MG Hector New vs Old: Key Differences, Similarities and Which One Should You Buy

The MG Hector has remained one of the most recognisable SUVs on Indian roads, thanks to its bold design, spacious cabin, and tech-focused approach. Since its launch, it has appealed to buyers who want a large, feature-rich SUV without stepping into luxury-car pricing.

With the arrival of the new MG Hector facelift, many buyers are wondering whether this is a major upgrade or simply a cosmetic refresh. If you are planning to buy a new Hector or already own the older version, this detailed comparison explains what has changed, what remains the same, and whether the new model is worth your money.

TLDR: Quick Takeaway

• The new MG Hector is a facelift, not a brand-new generation

• Biggest updates are design changes and infotainment improvements

• Diesel engine is missing at launch, petrol buyers benefit the most

• Aggressive pricing makes the new Hector better value for fresh buyers

Why This Update Matters

The latest MG Hector update is not a full generational change. Instead, it is a refinement of the facelifted model that was already on sale. MG’s focus this time is on stronger road presence, improved software experience, and better value pricing.

For buyers, this update is important because it makes the Hector feel fresher while keeping the strengths that made it popular in the first place. The pricing strategy also positions it aggressively against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, while still offering a noticeably larger SUV.

Exterior Design: More Dominant Than Before

The biggest visual differences appear on the outside. MG has leaned heavily into making the Hector look even more commanding.

Front Design

The older Hector featured a chrome-heavy diamond-style grille. The new MG Hector introduces a much larger vertical-pattern grille that instantly grabs attention. It gives the SUV a more premium and imposing appearance, especially in traffic.

Bumpers and Detailing

Both the front and rear bumpers have been subtly reworked. The new design looks cleaner and more mature, moving away from excessive styling elements. The overall look feels more confident and less cluttered.

Alloy Wheels

The wheel size remains unchanged, but the new alloy wheel design adds freshness. The updated pattern looks sportier and better suited to the Hector’s large proportions.

Colour Options

MG has added new exterior shades that help the Hector stand out from older models. These colours give the SUV a more modern personality and break the monotony of common greys and whites seen earlier.

Design verdict:

If visual presence matters to you, the new MG Hector clearly looks more premium and aggressive than the older version.

Interior: Familiar Yet More Polished

Step inside, and the cabin instantly feels familiar. MG has retained the same layout, but subtle updates improve the overall experience.

Dashboard and Cabin Theme

The dashboard design is unchanged, but new interior colour themes make the cabin feel brighter and more upmarket. The quality of materials and fit remains one of the Hector’s strongest points.

Infotainment System

Both versions feature the massive portrait-style touchscreen, which continues to be a major highlight. The key difference lies in the updated software on the new model. The interface feels smoother, responds faster, and introduces gesture-based controls that reduce the need for physical interaction.

Comfort and Space

Seat comfort, rear legroom, and overall cabin space remain identical. The Hector continues to be one of the most spacious SUVs in its segment, making it ideal for families and long highway drives.

Interior verdict:

The cabin feels more refined in the new model, but existing owners will find the layout very familiar.

Technology and Connectivity: Smarter Experience

Technology has always been a key selling point for the Hector, and the new version builds on that reputation.

Connected Car Features

The connected car system remains feature-rich, allowing remote vehicle access, vehicle tracking, and real-time alerts. The updated system feels more stable and user-friendly.

Digital Key

The new Hector improves the Digital Key feature, allowing easier sharing of access with family members. This is especially useful for households with multiple drivers.

ADAS Features

The advanced driver assistance systems remain unchanged. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and emergency braking continue to be offered, keeping the Hector competitive in terms of safety tech.

Technology verdict:

The updates focus on usability rather than adding brand-new features, which improves everyday driving.

Engine and Performance: The Biggest Difference

This is where the comparison becomes crucial for many buyers.

