MG S5 EV vs Hyundai Kona Hybrid: Which Electrified SUV is Right for You?

Australia’s SUV market is shifting rapidly, with more electrified options arriving every year. Two of the latest contenders are the MG S5 EV, the brand’s first dedicated electric SUV, and the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, a practical step into electrification without going fully electric.

Both are priced in the sweet spot for families — around $40–50K — but they take very different approaches. At Tynan Motors, we’ve unpacked the specs, features, and ownership experience to help you decide which path suits your lifestyle best.

Pricing & Variants

• MG S5 EV Excite 49kWh – $40,490 drive-away Essence 62kWh – $47,990 drive-away (tested flagship) Up to 425km WLTP range with the larger battery
• Excite 49kWh – $40,490 drive-away
• Essence 62kWh – $47,990 drive-away (tested flagship)
• Up to 425km WLTP range with the larger battery
  
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid Base Hybrid – from $41,027 drive-away Hybrid Premium – $50,537.95 drive-away (tested trim) Claimed 3.9L/100km fuel efficiency
• Base Hybrid – from $41,027 drive-away
• Hybrid Premium – $50,537.95 drive-away (tested trim)
• Claimed 3.9L/100km fuel efficiency

Verdict: MG delivers strong value for an EV, while the Kona Hybrid appeals with lower entry pricing and more trim options.

Interior & Comfort

Both SUVs offer plenty of tech and comfort, but with different strengths:

• MG S5 EV: Modern and futuristic with a 453L boot, panoramic sunroof, heated seats (front & rear), digital displays, and premium cabin touches. More storage space thanks to EV packaging, though no spare tyre (tyre inflator only).
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid: Practical, comfortable seating, roomy back seats, and an integrated twin-screen dash layout. The 407L boot includes a space-saver spare, which will appeal to country drivers.

Verdict: MG looks and feels more futuristic, but Hyundai edges ahead for traditional practicality.

Power & Performance

• MG S5 EV: 125kW/150Nm electric motor (RWD) 62kWh battery with 425km range 150kW DC fast-charging (30–80% in ~19 minutes)
• 125kW/150Nm electric motor (RWD)
• 62kWh battery with 425km range
• 150kW DC fast-charging (30–80% in ~19 minutes)
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid: 1.6L petrol engine + electric motor 104kW/265Nm combined outputs Six-speed dual-clutch automatic 3.9L/100km claimed efficiency
• 1.6L petrol engine + electric motor
• 104kW/265Nm combined outputs
• Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
• 3.9L/100km claimed efficiency

Verdict: MG offers long-range EV benefits and zero tailpipe emissions, while Hyundai is the more fuel-efficient and convenient for those not ready for full EV charging.

Safety

• MG S5 EV: 5-star ANCAP rating (latest protocols), plus centre airbag for extra side-impact protection.
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid: 4-star ANCAP rating, though still well equipped with AEB, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, and more.

Verdict: MG leads with a 5-star rating and stronger safety credentials.

Cost of Ownership

• MG S5 EV: 10-year/250,000km warranty (industry benchmark) Average service cost: $393 annually Longer intervals (25,000km/12 months)
• 10-year/250,000km warranty (industry benchmark)
• Average service cost: $393 annually
• Longer intervals (25,000km/12 months)
• Hyundai Kona Hybrid: 5-year/unlimited km warranty (7 years with dealer servicing) Average service cost: $534 annually Intervals: 15,000km/12 months
• 5-year/unlimited km warranty (7 years with dealer servicing)
• Average service cost: $534 annually
• Intervals: 15,000km/12 months

Verdict: MG is cheaper to run and backed by a longer warranty.

Tynan Takeaway

• Choose the MG S5 EV if you’re ready to embrace full electrification, want cutting-edge design, strong safety, and low running costs.
• Choose the Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you want proven practicality, low fuel consumption, and aren’t ready for EV charging just yet.

Both are excellent options in the growing electrified SUV segment, and the right choice comes down to how far you’re ready to go on your electrification journey.

👉 Visit Tynan Motors to explore the MG and Hyundai SUV range — and take the next step towards your electrified future.