The MG RX5 is a compact crossover SUV, aimed to go up against the veterans like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX5, and Subaru Forester, among others. In terms of design, the RX5 can be best described as simple yet elegant, given its boxy shape and well-contoured lines surrounding the exterior of the vehicle. Overall, it has a refined exterior styling.
Inside, you are immediately welcomed with a spacious and comfortable cabin, clean and well laid out like its exterior. Tech features of the RX5 include keyless entry, push start/stop, cruise control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MG iLink software and Apple CarPlay. The beating heart of the MG is a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine producing a healthy number of 162 hp and 250 Nm of torque, transmitted via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Launch
The MG RX5 was launched on October 19, 2018 during MG’s brand relaunch alongside its stablemate the MG ZS and MG 6. It was initially launched with two variants, Core and Style, with only one engine to choose from: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. A new variant was later added to the range, the range-topper Alpha trim. Transmission options came in the form of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
The RX5 initially has a price tag that starts at P1,058,888 and tops at P1,228,888.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The RX5 comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 5-speed manual. This force-inducted mill produces a healthy 169 hp and 250 Nm of torque, sent exclusively to the front wheels.
The MG RX5 is equipped with McPherson Strut front and independent multi-link rear suspensions, while brakes are both discs up front and at the rear.
Chassis
Class
Compact Crossover SUV
Body Style
5-Door SUV
Platform
Layout
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
Platform
N/A
Powertrain
Engine
1.5 L 15E4E Inline-4 Turbo Gasoline
Power Output
166 hp, 250 Nm of torque
Transmission
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Driving Performance
The MG RX5 drives just fine if not for its finicky transmission, especially at low speeds and crawling traffic. This hinders the on-point delivery of the 169 hp and 250 Nm torque, which could have been utilized better with a better transmission. With that said, the RX5 does drive well at high speeds.
It’s not all bad, though, and despite the quirkiness of the transmission, the engine is smooth and quiet. Steering feel is also very light, making the RX5 feel a little bit more agile than your regular compact crossover SUV. Road comfort is also good, with the suspension well tuned to handle road imperfections, making it well suited for all sorts of everyday driving situations.
Technology Features
The RX5 features an 8-inch touchscreen display. This head unit is capable of supporting Apple CarPlay, Android users will have to settle for the Bluetooth and USB connectivity that comes standard with the vehicle. The infotainment system is connected to 6-speakers spread throughout the car. The RX5 also comes with audio controls mounted on a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The MG RX5 comes with a 12V accessory port near the center console and another port in the rear storage space of the vehicle. For convenience, the crossover also has heated power side mirrors for the Style variant. The glove box of the vehicle comes with illumination and cooling, too. Another notable feature is smart keyless entry and push-to-start function for the Style variant.
Exterior
The exterior of the RX5 comes with a chrome-trimmed grill for both variants. The Style gets an added bonus of getting front and rear skid plates that come in matte silver. LED daytime running lamps are available on both variants accompanied by halogen projector headlights. Fog lamp trims for the Style variant are standard with the rear being accented in chrome. Side mirroring turn signals are also LED. Another LED light fixture is the rear tail lamps and high mount stop lamp. Rear frameless wipers are available as standard for both variants along with roof rails.
Interior
The RX5’s interior comes with a cream interior theme. The seats are leather for the Style variant, however, the core variant only gets fabric seats. For seating, the RX5 comes with 6-way manual adjustable seating for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger. 60/40 folding rear seats are also present in the vehicle for both variants, allowing for more cargo capacity when needed.
Safety
The vehicle comes standard with two airbags for the passenger and driver. Other safety features include electronic brake stability, anti-lock brake system, seat belt reminder, engine immobilizer, alarm system, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, auto door lock function, and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.
For the Style variant, additional features include cornering brake control, electronic stability program, hill hold control, auto-hold function, hill descent control, anti-roll protection, tire pressure monitoring system, and steering wheel return reminder.
Pros & Cons
What you’ll like about the MG RX5 is mostly found inside the vehicle, particularly with the materials used inside the cabin. The infotainment system and other convenience features are great additions, too.
What you might not like, however, is the presence of only two airbags for this relatively huge vehicle. The transmission a little bit indecisive as well, which is something that MG can improve on.
Connect with the top MG sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
The MG RX5 entered the Philippines with more space and more value than some of the competition in its segment. It's all sorts of refined thanks to its unibody chassis and 1.5L turbocharged motor under the hood. Watch as we review the MG ZS's bigger brother in this episode of Behind the Wheel.
Our Verified Buyer Reviews come from confirmed customers that have had their purchase registered on the AutoDeal platform.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer
MG RX5 Style AT
Purchased from MG Bacoor
4.5/5
March 02, 2021
MG RX5 FAQs
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Does the RX5 have sunroof?
Yes, the RX5 has sunroof for its higher variants in the Philippines.
Does the MG RX5 have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the MG RX5 has Apple CarPlay function on its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It lacks, however, Android Auto functionality.
Does the MG RX5 have all-wheel drive?
No, the RX5 doesn't have an all-wheel-drive option in its range even in global markets.
Where are MG cars manufactured?
Though MG is a British brand, its cars are manufactured in China within the company's parent owner, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited.
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