MG HS Essence Super Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid: Spec battle

The hybrid vehicle market has modified ceaselessly as recent technology and recent arrivals reshape the world of green motoring.

Petrol-electric hybrids have been around since a little-known compact automotive, the Honda Insight, arrived Down Under in 2001. Toyota has since done the heavy lifting with every thing from the unique Prius to a full range of hybrid offerings that can soon extend all the best way as much as the LandCruiser.

But now there’s a dramatic change within the landscape as plug-in hybrids, called ‘Super Hybrids’ by a few of the most important recent auto brands, proceed to reach in growing numbers with the promise of real freedom in terms of electric motoring.

A battery range of greater than 100km is taken into account the place to begin for these Super Hybrids and, combined with an efficient internal combustion engine (ICE), a complete range of at the least 800km – and way more – will not be unusual.

These plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) get their name from the actual fact their batteries may be charged from a household power outlet as a substitute of relying only on an on-board generator, as in a plugless hybrid.

Within the ultra-competitive mid-size SUV market, where so many families do their shopping, the hybrid revolution has also triggered a brand new variety of showroom battle.

The Toyota RAV4 continues to be the benchmark, a position proven every month by official sales data and continuing long waiting times, however the MG HS is now slamming down a solid challenge.

The MG HS Super Hybrid helps to rewrite the principles for families who need to take a big step down the green road into the longer term. With a claimed electric vehicle (EV) range of 120km from a fully-charged battery, it makes a compelling case for the most effective of each the EV and ICE worlds.

How much?

Hybrids have never been the most cost effective options in a model range, but MG is changing the sport by putting a much stronger emphasis on its petrol-electric contenders, including the HS Essence with Super Hybrid drive.

It’s highly competitive at $52,990 drive-away, in an HS range which starts from $33,990 drive-away.

The primary of the regular HS Hybrid models, at $42,990 drive-away, is a serious value contender with 1.5-litre engine and Excite trim level. And that’s with none of MG’s regular discount deals.

It’s the $55,990 drive-away price of the flagship MG HS Essence Super Hybrid that frames this contest with the all-wheel drive hybrid RAV4 Cruiser, though the Toyota will not be a plug-in hybrid, because their sticker prices are so similar.

The headline number for the RAV4 Cruiser AWD is $54,410, but that’s before on-road costs. A brand new-generation RAV4 is just across the corner and it can include, for the primary time, plug-in hybrid powertrain options. But it can also arrive with steep price rises across the board.

So for now, we’re specializing in the comparing the brand new MG HS with the soon-to-be-superseded RAV4, loads of stock of which stays available ahead of the brand new hybrid model’s arrival by the top of March, followed by the PHEV’s release within the third quarter of 2026.

What do you get?

The Cruiser badge sits near the highest of the RAV4 range and comes loaded with gear, including a typical sunroof – also fitted to the MG – plus it has nine speakers within the sound system and partial leather seat trim.

On other fronts, the MG has the sting. It has larger alloys, at 19 inches, in addition to a kick-to-open open power tailgate and a 360-degree camera system.

Importantly, for a number of people, it has the larger – 12.3-inch – infotainment screen and there’s electric adjustment for the front passenger seat.

But, overall, each are extremely well equipped and share the next features:

• Keyless entry/push-button start
• Automatic LED headlights
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• Heated electric front seats
• Dual-zone air-conditioning
• Rear privacy glass
• 60:40-split/folding rear seats

Are they secure?

Each models have a benchmark five-star rating from ANCAP and a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. But…

Officially, and despite being assessed in keeping with 2024 protocols, the MG HS rating only applies to non-hybrid versions of the HS. It’s unlikely to be any different for the Super Hybrids, but it surely’s still value mentioning.

It’s similar but different for the RAV4, which was tested back in 2019. Since then, the ANCAP test protocols have modified significantly.

The Toyota doesn’t have all of the very latest driver aids, whereas the MG has lane-change assistance, speed-limit assistance and a driver attention monitor.

