Used 2020 MG HS review

Overview

The 2020 MG HS is a compact family SUV that was launched to give buyers more car for less money. It is powered by a single 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing about 160hp and it came in three trim levels, Explore, Excite and Exclusive. Standard kit includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and MG Pilot active safety features. With a spacious rear bench and a 463-litre boot, it makes a convincing case as a practical family crossover.

Six years on, the 2020 HS is a straightforward, value-packed petrol SUV on the used market. It suits buyers who want plenty of interior space for children and luggage without the complexity of electrified powertrains. You can choose between a six-speed manual for those who enjoy driving involvement and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for easier commuting. The Exclusive trim adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and electrically adjustable front seats for a more upmarket feel. Here is everything you need to know before buying one.

What makes it stand out?

What to consider

Single petrol powertrain – the 1.5-litre turbo petrol keeps ownership simple and familiar, which suits drivers who prefer straightforward running costs. MG later introduced electrified HS variants, so confirm which version you're looking at when comparing used values.

Gearbox choice matters – the six-speed manual rewards drivers who like engagement and offers a more straightforward service routine, while the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic suits urban and motorway commuters. A complete service history shows either gearbox has been well maintained.

Interior technology depends on software condition – the large touchscreen centralises many cabin functions, so pair your phone and run through the menus during a viewing to confirm everything responds as it should.

What is it?

The HS is MG's mid-sized SUV, sitting above the smaller ZS in the range. When it launched for UK buyers from late 2018/2019, it introduced a modern cabin design centred on a large touchscreen, along with the MG Pilot active safety suite as standard across the line-up. This review covers the 2020 model year, the 1.5-litre 160hp petrol in Explore, Excite and Exclusive trims. As a six-year-old family car in 2026, mileage will vary depending on use; compare across current market listings to find a well-matched example.

Is it a good used buy?

Yes. The 2020 MG HS is a credible, value-led family SUV in the used market. It offers roomy interiors, generous equipment and uncomplicated petrol ownership at a price that undercuts many of its rivals.

Pick the manual if you prefer driver involvement and potentially simpler servicing. Choose the dual-clutch automatic if you spend most of your time in town or on motorways. For the most refined cabin, the Exclusive trim adds leather, a sunroof and power-adjustable front seats, while the Excite hits a strong balance of kit and value.

Every used car at Arnold Clark goes through a vehicle check before it is offered for sale and warranty cover is available for added peace of mind.

Exterior

The HS has contemporary SUV styling with a bold front grille, flowing roofline and a stance that looks more expensive than it is. Exclusive trim adds diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and sequential indicators for a sharper look.

Across the range, practical touches include roof rails on higher trims, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera on Excite and Exclusive and full LED headlights on most versions.

Interior and technology

Inside, the HS keeps things clean and modern. Soft-touch plastics run across the fascia, the Exclusive adds leather upholstery and the minimalist switch layout lets the 10.1-inch central touchscreen take centre stage. It handles media, navigation and vehicle settings, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto providing familiar smartphone connectivity.

What to look for at a viewing

Confirm the infotainment responds quickly and that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connect reliably. Check the reversing camera image is clear and that sat nav, where fitted, loads without delay.

On Exclusive models, test that the electrically adjustable front seats move smoothly in all directions and that heated features work as expected.

Operate the sunroof on Exclusive models to confirm it opens, closes and seals smoothly. Listen for any unusual wind noise with it closed.

Try all window switches, door mirrors and interior lighting to confirm the electrics are in good order.

Practicality and space

The boot offers 463 litres with the rear seats up and expands to around 1,454 litres with the seats folded, creating a flat, usable load bay. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rear bench provides generous room for two adults. The centre rear seat is best suited to children on longer journeys. Rear air vents and an armrest with cupholders add to passenger comfort on family trips.

Powertrains

Choosing the right engine

The 1.5-litre petrol is the sole engine for the 2020 HS in the UK and handles family duties comfortably. The manual is the more involving choice and has a straightforward service routine. The dual-clutch automatic is smooth and responsive when its scheduled services have been kept up to date. A complete service record with gearbox and software checks noted is the clearest sign the car has been well looked after.

