The MG Hector is a five-seater mid-size SUV that marked MG Motor’s debut in the Indian market. Introduced originally in 2019, the Hector has undergone periodic updates to remain competitive in its segment. The latest version, launched in April 2025, continues to focus on premium styling, connected car features, and multiple drivetrain options. Following its major facelift in January 2023, the Hector gained notable design updates and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Positioned in the premium urban SUV space, the Hector continues to appeal to tech-savvy buyers looking for modern design, versatile powertrains, and enhanced cabin comfort. MG Motor has also expanded the lineup with special edition variants such as the Blackstorm and Snowstorm models to further diversify the appeal across different buyer segments.
The MG Hector is available in a range of variants to suit different budgets and needs. The ex-showroom price now starts at ₹14 lakh for the base 'Style' variant and goes up to ₹20.76 lakh for the top-of-the-line 'Savvy Pro' with a CVT automatic transmission. The prices have been reduced by up to ₹1.49 lakh across the lineup due to the new GST reforms. Other notable variants and their updated prices include:
MG also offers special editions like the Blackstorm and Snowstorm for buyers seeking unique cosmetic enhancements.
The Hector offers two distinct engine options to cater to varying driving preferences:
The MG Hector's cabin is designed to provide a premium and connected experience. The centrepiece is a large 14-inch vertically stacked touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Key features include:
Safety is a key focus for the MG Hector. Higher-end variants are equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This comprehensive suite of active safety features includes:
Standard safety features across the lineup include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree surround view camera.
The ARAI-claimed mileage for the MG Hector stands at:
It's important to note that real-world mileage may vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle load.
The MG Hector competes in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, directly rivalling models like the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, and the Jeep Compass. It carves out its niche by emphasising advanced technology and a spacious, feature-loaded cabin.
The new GST rates for cars in India have significantly impacted the pricing of the MG Hector. Previously, the effective tax rate on SUVs like the Hector was up to 50% (28% GST + 22% cess). Under the new "GST 2.0" reforms, this has been simplified to a single, flat rate of 40% GST, with the cess component removed. This tax reduction has made the MG Hector more affordable, especially for the diesel variants, which saw the largest price drop.
The MG Hector is a 5-seater SUV. However, MG also offers a 7-seater version of this vehicle, which is called the MG Hector Plus.
Deciding whether the MG Hector is "better" than the Mahindra XUV700 depends on your priorities. Here is a brief comparison:
MG has several 5-seater SUVs. The most prominent one is the MG Hector, which was the first product launched by the brand in India. Other 5-seater SUVs from MG include the Astor and the ZS EV.
The MG Hector 5-seater has a length of 4699 mm. It also has a width of 1835 mm, a height of 1760 mm, and a wheelbase of 2750 mm.
Like any vehicle, the MG Hector has had some reported issues, though many owners also express satisfaction with the car. Some common issues that have been reported include:
MG has addressed some of these concerns with software updates and by improving its vehicle engineering over time.
The MG Hector competes with several popular SUVs in the Indian market. The cars that are often considered strong competitors and "can beat" the Hector in certain aspects include:
MG Motor, the company that manufactures the MG Hector, is a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned automotive company, SAIC Motor. While the brand "MG" itself has a British origin, it is currently owned and controlled by SAIC Motor.
11 Sept 20255 Aug 202524 Apr 202516 Apr 2025MG Hector |
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MG Hector | |||||
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₹14.5 Lakhs* | ₹14.49 Lakhs* | ₹17.5 Lakhs* | ₹11.42 Lakhs* | ₹11.34 Lakhs* | ₹13.2 Lakhs* |
User Rating 508 Reviews | User Rating 139 Reviews | User Rating 1 Reviews | User Rating 511 Reviews | User Rating 474 Reviews | User Rating 788 Reviews |
Airbags 6 | Airbags 7 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 |
Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* |
Power 141 bhp | Power 182 bhp | Power 141 bhp | Power 91 bhp | Power 91 bhp | Power 172 bhp |
Torque 250 Nm | Torque 450 Nm | Torque 250 Nm | Torque 122 Nm | Torque 122 Nm | Torque 400 Nm |
Ground Clearance - | Ground Clearance 200 mm | Ground Clearance 192 mm | Ground Clearance 210 mm | Ground Clearance 210 mm | Ground Clearance - |
Length 4699 mm | Length 4695 mm | Length 4720 mm | Length 4345 mm | Length 4365 mm | Length 4662 mm |
Height 1760 mm | Height 1755 mm | Height 1760 mm | Height 1645 mm | Height 1645 mm | Height 1857 mm |
Width 1835 mm | Width 1890 mm | Width 1835 mm | Width 1795 mm | Width 1795 mm | Width 1917 mm |
Boot Space 587 litres | Boot Space - | Boot Space 155 litres | Boot Space 265 litres | Boot Space 265 litres | Boot Space - |
Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic |
| Currently viewing | Hector vs XUV700 | Hector vs Hector Plus | Hector vs Grand Vitara | Hector vs Urban Cruiser Hyryder | Hector vs Scorpio N |
MG Hector set the ball rolling for the company when it made its India debut back in 2019 and choosing this SUV as the first product was quite an obvious choice. The growing preference for this body type has meant that Hector has created a foundation for MG Motor India despite a long list of well-entrenched as well as newer rivals. And nearly four years on, MG has given the Hector some significant updates in a bid to continue finding favour.
