2021 Chery Tiggo 5X vs MG ZS Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

When Chery returned to the Philippine market in 2019, it came out strong with four crossovers. One of those is the Tiggo 5X subcompact crossover. The same is the case for MG, and while it is technically a newer marque in the Philippine market compared to Chery, it also made a name for itself by launching the MG ZS.  

This then begs the question: which of these two subcompact crossovers are better on paper? To find out, we’ll be comparing the specs of the Chery Tiggo 5X Luxury 1.5 AT, and the MG ZS Alpha 1.5 AT. Both are the top-spec variants, and their prices are pretty close to each other. 

In terms of size, the Tiggo 5X comes with a length of 4,358mm, a width of 1,830mm, and a height of 1,670mm. It also has a ground clearance of 190mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,630mm. 

Meanwhile, the MG ZS is 4,314mm long, 1,809mm wide, and 1,648mm in height. Its wheelbase length measures 2,575mm, and it has a ground clearance of 164mm. 

Compare the Chery Tiggo 5X (left) with the MG ZS (right) using the slider

The Tiggo 5X is the larger subcompact model, and it offers more in the way of ground clearance as well. Of note about the Chery model’s wheelbase might result in better legroom. Do note however that the Chery-made crossover has a default cargo capacity of 340 liters, while the ZS has 448 liters. 

As for exterior equipment, both the Tiggo 5X and the MG ZS come standard with halogen headlamps, LED tail lights, halogen turn signal lamps with side repeaters, front fog lamps, and roof rails. Also, both of these crossovers ride on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. 
 

Inside, both the Chery Tiggo 5X and the MG ZS offer ample room for five occupants. The Tiggo 5X Luxury comes with an automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, whereas the MG ZS Alpha only has manual air-conditioning with no rear vents. Both however, do come with leather-wrapped seats, sunroofs, 12-volt accessory outlets, and USB charging ports. 

For the driver, the top-spec Tiggo 5X provides an electronically adjustable seat, which the MG ZS Alpha lacks. Both are equipped with cruise control, a push to start button, an analog gauge cluster, and a digital computer.

  Which do you think has the better-looking cockpit?

For on-board entertainment, the Chery Tiggo 5X is equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen that’s capable of connecting to smartphones via Apple CarPlay and QD Link for Android. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports. The said system is then linked to a four-piece speaker system. 

Comparatively, the MG ZS Alpha is fitted with a smaller eight-inch touchscreen. This unit however, can connect via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

For engines, all variants of the Chery Tiggo 5X use a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At most, this four-banger can make up to 114 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The MG ZS meanwhile, uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. Outputs are slightly different from the Tiggo 5X’s mill at 112 horsepower and 150 Nm. Instead of a CVT, the ZS uses a four-speed automatic transmission, but it's also a front-wheel-drive vehicle. 

The suspension systems on both models are also pretty similar. Both use a MacPherson strut for the front, and a torsion beam type rear suspension. The Chery-made and the MG-made crossover also come with disc brakes all around.  

As for parking brakes, the Chery Tiggo 5X Luxury is a bit more high-tech with its electronic-type parking brake with an auto-hold function. The MG ZS Alpha meanwhile, uses a hand-operated manual parking brake.  

Both the Chery Tiggo 5X and the MG ZS Alpha are equipped with what one would expect from a modern crossover model. These two come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, ISOFIX child seat tethers, a security alarm, as well as an engine immobilizer. Do note though that the Tiggo 5X also comes with hill descent control, which the MG ZS lacks.

Both also come standard with speed-sensing door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Chery Tiggo 5X however, only comes with two airbags, while the MG ZS Alpha has six airbags. 
 

As we’ve pointed above, the Chery Tiggo 5X Luxury offers more interior niceties compared to the MG ZS Alpha. It has an automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, and an electronically adjustable driver’s seat. Both of these features are absent on the top-spec ZS. 

On the flip-side however, the MG ZS Alpha provides a slightly better headunit. While smaller, it is linked to more speakers, and it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. Then again, the 9-inch screen on the Tiggo 5X also has Apple CarPlay and is more legible due to its larger size. However, it lacks Android Auto.

Do you like how the rear of the Tiggo 5X (left) looks? Or do you prefer the rear of the MG ZS (right)?

Other than that, though, these two models come with nearly identical engine outputs, and similar suspension types. They even have similar safety kits. Well, except for the fact that the MG ZS has more airbags.  

Also, the MG model comes with a four-speed torque converter type automatic gearbox, while the Tiggo 5X has a CVT. These two transmission systems are very different from each other. As such, these two models will still drive differently from each other whilst having similar suspension setups. 

So, do you dig the Chery Tiggo 5X, or do you prefer the MG ZS? For more comparison articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.