Is MG reliable?
An MG is a great idea for an electric car or an efficient daily runner – but can they be relied on?
Rising in popularity on UK roads, MG models are massively modern and favour minimalist styling.
Each one is comfortable to drive and filled with handy tech and features, including impressive infotainment screens.
While there are a range of used MG models on the market, its brand-new lineup consists mostly of electric and hybrid cars.
MG is clearly confident about the dependability of its cars, as models come with a seven-year or 80,000-mile warranty from purchase.
They’re superb cars – but can they be relied on?
What makes a car reliable?
To put it simply, a reliable car is one that doesn’t fall apart every five minutes.
We might be setting the bar low there, but a reliable model is one that rarely needs repairs outside of normal wear and tear or maintenance.
It’s to be expected that you’ll need to replace things like your car’s tyres at some point during ownership, but you shouldn’t be experiencing other faults regularly that can’t be put down to wear from normal usage.
A reliable car is also a safe one. Keep your eye out for Euro NCAP safety ratings and browse the range of safety features in each model to see how secure you’d feel while driving it.
Features like ISOFIX car seat points, parking sensors and cameras, and cruise control systems can all be helpful.
Fuel efficiency also counts towards a reliable vehicle. You’ll likely want to depend on your car to get you through the daily commute or school run without using an excessive amount of fuel.
Look for a good miles-per-gallon figure before you purchase, or perhaps consider going electric.
How reliable are MG cars?
MG3 reliability
A small hatchback that’s deceptively spacious inside, the MG3 could be an ideal choice if you’re after a dependable daily runner or first car.
Praised as a great value-for-money option in consumer reviews, the MG3 scores well on the rankings and surveys.
The MG3 was last tested by Euro NCAP in 2014 and was awarded three stars out of five.
While this rating has since expired, models are kitted out with tyre pressure monitoring, a system that wipes off wet brake discs, and six airbags.
You can expect up to 43.3mpg (WLTP combined), so it’s easy on the fuel as well.
MG4 reliability
The MG4 is the underdog electric SUV that will give the leading manufacturers’ models a run (or drive) for their money.
Its suave design is fresh and will appeal to modern families, and its affordability is the cherry on the cake.
With a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the MG4 is a dependable option. Its electric nature means you could be less likely to have maintenance issues, and reviews from its drivers support this.
The latest MG4 Trophy Long Range model can reach up to 365 miles on a single charge, and you don’t have to worry about battery health and degradation when buying a used electric car.
These batteries usually last between 10 and 20 years without any issues.
MG5 reliability
For an electric estate, the MG5 is a dependable option with a laidback and modern design.
The electric technology makes it a reliable car overall, and the spacious interior means it’s ideal for families.
The MG5 is yet to get a Euro NCAP safety rating, but technology like the MG Pilot system means you’ll feel secure.
This setup offers features like adaptive cruise control, speed-limit assist and lane-keeping assist.
In the latest SE LONG Range model, MG claims you can get up to 250 miles out of one full charge when doing a bit of everything on the roads.
Around towns and cities, you can expect up to 320 miles.
MG ZS reliability
The MG ZS is a smaller SUV that comes in at a great price point, with a couple of engines to choose from.
You can expect to achieve up to 42.7mpg with 149g/km of emissions, so it’s ideal for keeping costs low on the road.
If you opt for the electric MG ZS, you can expect up to 273 miles of range on the combined cycle from the Long Range model.
The MG ZS received a three-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2017, while the electric version was tested in 2019 and received the full five stars.
Reliability reviews are positive, and the car receives praise for its running costs and practicality.
MG HS reliability
The MG HS is a sizeable SUV that’s affordable and available as a plug-in hybrid or petrol-powered model.
The Hs received a 2023 facelift that’s given it a bit more edge.
On the whole, the HS is praised in driver reviews for its reliability, and safety standards are particularly impressive.
You’ll get a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with 92% for adult and 81% for child occupants.
In the hybrid model, there’s an electric-only range of up to 32 miles and a 155.8mpg WLTP statistic that’s impressive for cutting back on fuel costs.
You’ll be able to boost back up to a full charge in around three hours using a 7kW charger.