• Engine can become noisy under heavy load
• Hybrid transmission can feel less refined than Toyota's systems
• Some driver-assistance systems can be intrusive
• Highway fuel economy advantage decreases at higher speeds
• Brand still has a weaker resale-value reputation than Toyota, Hyundai, or Kia
• Long-term reliability remains less proven than established Japanese hybrids

Design and Exterior

The second-generation ZS is a major improvement over the previous model. The styling is cleaner, more mature, and better proportioned. It no longer looks like a budget SUV trying to imitate premium competitors.

The front end features:

• Slim LED headlights
• Larger grille
• Sharper body lines
• More contemporary SUV proportions

While it won't stand out as dramatically as some Korean competitors, it looks modern and attractive.

Exterior rating: 8/10

Interior and Practicality

The cabin is where MG has improved the most.

Highlights include:

• Dual-screen layout
• Digital instrument cluster
• Soft-touch materials in key areas
• Good driving position
• Solid perceived quality for the price

Rear-seat accommodation is impressive for a compact SUV, making it suitable for families.

Boot capacity is around 443 liters, which is competitive but not class-leading. Some owners note that cargo space can feel smaller than expected when compared with larger rivals.   You can always fit a towbar if you need to carry more.

For the MG ZS II Hybrid+ (2024–2026), the maximum trailer weight is unfortunately surprisingly low compared with many competing compact SUVs:

Depending on the region, MG has provided different ratings from 500-1300kgs.  Check your owner’s manual!  In Australia all advertising points to only a 500kgs maximum.

If towing is important to you, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is not a strong choice. Its 500 kg maximum towing capacity is among the lowest in the compact SUV segment.  It will allow you to take a small trailer to the tip, or take your bikes along on the next weekend away

Technology

Typical equipment includes:

• Wireless smartphone connectivity (market dependent)
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree cameras on higher trims
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Heated seats
• Panoramic roof on premium versions

The feature list is one of the strongest selling points.

Interior rating: 8.5/10

Performance and Hybrid System

The Hybrid+ system is unusual.

Unlike Toyota's e-CVT setup, MG uses:

• 1.5L petrol engine
• Electric motor
• Small hybrid battery
• Multi-mode transmission

Output is approximately 196–197 hp depending on specification.

Real-world driving

In city traffic:

• Quick acceleration
• Frequent EV operation
• Smooth low-speed response
• Excellent fuel economy

On highways:

• Performance remains strong
• Engine can rev quite high under load
• Cabin noise increases noticeably

Several owners report occasional high-rpm behavior during hills or overtaking, which is characteristic of how the hybrid system manages battery charging and power delivery.

0–100 km/h

Depending on market and testing conditions:

• Roughly 8–8.7 seconds

That is significantly quicker than most mainstream hybrid compact SUVs at this price point.

Performance rating: 8.5/10

Fuel Economy

Official consumption is typically around:

• 4.7–5.1 L/100 km (WLTP depending on market)

Real-world owner reports commonly show:

• City: 3.8–5.0 L/100 km
• Mixed driving: 4.5–6.0 L/100 km
• Highway: 6.5–8.0 L/100 km depending on speed and terrain

Compared with Toyota hybrids:

• City efficiency is competitive
• Highway efficiency is generally less impressive

Fuel economy rating: 8/10

Ride and Handling

The ZS Hybrid+ is tuned for comfort rather than sporty driving.

Characteristics:

• Light steering
• Comfortable suspension
• Stable urban behavior
• Easy maneuverability

The downside:

• Not especially engaging
• More body roll than sportier competitors
• Some road and wind noise at motorway speeds

Owners generally report satisfaction with comfort, though several note that highway refinement could be better.

Ride and handling rating: 7.5/10

Safety

The ZS Hybrid received a 4-star Euro NCAP rating.

Scores include:

• Adult Occupant: 75%
• Child Occupant: 82%
• Vulnerable Road Users: 73%
• Safety Assist: 76%

Strengths

• Good crash structure performance
• Effective autonomous emergency braking
• Good child occupant protection
• Strong standard ADAS package

Weaknesses

• Far-side occupant protection rated poorly
• Driver monitoring system is less sophisticated than some rivals
• Highway-assist system rated "Moderate" by Euro NCAP in 2025 testing

Several owners also complain about overly sensitive driver-assistance alerts and lane-keeping interventions.

Safety rating: 8/10

Reliability and Ownership

This is currently the biggest question mark.

What looks promising

• MG's recent products have improved substantially
• Few widespread catastrophic issues reported so far
• Long warranties in many European markets

Unknowns

• Long-term durability of the hybrid system
• Parts availability in some countries
• Future resale values

Current owner feedback is generally positive, but most vehicles are still relatively new, making long-term conclusions premature.

Reliability confidence today: 7/10

Verdict

The MG ZS Hybrid+ is one of the strongest value propositions in the compact SUV market today.

It delivers:

• Excellent equipment
• Strong performance
• Low fuel consumption
• Good practicality
• Attractive pricing

Its main drawbacks are refinement, occasionally intrusive driver-assistance systems, and uncertainty about long-term reliability and resale values.

Overall score: 8.3/10

Who should buy it?

• Budget-conscious buyers wanting a full hybrid
• Families needing a compact SUV
• Drivers doing mostly urban and suburban journeys
• Buyers prioritizing equipment and value

Who should look elsewhere?

• Drivers spending most time on motorways
• Buyers prioritizing proven reliability above all else
• Anyone planning to keep the vehicle for 10–15 years and wanting the safest long-term ownership bet (Toyota remains the benchmark)

For many buyers in 2026, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is arguably the best value hybrid SUV currently available, provided you're comfortable accepting a little less refinement in exchange for a lot more equipment and performance.

Need to increase the practicality of your ZS Hybrid+ or take your bike along on the next weekend away?  Why not fit one of our MG ZS II Hybrid+ towbars today!