Trim levels

Explore is the entry point, bringing LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and core comfort features. It is available with the manual gearbox only.

Excite adds sat nav, a reversing camera, 18-inch wheels and rain-sensing wipers. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

Exclusive is the top trim, featuring a leather interior, full-length panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats and diamond-cut 18-inch alloys.

Which trim is the best used value?

Excite typically represents the strongest balance of kit and price on the used market. It brings sat nav and the reversing camera without the price premium of Exclusive. If you prioritise leather, a sunroof and power seats, Exclusive is the one to look for.

Driving and performance

The HS is tuned for comfortable family driving rather than sharp sportiness. The 1.5-litre turbo delivers adequate mid-range punch for overtakes and motorway slip roads and the chassis settles comfortably over mixed road surfaces. Ride quality is composed at speed and the steering is light enough to make parking and town driving easy.

What to try on a test drive

In the automatic, try low-speed manoeuvres and pull-aways to feel how the clutch engages, a well-maintained example will feel smooth and progressive.

Drive over a mix of surfaces to feel how the suspension handles bumps. A car that tracks straight and feels taut indicates consistent maintenance.

Spend time at motorway speeds and listen for cabin refinement. The HS is a comfortable cruiser when everything is in good order.

Run through the infotainment and MG Pilot features during the drive to confirm everything functions as expected.

Running costs and upkeep

Official WLTP figures published at launch put the 1.5-litre petrol at around 37.2mpg with CO2 of approximately 148g/km. These are manufacturer test figures from the car's launch era, real-world economy will vary with driving style and conditions, but they provide a useful benchmark when comparing running costs.

Insurance groups vary with trim and mileage, so check current groupings via a comparison site. A good service record for a 2020 HS will show regular interval stamps from a dealer or recognised garage, with any gearbox or transmission services clearly recorded.

A check of the car's MOT history and manufacturer recall status is routine due diligence for any used car. Arnold Clark checks and prepares every car before sale, including service history and recall verification.

Rivals

Nissan Qashqai – the long-standing benchmark in this class, offering polished refinement and a broad dealer network. The HS competes strongly on rear-seat space and standard equipment levels, making it a compelling alternative for value-focused buyers.

Škoda Karoq – sensible packaging and strong practicality define the Karoq. The HS matches it for interior space and often undercuts it on specification in the used market, though the Škoda's build quality has a loyal following.

Kia Sportage – a reliable ownership proposition with a broad model range and strong residuals. The HS offers a more feature-rich specification for the money in many second-hand listings, while the Sportage counters with a wider choice of powertrains.

Mazda CX-5 – a more dynamic driving experience and a premium-feeling cabin in higher trims. The HS is the more cost-conscious choice and offers competitive rear-seat space for families.

SEAT Ateca – a well-rounded family SUV with sharp handling. The HS competes primarily on equipment levels and price, while the Ateca appeals to drivers who value a sportier feel behind the wheel.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is the MG HS reliable as a used car?

   The HS has established a solid reputation in the UK market. A well-maintained 2020 example with a full service history and regular MOT passes makes a sensible used buy. Look for routine service entries and any gearbox maintenance records as positive signs of careful ownership.

2. Which gearbox should I pick – manual or dual-clutch automatic?

   Choose the six-speed manual if you prefer driver involvement and a straightforward service routine. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the better fit if you do a lot of town and motorway driving. For the automatic, a car with software and gearbox checks recorded in its service history will feel smooth and responsive.

3. How economical is the 1.5 petrol?

   Official WLTP figures at launch were around 37.2mpg with CO2 of approximately 148g/km. Real-world economy depends on driving style and conditions, but these figures are a useful benchmark when budgeting for running costs.

4. Does the HS come with safety tech?

   Yes. MG Pilot active safety features, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, were standard across the HS range at launch. Confirm these systems are functioning correctly during a viewing by testing them on a short drive.