MG HS models and trim levels explained

It's super-spacious and fantastically well-equipped. Plus, there's a range of affordable petrol or efficient plug-in-hybrid engines under the bonnet.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the MG HS including what trim levels are available, and the different HS generations through time.

MG HS models explained

Both generations of MG HS have been five-door, five-seat family SUVs with hatchback-style boot lids. It's the largest car MG sells in the UK, sitting above the compact ZS SUV. The MG brand is now part of SAIC, one of China's largest carmakers.

It sits in a highly competitive category, facing off against cars like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan. Broadly speaking, the HS undercuts all these cars on price – both as a new car and on the used market – which means it's arguably the best value for money.

MG HS trim levels

• SE – this is the entry-level trim for current-generation HS cars. Generous kit includes adaptive cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Trophy – this is the upgrade trim for current HS models. Additions include faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 360º parking camera and two-zone climate control
• Excite – this is the entry-level trim for first-generation HS cars. It gets adaptive cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and an infotainment system with full smartphone connectivity
• Exclusive – this is the upgrade trim for first-gen HS models. It gains two-zone climate control, front sports seats, a powered boot lid and a Super Sport driving mode

MG HS generations

Second generation – 2024-present

• This second-generation HS is longer and wider than the old car, but lower for a sleeker look
• Model code – AS33
• Facelift likely 2028/2029
• All second-gen cars include a massive dual-screen infotainment and driver's screen unit
• Choice of turbo petrol, self-charging-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid engines, with manual and auto gearboxes

First generation – 2018-2024

• This was the first HS, with MG keen to highlight how many premium features it offered for the price
• Model code – AS23
• Facelift model arrived in the UK in 2023
• Exclusive models had a red 'Super Sport' button on the steering wheel just like an Italian supercar
• Choice of turbo petrol and plug-in-hybrid engines, with manual and auto gearboxes

What's the best MG HS model?

All MG HS generations have a strong fundamental package. Every HS is spacious, practical, surprisingly plush and decked out in standard equipment. What's more, the HS tends to undercut all its mainstream rivals by several thousand pounds, with no real penalty to the car's look or feel.

The second-generation car adds a welcome dash of style that helps it look much more up-to-date than its predecessor. The exterior lighting is modernised with more LED elements and a trendy rear light bar, while the massive dual-screen infotainment system looks much more slick.

Despite this, the first-generation car still offers most of the same benefits as the current model, with loads of standard kit and more than enough room for a family of four. It's noticeably cheaper too, with 2023 and 2024 examples priced thousands of pounds lower than the current HS.

Browse nearly new and used MG HS cars for sale, or read our MG HS review to see what this practical family car is like to use.