MG QS Essence vs Toyota Kluger GX: Spec battle

As MG spreads its vary and attain in Australia, it’s transferring up and away from its compact-car roots and into among the hardest and best segments of the showroom wars. It is even bringing a ute.

But it’s the MG QS which takes the depth and number of its vary to a different stage, focusing on households and shifting issues up for its gross sales ambitions within the heartland of the Australian auto panorama.

The QS is MG’s first massive SUV and it’s first seven-seater, positioned above smaller MG SUVs just like the ZS, S5 EV, and HS.

So it places MG right into a head-on battle with Toyota, and particularly the third-generation Kluger that has lengthy been one in every of Australia’s hottest massive SUVs. There is nothing flashy concerning the Kluger however it does the job and does it effectively for anybody requiring smart and dependable household transport.

The MG QS, in distinction, is significantly greater than the rest within the model’s SUV lineup, at the very least for now, with a spacious seven-seat cabin and the form of ‘surprise and delight’ options which can be successful new followers to the model throughout the nation.

MG is seeking to mount a critical problem to the Kluger and the Kia Sorento, which completed first and second within the car-based massive seven-seat gross sales section in 2024 and it has an actual contender with the QS.

How a lot?

There is every little thing you want, and extra, within the QS Essence. It’s the top-grade model in a two-variant lineup, but nonetheless solely simply ideas previous $50,000 by the point it hits the street.

Pricing for the entry-level front-wheel drive Excite model of the QS begins at $46,990 drive-away, rising by simply $4000 to $50,990 drive-away for the better-equipped all-wheel drive Essence flagship.

In distinction, the Kluger loses the fee comparability with a beginning worth of $62,410 earlier than on-road prices (and virtually $68k as soon as it’s in your driveway) for essentially the most fundamental GX model. If you need to go all the best way to the highest, the Grande flagship prices a whacking $85,135 earlier than on-roads ($92,363 drive-away), a full $23k greater than the starter automotive.

Looking round at the remainder of the seven-seat SUV crew, the Sorento and its Hyundai twin, the Santa Fe, are additionally priced near $60,000 drive-away for essentially the most fundamental bundle, whereas the ute-based off-road contenders are largely clustered round a $55,000 entry worth level, whereas the benchmark Ford Everest instructions an excellent larger premium.

What do you get?

Both contenders are constructed round huge, family-first our bodies that maximise cabin content material.  

Each additionally can also be primarily based on a unibody platform using car-style monocoque development, not the extra rugged body-on-chassis ladder-frame strategy taken by ute-based massive SUVs together with the Everest, Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X.

That means much less off-road functionality, however pays dividends in every little thing from quietness to refinement, in addition to the area and luxury afforded to the essential third-row seating bundle.

The MG and Toyota each have all-wheel drive (in Essence trim for the MG) and the Kluger has the additional benefit of a hybrid driveline, which is now customary throughout Toyota’s mainstream mannequin vary in Australia.

Typically, the QS Essence packs lots for the value, from leather-based seat trim, LED lighting and three-zone air-conditioning to 21-inch alloy wheels, and adaptive suspension.

It additionally has twin 12.3-inch digital screensblended right into a single massive show that helps wi-fi cellphone connectivity with a 12-speaker premium Bose sound system that features a devoted rear subwoofer to intensify a full sound stage.

The Kluger is way the identical inside, solely with a mix of 8.0-inch and 12.3-inch screens (one for infotainment and the opposite for the digital instrument show), and there are a complete of 5 USB ports – similar to within the QS.

The total feel and look of the Kluger is cheaper, which isn’t shocking for a base-level variant and contemplating its age, and the very fact it’s a must to bounce all the best way to the Grande to get issues like a head-up and leather-based seat trim. Navigation and electrical seat adjustment are additionally lacking from the Toyota.

The deeper you dig, the extra you discover included within the MG, and the extra you discover lacking from the Toyota. Even the alloy wheels are 18-inch gadgets on the Kluger GX, and 20-inch on the MG QS.

Standard gear they do share contains:

• Automatic LED headlights
• Proximity entry and begin
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Rear privateness glass
• 60:40-split/folding second- and third-row seats

Are they protected?