Still, each are well equipped with standard safety equipment including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Speed-limit assistance
• Rear cross-traffic alert

What are they like inside?

Each the HS and the RAV4 are comfortable and thoroughly equipped. There’s a number of space for storing and a large number of USB outlets, while dual-zone climate control air-conditioning makes things more enjoyable.

With an all-new model about to reach in showrooms, the Toyota is now showing its age and the plain giveaway here is the undersized infotainment touchscreen and its position. It looks like more of an afterthought in comparison with the more modern and higher integrated sweep of the twin-screen digital display across the dashboard of the MG.

The round-oid steering wheel within the HS also makes its cabin look more modern as the highest and bottom edges are each flattened in a move that improves space and visibility.

However the RAV has what it needs, and the ending is nearly as good as expected with a Toyota. The operation of all switches is positive and assured, whereas the MG’s can feel a touch flimsy.

The shaping of the front seats is nice in each cars and each back seats are fantastic for family duties, and likewise offer added flexibility with 60:40-split/folding functionality.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Toyota and MG each still have a traditional combustion engine at their heart.

Within the case of the RAV4, it’s a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, boosted by an 88kW electric motor and matched with a continuously-variable automatic transmission. It’s primarily front-wheel drive, but there’s an on-demand 40kW motor to drive the rear wheels when required – not that it’s remotely a serious off-roader.

With total outputs of 163kW of power and 221Nm of torque, the RAV4 can move briskly away from the lights and the transition from electric to combustion power is usually unnoticeable.

Toyota claims combined fuel consumption of 4.8L/100km, together with average emissions of 109g/km of CO2.

MG says the Super Hybrid system within the HS consumes just 0.7L/100km, thanks mostly to its prolonged EV range, and CO2 emissions are correspondingly low at only 17g/km.

The HS combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 155kW electric motor to deliver solid combined outputs of 220kW and 350Nm, also on regular unleaded petrol. The PHEV powertrain drives the front wheels only within the MG.

As for its electric componentry, the bottom line is its relatively large 24.7kWh battery pack, which MG says may be charged in 7.3 hours via an everyday household power outlet. Like most PHEVs, the battery will not be designed for DC fast-charging.

Cost of ownership

The massive difference here between the RAV4 and HS Super Hybrid is determined by how the MG is used. If the battery is often fully charged it becomes in effect a pure EV for most individuals, more often than not. Various research shows the typical Australian commute is around 40km a day, and the HS has a claimed battery range of 120km.

Although like all Toyota hybrids the RAV4 has limited EV-only capability, each contenders listed below are miserly with fuel when primarily running on their petrol engines, although the MG steps ahead again with a claimed total range of greater than 1000km.

The RAV4 has the same old Toyota warranty (five years and unlimited kilometres), and 12-month/15,000km service intervals. The capped-price servicing cost throughout the warranty period is roughly $1300.

The HS Super Hybrid is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre standard warranty, but – like a growing variety of brands seeking to generate owner loyalty – it may be prolonged to 10 years and 250,000km by servicing contained in the MG dealer network.

There is analogous seven-year warranty coverage for the battery within the HS Super Hybrid, and although MG doesn’t advertise service costs for the vehicle’s full warranty period, it says it provides service quotes that are good for 12 months.

CarExpert’s Pick

Ultimately, this contest comes all the way down to a comparison between the past, present and future. The RAV4 Hybrid is the past, the HS Super Hybrid is the longer term, and yet each sit solidly and successfully in the current – where plug-in hybrid powertrains have the advantage when it comes to each technology and price of ownership.

The MG has moved significantly ahead for anyone who desires to do more pure-electric driving, without sacrificing their petrol-power safety net.

So it’s no wonder Toyota desires to get in on the PHEV act with its hottest model, and it can accomplish that when the all-new RAV4 becomes available with plug-in hybrid power for the primary time later this yr.

They are saying imitation is the sincerest type of flattery, but until then the MG HS Super Hybrid wins this contest and continues to represent great value.