2021 MG 5 vs Toyota Vios Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

1. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Battle of the Sedans

For years now, the Toyota Vios is undoubtedly the most dominant sedan available here in the Philippines. In 2019, Toyota Motor Philippines sold a whopping 33,181 units of the Vios. Suffice to say, the said sedan is definitely a huge contributor to Toyota’s success locally.  

The 2020 Toyota Vios Walkthrough

That said, many carmakers are looking to compete against the Toyota-branded four-door sedan. One of those is MG Philippines with the very feature heavy MG 5 sedan. It is a newcomer to the local subcompact sedan market segment, but it looks like it has a lot going for it to make it competitive. 

2020 MG 5: What can this subcompact sedan offer?

So, which model is better on paper? To find out, let’s compare the top-spec models of the Toyota Vios and MG 5.

Let's compare the MG 5 Alpha and the Toyota Vios G

2. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Dimensions

Size-wise, the MG 5 is 4,601 mm long, 1,818 mm wide, and 1,489 in height. It also has a ground clearance of 118 mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,680 mm. The MG sedan model, specifically the MG 5 Alpha 1.5 CVT, also has a curb vehicle weight of 1,230 kg. 

In comparison, the Toyota Vios is 4,425 mm long, 1,730 mm wide, and 1,475 in height. Its wheelbase length measures 2,550 mm, and it has a ground clearance of 133 mm. The Vios G 1.5 CVT also has a curb vehicle weight of 1,075 kg.

 Compare the MG 5 (left) and the Toyota Vios (right) using this slider

To sum it up, MG 5 is overall the larger vehicle. This might translate to better interior space and more cargo space. Despite that, the MG 5 Alpha is also 155 kg heavier than the Toyota-branded sedan, and it has less ground clearance too. 

In terms of exterior features, both the MG 5 Alpha and the Vios G are equipped with LED headlamps, LED taillights, front fog lights, power-folding side mirrors with side repeaters, as well as a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. The headlamps on the MG 5 Alpha however, are automatic, while the ones on the Vios G are not.

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3. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Interior

Both the MG 5 and the Vios can comfortably fit up to five passengers. The MG sedan’s trunk space, however, can fit up to 512 liters of cargo, whereas the Toyota sedan can only fit in up to 326 liters. 

As for amenities, both the MG 5 Alpha and the Vios G are equipped with automatic climate control, tilt-adjustable steering wheels, leather-clad steering wheels, and fabric seats.

The MG 5 Alpha’s front seats however are electronically adjustable. On top of that, the said model also has a sunroof. The Vios G on the other hand lacks those two features. 

The interior of the MG 5

When it comes to infotainment systems, the one aboard the MG 5 Alpha is definitely better equipped. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, apart from the standard connectivity options found on modern vehicles.

It is also a 10-inch unit, which is definitely larger than the Vios G’s 7-inch unit. Both, however, are linked to a six-piece speaker system, and both have a reverse camera and a 360-degree view camera. 

Sure, the Vios G’s 7-inch touchscreen also has a way to connect to phones via T-Link, USB, Bluetooth and Aux, but the MG 5 has it beat in terms of infotainment systems. 

Inside the Toyota Vios

Another thing that the Vios G lacks is cruise control, although both cars are equipped with a push to start button, 12-volt accessory outlets, and a digital trip computer.

>>> Related: Toyota Vios Maintenance: How much does it cost to own one?

4. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Engine and Performance

Propelling the MG 5 forward is a 1.5-liter inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine. On the MG 5 Alpha variant, the said engine is paired with continuously variable transmission, and it can make up to 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front. 

As for the Vios G, it also uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 mill, and it also sends power to the front via a CVT. At the most, the engine of the Vios G can make up to 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. 

The Toyota Vios' 1.5-liter inline-4 2NR-FE engine

>>> Related: 

• 2020 Toyota Vios G vs Honda City RS Turbo: Specsheet comparison
• Toyota Vios vs Toyota Yaris: Practically the same car, different target market

That said, the MG 5 does make a bit more power, but we’re thinking that that difference is only enough to make up for the fact that it’s heavier than the Vios.  

Both cars use a MacPherson strut-type suspension for the front and a torsion beam type suspension for the rear. Both also have disc brakes all around. The MG 5 however, is equipped with an electronic parking brake with an auto-brake hold function, whereas the Vios G uses a more traditional manual parking brake.

5. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Safety

For safety, the Vios has more airbags numbering at seven, whereas the MG 5 Alpha has six. Both cars however do come with stability and traction control, ISOFIX, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, a security alarm, and an engine immobilizer. 

The Vios however does have speed-sensing door locks. The MG 5 lacks that, but in turn, it comes with a tire pressure monitoring system.

6. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Variants

7. 2021 MG 5 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Conclusion

If we’re talking about outright specs, then the MG 5 Alpha promises to be a better-equipped car than the Vios G. The former is also much cheaper than the Toyota-made sedan while providing a better infotainment system, slightly more power, and better trunk space.

That said, however, the Toyota Vios is deeply entrenched in the Philippine market. It has already proven itself to hundreds of thousands of customers over the years, and on top of that, MG is yet to catch up with the large dealership networks of brands like Toyota.

Which roofline tickles your fancy? Is it the MG 5's (left), or the Toyota Vios' (right)?

That said, if you care about more features and more power for your hard-earned cash, then you might want to lean towards the MG5. If what you’re after is an established brand and a proven car with an engine that’s known to be bullet-proof, then there’s the Vios.

For more comparison articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.