There isn’t any direct comparability between the Kluger and QS by way of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The MG is new, and on the time of writing was nonetheless making its means by way of the ANCAP check program, although the model has overtly said all its new automobiles are constructed to attain most five-star scores.

The Kluger has a five-star ANCAP score, however it’s primarily based on testing carried out in 2021 and, though its rating is legitimate by way of to the top of 2027, it was assessed in opposition to much less rigorous testing and scoring requirements, not the most recent protocols.

So, the Toyota doesn’t have the very newest ADAS – superior driver help programs – or a front-centre airbag, or an automatic warning for approaching cyclists.

The newer security programs within the MG embrace a driver consideration monitor, rear collision warning and cross visitors alert with auto braking, speed-limit help and lane-change help.

But security programs they do have in widespread embrace:

• Automated emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Lane Keeping Assistance
• Forward Collision Alert
• 7 airbags
• Tyre stress monitoring

What are they like inside?

Seven-seat household SUVs just like the QS and Kluger are all about two issues: seats and area.

Smaller concerns embrace third-row air vents and USB shops plus visibility, cupboard space and even the pliability for seat structure within the space behind the 5 major spots.

The MG is marketed as a real seven-seater with an adjustable second row on rails that may slide backwards and forwards to increase legroom and luxury for these within the center or third rows.

The MG and Toyota are each appropriate for adults within the third row, which can’t be stated for a lot of of their 5+2 rivals that solely supply small seats within the again for kiddies or occasional use, making them unsuitable for a Melbourne-Brisbane trek.

The Kluger has loads of cubbies and different storage, the second-row seats additionally slide for simple entry to the again, and Toyota claims a minimal of 241 litres of bags area with all seats in place, rising to 552L with the third row folded, and 1150L behind the entrance seats.

But, being blunt, the Kluger GX is bland. It seems like what it’s – the most affordable variant in a three-grade lineup during which all of the glitz is reserved for the highest finish.

The means the appear and feel of the plastics, in addition to the operation of the controls, isn’t as upmarket.

Over at MG, the QS will get electrical seat adjustment – additionally fitted to the cheaper Excite – and a extra luxurious feel and look, with related practicality to the Kluger. On the area facet, the numbers are 203, 517 and 1052 litres of storage, which is barely lower than Kluger when it comes to cargo capability.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Both contenders right here have an all-wheel drive system, which is nice for security and stability, though solely the Toyota has a hybrid powertrain.

The Kluger’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is of course aspirated, making 142kW of energy and 242Nm of torque, which is aided by electrical motors on each entrance and rear axles, and a constantly variable automated transmission.

Toyota claims mixed gasoline consumption of 5.6L/100km for a car that weighs in at 2050kg and has a two-tonne towing capability.

The QS has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 153kW and 360Nm, with claimed financial system of 8.8L/100km.

It is barely lighter at 1904kg, however has the identical 2000kg towing determine.

The MG solely has a space-saver spare, however the Toyota has a full-size substitute.

Cost of possession

MG gives at least 10 years or 250,000km of guarantee protection, supplied you service at its dealerships each 12 months or 15,000km.

Seven-year servicing prices for the MG run to $2693 in complete, averaging round $385 per yr.

The Toyota has a five-year, unlimited-km guarantee, and roadside help prices $99 further every year for as much as six years.

Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, with 5 years of service prices capped at $1325, or $265 for every go to.

Both automobiles require 95-octane premium unleaded.

CarProfessional’s Pick

In the previous, this may have been a slam-dunk for the Kluger. Not at this time.

The competitors is harder and way more various within the household SUV subject as of late, and the cachet of the Toyota badge has arguably declined as extra folks search for higher worth.

Nobody goes to purchase both of those seven-seat SUVs to drive them like sports activities automobiles; however they’ll and may test consolation and gear ranges, and do back-to-back comparability work in dealerships to resolve which most closely fits their household wants.

There is best worth available and extra to get pleasure from within the QS, whereas the Kluger does what the Toyota badge has at all times stood for.

MORE: Explore the MG QS showroom

MORE: Explore the Toyota Kluger showroom