The RX5 is MG’s entry in the local subcompact SUV segment which features other newcomers like the Geely Coolray and the Chery Tiggo 5X. Banking on its English heritage, MG looks to bring a new level of elegance and sophistication in a segment filled with sporty and practical vehicles.

Today, we break down the pros and the cons of the MG RX5 to help those in the market for a modern SUV.

Pros

1. Stylish exterior

 

The MG RX5 is marketed as a smart, sophisticated, and stylish subcompact SUV. Its understated yet refined exterior is defined by straight lines that complement a calm and composed look.

All variants come with a chrome-trimmed front grille, roof-mounted sharkfin antenna, and a matte silver roof rail, LED side view mirrors with signal lamps, and a lower body slide with ABS cladding and matte silver molding.

It’s also good to note that all models across the board are outfitted with a panoramic sunroof.

2. Decent interior

Inside, the MG RX5 offers relatively decent amenities — not the most luxurious, but certainly a cut above the average.

The top-spec variant offers chrome-ringed gauge clusters, center stack trims, and A/C vent trims. It also features chrome-trimmed shift lever, a sliding front armrest, stitched leather-style door panels, and leather-style seat upholstery.

3. Powerful engine

The MG RX5 is outfitted with the brand’s 1.5-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged engine with intercooler and direct injection. Depending on the variant, it can either be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed TST (Twin-clutch Sportronic Transmission). It produces 166hp and 250Nm of torque making MG’s subcompact SUV a capable people hauler.

Cons

1. Safety comes at a price

Safety-wise, the MG RX5 offers just the bare necessities when you get the base model, which comes with two front airbags, standard three-point ELR seatbelts, ABS and EBD.

Features like cornering brake control (CBD), electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold control (HHC), auto-hold function, hill descent control, anti-roll protection, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and steering wheel return reminder, all come with the higher variants.

2. Reliability

Like any newcomer, the MG RX5 is subject to the ever-doubtful eyes of the public. Introduced only a few years ago (2018), customers are still suspicious of the MG RX5’s reliability, especially when compared with industry staples like the Toyota Rush, the Ford EcoSport, and the Mazda CX-5.

Yay or nay?

There’s no doubt the MG RX5 is a good-looking subcompact SUV, but we think that it’s not quite there yet. It’s also relatively expensive.

The MG RX5 is offered in three variants: Core, Style, and Alpha. They are priced at P1,058,888, P1,228,888, and P1,298,888 respectively.

To put things into perspective, the Toyota Rush’s base variant—also with a 1.5-liter engine—is priced at P983,000.

Photos from MG

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