MG ZS reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The MG ZS is a small suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 81 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 388 of 442, and 17.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is headlamp (2.5% of tests).
Ranked 388 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 21 of 27 small SUVs
In 2024, 38,049 MG ZSes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 17.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the MG ZS is 23% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 12.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
17.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
12.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,000
Typical age at test: 4 years
MG ZS MOT failure rate by age
Most common MG ZS MOT faults
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on main beam1.4% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3% of tests
What the MG ZS fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 5.3% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Brakes | 5.1% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Tyres | 5.0% | About average |
| Visibility | 2.1% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Suspension | 1.7% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.6% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | About average |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% | About average |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 56% less often |
What MPG does the MG ZS do?
Official economy for the MG ZS ranges from 39 to 42.7mpg across the 16 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2020–2024). A typical petrol version manages 42.7mpg. Electric versions average 3.3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 163 to 273 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a MG ZS?
Any MG ZS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carMG ZS specs and running costs
Official figures for 16 versions sold in the UK between 2020 and 2024.
Fuel types
Electric, Petrol
Official economy
39.0–42.7 mpg
Electric range
163–273 miles
Efficiency
3.0–4.0 mi/kWh
CO2
149–163 g/km
Power
78–130 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZS ev 115kW 71kWh 2021MY SE long range115 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 115kW 71kWh 2021MY Trophy long range115 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 130kW 52.5kWh 2021MY SE130 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 130kW 52.5kWh 2021MY Trophy130 PS · N/A · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS 2021MY Excite 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech78 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 42.7 mpg | 149g | £200 | 35% |
| ZS 2021MY Exclusive 1.5 DOHC VTI-tech78 PS · M5 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 42.7 mpg | 149g | £200 | 35% |
| ZS 2021MY Excite 1.0T GDi82 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 42.7 mpg | 149g | £200 | 35% |
| ZS 2021MY Exclusive 1.0T GDi82 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 42.7 mpg | 149g | £200 | 35% |
| ZS 2021MY Exclusive 1.0T GDi82 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 39 mpg | 162g | £200 | 37% |
| ZS 2021MY Excite 1.0T GDi82 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 39 mpg | 163g | £200 | 37% |
| ZS ev 105kW 44.5kWh 2019MY ExciteN/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 105kW 44.5kWh 2019MY ExclusiveN/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 115kW 71kWh 2021MY SEN/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev 115kW 71kWh 2021MY TrophyN/A · listed 2022 | Electric | 3.4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| ZS ev ExciteN/A · listed 2020 | Electric | 3.3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 16 versions.
What a MG ZS costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 42.7mpg…
- Electric, typical official 3.3 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsWork out a journey in a MG ZSBuying a used MG ZS?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the MG ZS with other small SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other MG models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the MG ZS reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the MG ZS is 23% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 81 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the MG ZS?
The most common MOT fault is “Headlamp: not working on dipped beam”, found in 2.5% of tests. It fails on brakes and exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the MG ZS do?
Official economy for the MG ZS ranges from 39 to 42.7mpg across the 16 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2020–2024). A typical petrol version manages 42.7mpg. Electric versions average 3.3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 163 to 273 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a MG ZS?
Any MG ZS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many MG ZSes fail their MOT?
17.3% of MG ZSes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 12.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the MG ZS combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.