Here is a first-drive review of the 2023 MG Motor Hector SUV:
Hector has always had a road presence and body style that tends to dwarf most other direct rivals. Visually as well as numerically, it is significantly bigger than the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos while also appearing larger than the Tata Harrier on many fronts.
So while 2023 Hector obviously continues to retain its proportions because it is essentially a facelift, it tends to benefit even more now due to a much larger front grille which reminds many of the Lexus spindle grille design style. Complete with significantly more angular surrounds with dark chrome finish, and with diamond-themed inserts, the front grille is the most significant update on the outside and one that elevates the appeal manifold. There is a minor update on the headlamps that are positioned slightly lower on the face, while the front bumper gets a radar for the much-awaited debut of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) on the model. The split-type LED DRLs have been carried forward.
The rear of the latest MG Hector now gets a LED tail light connect that stretches out on the trunk while the ‘Hector’ lettering is now positioned at the center and is bigger. The rear bumper has been updated - complete with a chrome garnish - and its cleaner appeal lends the SUV a more mature character on the back. From the side, however, there is nothing that stands out to signal that this is the new model with the SUV continuing to stand on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
The Hector continues to be offered in the five-seat layout but there is also still the seven-seat layout on the otherwise identical model called Hector Plus. As before, both models will continue to be offered side-by-side and get the same feature list as per variants.
Now space has never been an issue in the Hector and the updated model continues to offer a lot of room for passengers in the back. The seats are typically well-cushioned - a bit too soft, some may feel - while the large windows and the recline-function on the back seats would still make Hector an ideal highway cruiser.
But the comfort on offer is often overshadowed by the sheer feature list that the MG Hector boasts of and the updated model has been ornamented with more still. A mammoth 14-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen on redesigned dashboard is the stellar highlight. It is the largest - in portrait form - for any car in any segment in the country and the HD display is as sharp as you would expect. This screen on this test unit though was in desperate need of an OTA update because the touch interaction was rather buggy. The response to touch as well as interaction through voice command was perfect occasionally and outright frustrating at other times. Quite a shame but one that can indeed be fixed via OTA, I believe. The same is also true for the wireless phone charging functionality that had a mood of its own. Our iPhone 13 either didn't charge or went from 43 per cent to 45 per cent during one particular 30-minute session.
But when the systems do work as they should, the Hector is at its absolute best with highlights like ambient lighting, climate control with ionizer and even the mammoth panoramic sunroof - all being controlled easily enough. Additionally, the Hector can now be operated and even driven minus the need to carry a key ,via mobile application. This feature though was not tested in this review.
MG has chosen to continue with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor which is mated to a six-speed manual and a CVT, as well as the diesel engine with six-speed MT. There is no hybrid on offer.
This test unit was the petrol variant with CVT and moved on expected lines. The Hector remains an easy SUV to drive despite its big proportions and that's thanks big time to a relatively light steering wheel which makes criss-crossing through traffic easier than one would expect. Between 1,500 RPM and 2,200 RPM mark, the Hector is at ease but it still doesn't quite like to be pushed into excitement. Throttle responses are good but yank pedal to the metal and there is a very perceptible reluctance. This reluctance is only marginally better when the Sports mode is engaged.
The CVT unit also works on expected lines till one doesn't decide to inject ample doses of thrill. The numbers are ticked well and Hector ambles along like a gentle giant till, well, it doesn't. Here is a steady, stable SUV that is still well composed at high speeds. Considering its proportions though, body roll is expected and can be almost forgiven. Almost.
And perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the addition of Level 2 ADAS of which, we tested the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). Both worked on expected lines although the LKA function got deactivated on every curve.
The Hector manages to build on its strengths and a packed feature list makes it quite a compelling option for someone in the market for a mid-size SUV. Its road presence will delight many while the space and comfort on offer are big strengths. On the flipside, there is no automatic on the diesel unit while the infotainment screen needs an urgent OTA update(s) to work as it claims it does.
The Hector isn't exactly made for someone who wants an enthusiastic - almost aggressive - drive every single time. For everyone else, here is an SUV that ticks most of the right boxes.
MG Hector is available in the 8 Colours in India.
| Rear AC Vents | Yes |
| Airbags | Yes |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Max Torque | 250-350 Nm |
| Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Mileage | 12.34-15.58 kmpl |
| Transmission | Manual,Automatic |
| Engine | 1451 - 1956 cc |
| Sunroof | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Petrol,Diesel |
MG Hector in India is available in Petrol & Diesel variants. Average mileage of MG Hector's petrol variant is 13.79 kmpl (As claimed by the brand in ideal road conditions). MG Hector Style 1.5 Turbo MT comes with a 60 litres fuel tank.
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