MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Tucson 2.0: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the MG ZS EV costs R650,000 upfront compared to the Hyundai Tucson 2.0’s R650,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

• MG ZS EV electricity cost: R12,143/year = R60,714 over 5 years
• Hyundai Tucson 2.0 petrol cost: R24,495/year = R122,475 over 5 years
• Fuel savings with EV: R61,761 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

• MG ZS EV: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
• Hyundai Tucson 2.0: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
• Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the MG ZS EV?

The MG ZS EV is perfect for you if:

• 💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R1,446 per month on running costs
• 🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R1,012/month
• 🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 320km range on a single charge
• 🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
• 🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
• ⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Hyundai Tucson 2.0?

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 makes sense if:

• 💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R0 cheaper to purchase
• ⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
• 🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 2.0L engine provides proven capability
• 📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
• 🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
• 👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the MG ZS EV if you:

• ✅ Drive less than 320km per day on average
• ✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
• ✅ Want to save R1,446 per month on running costs
• ✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
• ✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
• ✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 if you:

• ✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
• ✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
• ✅ Drive more than 320km daily
• ✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
• ✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
• ✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

• Total savings with MG ZS EV: R86,761
• Monthly savings: R1,446
• Cost per kilometer – MG ZS EV: R9.68
• Cost per kilometer – Hyundai Tucson 2.0: R10.83

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the MG ZS EV over the Hyundai Tucson 2.0, you’ll prevent approximately 12,301kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

Recommended: MG ZS EV (With Conditions)

The MG ZS EV offers solid savings of R86,761 over 5 years (R1,446/month), but this only works if you have reliable charging access. Without home charging, the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 might still be more practical despite higher running costs.

If you can install a home charger and your daily driving fits within the 320km range, go electric. Otherwise, the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 remains a sensible choice.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025