Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the MG QS Seven-Seat SUV in Australia

Car Review

5 min read

The MG QS has entered Australia’s seven-seat SUV market with a bang, offering a spacious, tech-packed vehicle at a starting price of $46,990 drive-away, undercutting rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento by thousands. With a bold design, a 10-year warranty, and features like dual 12.3-inch screens, it’s tempting for budget-conscious families. However, not every aspect of the MG QS is a win, and some drawbacks may make buyers hesitate. At My Pit Shop, we’ve analyzed test drives, expert reviews, and owner feedback to highlight the top 5 reasons to avoid the MG QS in Australia. If you’re considering this SUV, read on to understand its limitations before making a decision.

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the MG QS

1. High Servicing Costs Offset the Low Purchase Price

While the MG QS’s introductory pricing ($46,990 for Excite FWD, $50,990 for Essence AWD) is a major draw, its servicing costs are a significant downside. Over seven years, servicing totals $6,336 (FWD) or $6,962 (AWD), with a hefty $2,920 service at 90,000km. This averages nearly $1,000 per year for the AWD model, far higher than competitors like the Toyota Kluger Hybrid (around $200–$300 per service) or Kia Sorento (capped at ~$500/year). The 12-month/15,000km service intervals are reasonable, but the high costs can erode the initial savings, especially for families planning long-term ownership.

Why It Matters: The expensive servicing makes the QS less budget-friendly over time, potentially catching buyers off guard.

2. Lackluster Driving Dynamics

The MG QS’s 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine (153kW/360Nm) and nine-speed automatic provide adequate power, but the driving experience falls short for those who enjoy engaging drives. Test drives reveal a light, disconnected steering feel that lacks the heft desired in a 2-tonne SUV, reducing driver confidence. The turbo engine suffers from lag, requiring aggressive throttle input, and the estimated 8.8-second 0–100km/h time is average but not thrilling. The Essence’s adaptive suspension improves ride comfort, but Sport mode adds harshness without enhancing performance. Compared to the Sorento’s punchy diesel or Kluger’s refined hybrid, the QS feels less dynamic.

Why It Matters: Drivers seeking a responsive or enjoyable SUV may find the QS underwhelming, especially on winding Australian roads.

3. Intrusive and Overzealous Safety Systems

The MG QS comes with a comprehensive MG Pilot Safety Suite, including seven airbags, AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera. However, its active safety systems are overly intrusive, with frequent bonging for perceived speeding or lane deviations (e.g., misreading a 50km/h zone as 40km/h). While these alerts can be disabled, the process is cumbersome and resets on each drive, frustrating owners. Competitors like the Santa Fe and Kluger have more refined safety systems that balance intervention with driver comfort.

Why It Matters: The constant alerts can detract from the driving experience, especially for long-distance family road trips.

4. Limited Third-Row Comfort for Adults

MG markets the QS as a “true seven-seater” with a 2-3-2 layout, but the third row is better suited for children than adults. While the sliding second row maximizes legroom, adults over 6 feet find the third row cramped for extended trips, with limited legroom and headroom compared to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade. The 203L boot space with the third row up is competitive but smaller than the Santa Fe’s 571L, limiting practicality for families needing both seating and cargo. For multi-generational households or frequent adult passengers, this may be a dealbreaker.

Why It Matters: Families needing regular third-row use for adults may find the QS less practical than larger competitors.

5. Unproven Long-Term Reliability and Brand Perception

Despite MG’s 10-year/250,000km warranty, the brand’s long-term reliability in Australia remains unproven compared to established players like Toyota and Hyundai. The QS, a rebadged Roewe RX9, is new to the Australian market, and there’s limited local data on its durability. Recent reports note stricter warranty conditions compared to earlier MG models, raising concerns about coverage limitations. Additionally, MG’s budget brand image may affect resale value, as premium competitors like the Sorento hold value better. For buyers prioritizing proven reliability or resale, the QS carries some risk.

Why It Matters: The lack of long-term reliability data and potential resale concerns may deter cautious buyers seeking a dependable family SUV.

Alternatives to Consider

If the MG QS’s drawbacks are a concern, consider these alternatives:

Toyota Kluger Hybrid ($65,500): Offers superior fuel efficiency (5.6L/100km), proven reliability, and a refined drive but at a higher price.
Kia Sorento S AWD ($54,340): Provides a punchy diesel, spacious cabin, and a 7-year warranty with lower servicing costs.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max Urban ($38,990): A cheaper seven-seater with similar value but smaller size and less premium features.

Tips for Potential MG QS Buyers

Test Drive Extensively: Experience the steering and safety systems to ensure they suit your preferences.
Budget for Ownership Costs: Factor in high servicing costs (~$1,000/year for AWD) and 95RON fuel (~11L/100km real-world).
Evaluate Third-Row Needs: Confirm the third row meets your family’s size and usage requirements.
Check Warranty Details: Review MG’s warranty conditions at dealers like Tynan MG Sutherland to understand coverage limits.
Wait for the PHEV: If fuel economy is a priority, consider waiting for the 2026 plug-in hybrid variant with over 100km electric range.

Why might I avoid the MG QS?

High servicing costs, light steering, intrusive safety alerts, cramped third-row space for adults, and unproven reliability are key reasons.

How do the MG QS’s servicing costs compare to rivals?

At $6,336–$6,962 over 7 years, the QS is pricier than the Kluger (~$1,400–$2,100) or Sorento (~$3,500).

Is the MG QS’s third row suitable for adults?

It’s best for kids; adults may find it cramped for long trips compared to a Palisade.

Is the MG QS reliable long-term?

While backed by a 10-year warranty, MG’s long-term reliability in Australia is unproven compared to Toyota or Hyundai.

Conclusion: Weighing the MG QS’s Drawbacks

The MG QS offers incredible value, a spacious cabin, and a long warranty, making it a tempting choice for Australian families. However, its high servicing costs, lackluster driving dynamics, intrusive safety systems, limited third-row comfort, and unproven reliability may give buyers pause. If these drawbacks outweigh the QS’s affordability and tech, alternatives like the Kluger or Sorento may be better suited. Visit Tynan MG Sutherland or MG Motor Australia to test drive the QS and assess its fit for your family. Share your thoughts in the comments or follow us on X for the latest SUV insights!