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The MG HS Plug in Hybrid has done it again. After being crowned What Car? Plug in Hybrid of the Year for a second consecutive year in January 2026, Auto Express has now confirmed the same verdict in what they describe as the most comprehensive guide yet to the plug in hybrid market, assembling 16 PHEV drivetrains from every major car group on the market and testing them over three days on UK roads. With those 16 systems available across 59 cars in total, the MG HS came out on top.
That means the MG HS has now beaten every plug in hybrid SUV on sale in the UK, including models from BMW, Porsche, Range Rover, Volkswagen and Honda, to be named the number one PHEV by the two biggest names in UK car reviews.
In Auto Express's real world testing, the MG HS travelled the furthest on pure electric power, covering a whopping 68 miles, despite six of its rivals having bigger battery packs. That is an outstanding result, and it came within just one mile of its official WLTP stated maximum of 75 miles over a varied, often high speed test route, which Auto Express described as no mean feat.
To put that in context, the pricier Volkswagen Tayron managed 58 miles and the Hyundai Tucson managed just 33.2 miles in the same conditions. The MG HS beat them all with flying colours.
Once the battery was flat, the MG HS achieved 46.3 miles per gallon on the hybrid test run, which was a few miles per gallon better than the pricier Volkswagen Tayron. At urban speeds, the MG frequently runs like an EV, subtly replenishing the battery to assist the hushed, efficient petrol engine.
Auto Express praised the MG HS as a normal, easy going car to drive, noting that the digital interfaces are not baffling, with information clearly presented and functions logically grouped. The ride handling balance is fine, the springy ride is comfortable and the HS rolls progressively in corners, following the lead of its nicely weighted, linear steering.
The 206bhp electric motor is described as punchier than some of its rivals' combined petrol and electric power, effortlessly hustling the SUV up to motorway speeds with overtaking described as a doddle.
Auto Express concluded that the MG HS is the best plug in hybrid you can buy right now.
What Car? described the MG HS as their go to choice among plug in hybrids, highlighting its long electric only range, tempting list price and spacious interior as a compelling proposition for private buyers and company car drivers alike.
What Car?'s Reviews Editor noted that despite its price, the MG HS does not feel cheap inside.
The HS was developed using the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage as benchmarks, and is marginally more spacious than all three in terms of head, leg and shoulder room both front and rear. The boot offers a generous 507 litres with the rear seats up, and unlike some rivals, the plug in hybrid battery sits under the passenger compartment floor so no boot space is lost.
Standard equipment across both trims includes 19 inch alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry, 12.3 inch dual screen displays, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. The Trophy trim adds heated front seats, a 360 degree camera, wireless smartphone charging and premium upholstery.
The MG HS is significantly cheaper than the most basic Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson. Prices for the Plug in Hybrid start from £30,995 for the Trophy. Every model comes with a 7 year / 80,000 mile warranty and an 8 year / 100,000 mile battery warranty for complete peace of mind.
