2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

1. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: A crossover veteran vs a fresh-faced newcomer

As we’ve said time and time again, the Philippine subcompact crossover market has become a literal battlefield. Several new models have entered the local scene, and competition has become tighter than it was years ago. 

Entering the Philippines in 2019 was the MG ZS. So while it is relatively new, it has already made a large mark and has captured its own chunk of the market. 

On the other side of the coin is the Suzuki Vitara. Its name has been around since 1988, and its currently available fourth-generation model has been around since 2015. Without a doubt, this Suzuki is already an industry veteran. 

Let's compare the specs of the Suzuki Vitara against the MG ZS

So, which crossover offers the better specs? Which is better on paper? Let's find out. Note that for this car comparison, we’ll be pitting the Vitara GLX 1.6 AT variant against the MG ZS Alpha.

2. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Exterior

In terms of size, the Suzuki Vitara measures 4,175 mm in length, is 1,775 mm wide, and 1,610 mm in height. Its wheelbase is also 2,500 mm long, and it has a minimum ground clearance of 185 mm. 

Meanwhile, the MG ZS is 4,314 mm long, 1,809 wide, and 1,648 mm in height. Wheelbase length is at 2,585 mm, and it has a ground clearance of 164 mm. 

To sum it up, the Suzuki-made crossover has a shorter overall length, is narrower, and has a shorter height than the MG crossover. It does have more ground clearance, but it also has a shorter wheelbase. The taller ground clearance might translate to better performance on rough roads and dealing with rough terrain. 

Compare the Suzuki Vitara (left) and the MG ZS (right) using the slider function

>>> Related: 

• 12 small crossovers you can buy under P1-million
• Is a crossover worth the expense and the hype for Filipino car buyers?

As the respective top-spec variants for their models, the Vitara GLX and the ZS Alpha both come with well-kitted out exteriors. Both come with roof-mounted spoilers, turn signal side repeaters, LED taillights, front fog lamps, and roof rails. Both also ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Vitara however, does come with automatic LED headlamps, which might prove to be brighter than the MG ZS Alpha’s halogens. The Suzuki-made crossover is also equipped with rain-sensing wipers and power-folding side mirrors.

3. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Interior

Inside, both the Vitara and the MG ZS can fit in up to five occupants including the driver. Both are also equipped with a manually adjustable driver’s seat, a push to start button, cruise control, as well as a sunroof.

The MG ZS, however, has leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Vitara GLX’s seats are covered in fabric and its steering wheel material is urethane. 

Inside the Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara however, does have some features that the MG ZS Alpha lacks. It comes with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, automatic climate control, as well as a power liftgate. 

For infotainment systems, the Vitara’s 10-inch Android touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It can also connect via USB, Bluetooth, and aux. It also has offline navigation, and it is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

Inside the MG ZS

In comparison, the MG ZS Alpha’s eight-inch screen only has Apple CarPlay. It also comes with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, but it doesn’t come with offline navigation. The ZS Alpha is also equipped with a six-piece speaker system.

>>> Related: 2021 MG ZS: Expectations and what we know so far

4. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Engine and Performance

Under its hood, the Vitara is equipped with a 1.6-liter M16A inline-4 gasoline engine. At the most, the said engine can make 115 horsepower and 156 Nm of torque.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox, which can be controlled with paddle shifters. 

The Vitara's 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine

The MG ZS, on the other hand, uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill that can produce up to 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. It is also a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and it uses a four-speed gearbox with a gear lever manual mode.

In summary with regards to engine specs, the Vitara’s four-banger can make a bit more than the MG ZS’s engine. Its tranny also has more gears, and this can translate to better performance on the highway.

>>> Related: 

• MG ZS gets perfect five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP
• MG Philippines, Ben&Ben go road-tripping onboard ZS, RX5 crossovers

The MG ZS' 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine

Moving over to suspensions, both of these models 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 Vitara’s parking brake, however, is a manual foot type parking brake, whereas the ZS is a more conventional hand-operated parking brake.

5. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Safety

For safety, the Vitara GLX and the MG ZS Alpha are certainly well-equipped. Both have the usual anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, engine immobilizer, ISOFIX, and seatbelt reminder.

Both of these cars also come with hill start assist, reverse camera with parking sensors, stability control, and six airbags. The MG crossover, however, does have a tire pressure monitor and speed-sensing door locks. On the other hand, the Vitara lacks those two features.

6. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Variants

>>> Check out Suzuki Vitara promos

>>> MG ZS promos here for you!

7. 2021 Suzuki Vitara vs MG ZS: Conclusion

In conclusion, you get what you pay for when it comes to these cars. Both, however, are fairly well-equipped and spacious enough for a city-dwelling family.

The Suzuki Vitara is more powerful and its transmission has more gears and can perform better on rough roads due to having more ground clearance.

Its touchscreen is also better, and it also has some useful driving amenities like its rain-sensing wipers and automatic LED headlamps.  

Do you like the exterior design of the Suzuki Vitara?

Comparatively, the MG ZS Alpha offers a lot of features for its price. It isn’t as powerful as the Vitara, but it does have some tricks up its sleeve.

A case in point is its trunk, which has a default capacity of 448-liters. In comparison, the Vitara’s default capacity measures at 375-liters.

The MG ZS Alpha also has tire-pressure monitoring and speed-sensing. Sure, you can do what these features are meant for by yourself, but the former is especially useful for folks who are always on the move.  

That said, however, we urge you to take these two for a test drive and make your own conclusions. But as far as we’re concerned, both of these are great crossovers that won’t break your wallets.

Or do you prefer the MG ZS?

For more comparison articles, car reviews, and car buying tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.