MG Hector 2025: In the fiercely competitive SUV market, MG Motor’s flagship Hector continues to carve its niche in 2025, cementing its reputation as India’s “Internet SUV.”
Now in its sixth year since the original 2019 launch, the latest iteration brings subtle but meaningful refinements to the formula that made it a success – spaciousness, technology, and value for money.
With the recent announcement of E20 fuel compatibility for all petrol variants manufactured after March 31, 2025, MG demonstrates its commitment to sustainability while maintaining the Hector’s core appeal.
Design and Exterior: Bold Presence with Premium Touches
The 2025 MG Hector maintains its imposing stance with minimal external changes from the 2023 facelift, which had already modernized the SUV considerably.
Standing at 4,655mm in length, 1,835mm in width, and 1,760mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm, the Hector remains one of the larger offerings in its segment, translating to excellent interior space.
The front fascia continues to feature the distinctive chrome-studded grille that seamlessly integrates with LED daytime running lights, while the rear showcases connected LED taillamps that create a unifying light strip across the tailgate – a design element MG calls “Connected Blade Tail Lamps.”
The 18-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication to the profile, completing the premium look.
Available in seven colors – Dune Brown, Glaze Red, Aurora Silver, Starry Black, Candy White, Havana Grey, and a striking dual-tone white and black finish – the 2025 Hector offers personalization options to suit different tastes.
The Snowstorm Edition, launched to celebrate the Hector’s fifth anniversary, brings an exclusive white-and-black exterior theme with dark chrome accents for those seeking a more distinctive appearance.
Interior: Space and Technology in Harmony
Step inside, and the Hector’s cabin continues to impress with its blend of spaciousness and technology. The dual-tone oak white and black interior scheme with brushed metal accents creates an airy, premium ambiance.
While this light-colored theme looks upscale, it does require more maintenance than darker alternatives – a minor trade-off for the luxurious feel.
The centerpiece remains the vertically-oriented 14-inch HD portrait infotainment touchscreen – still among the largest in its class.
This system serves as the command center for most vehicle functions, including the panoramic sunroof operation, which can also be controlled via voice commands.
The screen provides crisp graphics and reasonable responsiveness, though some users note that initial load times can be sluggish.
Complementing the main screen is a 7-inch digital driver’s display that provides clear information, including a dedicated section for ADAS functions. Oddly, fuel efficiency data isn’t displayed here – a curious omission in an otherwise comprehensive interface.
Passenger comfort continues to be a Hector strong suit. The cabin offers generous head, shoulder, and legroom for both front and rear occupants.
The rear seats, which recline for added comfort, make the Hector particularly well-suited for chauffeur-driven owners.
Three adults can sit comfortably in the second row without rubbing shoulders, and the large windows and panoramic sunroof enhance the spacious feel.
Practical touches include multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin, with 1-liter bottle holders in all doors, center console cupholders, and a decently sized glovebox.
The boot space stands at a capacious 587 liters, easily accommodating luggage for family trips.
Performance and Drivability: Familiar Powertrains with a Green Update
Under the hood, the 2025 Hector carries forward the familiar engine options with the notable update of E20 fuel compatibility for all petrol variants.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine produces 141bhp and 250Nm of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
For those prioritizing fuel economy, the 2.0-liter diesel engine delivers 168bhp and 350Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The driving experience remains comfort-oriented rather than sporty. The suspension setup prioritizes ride quality, soaking up road imperfections admirably – an important consideration on Indian roads.
The light steering makes city maneuvering easy, though it lacks feedback for enthusiastic driving. Body roll is noticeable around corners, but that’s expected in a vehicle of this size and height.
Fuel efficiency continues to be a mixed bag. The petrol variant delivers an ARAI-claimed 13.79 km/l with the manual transmission and 12.34 km/l with the CVT.
Real-world city figures typically hover around 8-9 km/l for the petrol, while highway driving can stretch this to 12-13 km/l.
The diesel proves more economical with an ARAI rating of 15.58 km/l, making it the logical choice for high-mileage users concerned about running costs.
Technology: The Hector’s Defining Feature
Technology remains the Hector’s standout attribute, justifying its “Internet SUV” moniker. The i-SMART connected car system now boasts over 70 connected features and responds to more than 100 voice commands, including support for Hinglish commands and navigation guidance in five Indian languages.
The wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay implementation works seamlessly, while the Infinity premium audio system delivers an immersive sound experience.
Additional tech features include wireless phone charging, a PM 2.5 air purifier with AQI display and ionizer, and a Digital Bluetooth Key that can be shared with up to two additional users.
Perhaps the most significant technological highlight is the Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite with 11 features.
These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Headlamp Control.
The Traffic Jam Assist feature proves particularly useful in congested Indian traffic conditions. It can maintain speeds as low as 5-10 km/h in bumper-to-bumper situations without driver input on the accelerator or brake.
Meanwhile, the Smart Auto Turn Indicators automatically activate the turn signal in the direction you’re steering – a thoughtful feature that enhances safety in everyday driving.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection
Beyond the ADAS features, the Hector offers a robust safety package. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Hill Assist Control, all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System come standard on higher trims.
The 360-degree camera system provides excellent visibility during parking maneuvers, with good camera quality and intuitive integration.
While the Hector hasn’t undergone NCAP crash testing, its comprehensive safety equipment and solid build quality inspire confidence.
Pricing and Variants: Something for Every Budget
The 2025 MG Hector starts at ₹14.25 lakh for the base Style variant with the petrol manual transmission, ranging up to ₹23.14 lakh for the top-spec Savvy Pro CVT (ex-showroom).
Between these endpoints lie 19 variants across five trim levels – Style, Shine Pro, Select Pro, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro – offering various combinations of engines, transmissions, and feature sets.
For those seeking value, the Select Pro and Smart Pro variants hit the sweet spot, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
The range-topping Savvy Pro brings the full ADAS suite and premium amenities, justifying its higher price for tech enthusiasts and safety-conscious buyers.
MG Hector 2025: Verdict: A Mature Offering in a Crowded Segment
Six years after its debut, the MG Hector has matured into a well-rounded package that prioritizes space, technology, and comfort.
The 2025 update, while modest, keeps it relevant with E20 fuel compatibility and occasional special editions like the Snowstorm.
Its strengths remain consistent – a spacious, feature-loaded cabin, smooth ride quality, and an impressive technology suite that includes genuine driver assistance features.
The shortcomings are equally familiar – mediocre fuel economy for the petrol variants, somewhat sluggish infotainment response, and handling that prioritizes comfort over sportiness.
For buyers prioritizing a premium, tech-filled cabin, generous space, and a comfortable chauffeur-driven experience, the 2025 Hector delivers convincingly.
Its main competitors – the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, and Hyundai Creta – may excel in specific areas, but the Hector’s balanced approach to the modern SUV formula ensures it remains a compelling option in the Indian market.
As MG continues to evolve its flagship offering with sustainability measures like E20 compatibility, the Hector looks set to maintain its position as a technology-forward, value-oriented player in India’s competitive SUV landscape.
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