These days, consumers are more aware of what they want in a car. It’s not enough for it to look good; today, vehicles have to satisfy our need to stay connected and safe on the road. In the past decade, we’ve seen the rise of bigger screens, more airbags, more driver assists, and better cabin amenities, all working seamlessly (some more than others) in the background to offer a comprehensive driving experience. Usually, cars that are comprehensively equipped are also comprehensively pricey, but that’s not the case anymore. In the case of MG, the 2019 RX5 offers compact crossover SUV benefits for less money, and that’s definitely worth taking a second look.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the technology and safety package that comes with every RX5. While the MG RX5 scored decently in our review, it definitely pulled some good punches in specific categories, staying slightly above par or even surpassing its contemporaries in more ways than one.
Loaded at just over 1-mil
When it comes to in-car technology and making our driving lives every bit more bearable, MG has been consistently impressive with their models, and the RX5 is no exception. Offering an eight inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers across all variants is just the start, and Apple CarPlay is standard, too. LED daytime running lamps and projector headlights are also on every RX5. Your steering wheel with audio controls also gets tilting and telescope adjustment, and an electronic parking brake is thrown in for modernity. Oh, a reverse camera aided by rear parking sensors are also standard, as are the engine immobilizer, alarm system, speed sensing door locks, and power foldable mirrors.
The climate control is manual, despite it looking like an automatic unit, the rear seats also get their own vents, but the quirk of not seeing your settings for the aircon at a glance might bother some people. There’s only one USB port in the RX5, however, but there are 12V sockets at the front and in the trunk of this compact crossover SUV. You also have an illuminated and cooling glovebox to keep snacks or drinks cool, and, if you opt for the AT Style variant, you get the added bonus of cruise control, keyless door access, and push button start.
Safety; a hit and a miss
My biggest issue with the MG RX5 is the fact that both available trims only come with two front airbags. The similarly priced, but smaller MG 6 Trophy comes with six airbags in total, making the RX5 fall flat in the airbag category. Maybe we’ll be receiving a better spec soon?
Moving forward, the RX5 does come with ISOFIX mounting points and your usual ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution. Stepping up to the highest trim nets you even more safety goodies that come in the form of hill descent control, stability control, cornering brake control, anti-roll protection, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). An excellent package in the passive safety department, just for an additional P170,000, above any other competitors at this price range. Well worth every peso, in our eyes. Remember, there was a time that such safety features would be reserved for much more expensive or premium vehicles, and the MG RX5 has these in spades.
Latest Review
-
2024 BYD Dolphin Review / Review
We take a look at the BYD Dolphin to see if it’s a great gateway into EVs or if the affordable price is its only edge.
4.0 / 5 -
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: bigger look, bigger price—is it worth it? / Review
The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe captures attention with its larger size and rugged, boxy design. What can drivers expect from the latest model? Let’s go over the details.
4.4 / 5 -
2024 Kia Sonet SX Review / Review
Introducing the Sonet, Kia's entry into the subcompact crossover segment. The specs are promising—but is it a contender? Let’s find out.
4.2 / 5
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Jerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020