Petrol Engine

The petrol engine remains unchanged in terms of performance and driving feel. It is tuned for comfort-focused driving, offering smooth acceleration and relaxed cruising rather than sporty performance. The automatic gearbox continues to be well-suited for city use.

Diesel Engine Availability

The biggest change is the absence of a diesel option at launch in the new model. The older Hector offered a diesel engine that was popular among highway users and high-mileage buyers.

For now, buyers looking specifically for a diesel Hector will have to either consider older stock or wait.

Performance verdict:

Petrol buyers will feel no difference, but diesel buyers may find this a limitation.

Safety: No Compromises

Safety equipment remains strong across both versions.

The Hector continues to offer multiple airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, and hill assist as standard. The surround-view camera system benefits from improved clarity in the updated software but functions the same way as before.

Safety verdict:

Both versions offer solid safety credentials with no major differences.

Ride Quality and Practicality

One area where the Hector has always performed well is comfort.

Ride Comfort

The suspension remains tuned for Indian road conditions, absorbing potholes and rough patches with ease. It prioritises comfort over sharp handling.

Space and Boot

Cabin space and boot capacity remain unchanged. The Hector continues to offer excellent practicality for daily use and long trips.

Comfort verdict:

If comfort and space are your priorities, both versions deliver equally well.

Pricing and Value

MG has repositioned the new Hector very smartly. The starting price makes it feel like a segment-above SUV at a segment-below price. Mid-level variants offer excellent value by bundling premium features that previously required higher trims.

This aggressive pricing is one of the biggest reasons the new Hector makes sense for fresh buyers.

What Remains the Same

• Overall dimensions and road presence

• Spacious cabin and rear-seat comfort

• Ride quality and suspension setup

• Core engine performance for petrol variants

• Feature-rich safety package

Should You Upgrade or Buy New

Choose the Older Model If

• You specifically want a diesel engine right now

• You already own the facelifted Hector and are satisfied with it

• You prefer fewer touchscreen-based controls

Choose the New Model If

• You want the latest design and updated software

• You are buying your first MG Hector

• You want maximum value for money in a large SUV

• You prioritise petrol driving and urban comfort

Final Verdict

The new MG Hector is a thoughtful refinement rather than a radical reinvention. It looks bolder, feels more polished inside, and offers a smoother technology experience. While the absence of a diesel engine may disappoint some buyers, petrol buyers gain a better-looking SUV with improved usability and aggressive pricing.

For new buyers, the Hector continues to be one of the most spacious, comfortable, and feature-packed SUVs in its segment. For existing owners, the changes may not be dramatic enough to justify an upgrade, but for first-time buyers, the new Hector is a compelling and well-rounded choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the new MG Hector a completely new generation?

No. The new MG Hector is a facelift update, not an all-new generation. It focuses on design tweaks, software improvements, and pricing, while the core structure remains the same.

What is the biggest difference between the new and old MG Hector?

The most noticeable difference is the larger front grille, updated alloy wheel design, and improved infotainment software in the new model.

Has the interior changed in the new MG Hector?

The layout remains familiar, but the new Hector gets fresh interior colour themes, smoother screen performance, and a more refined digital experience.

Is the diesel engine available in the new MG Hector?

At launch, the new MG Hector is petrol-only. The diesel engine is expected to return later, so diesel buyers may need to wait or look at older stock.

Does the new MG Hector drive differently from the old one?

No major changes here. The ride comfort, steering feel, and driving behaviour are largely the same, focusing on comfort rather than sporty performance.

Are there any new features added in the latest MG Hector?

Yes. The new model introduces updated touchscreen software, gesture controls, a more stable system response, and an improved digital key feature.

Is the safety package different between the new and old Hector?

Safety remains largely unchanged. Both versions offer six airbags, electronic stability control, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS on higher variants.

Which MG Hector offers better value for money?

For new buyers, the new MG Hector offers better value due to lower starting prices and improved features at mid variants.

Should existing MG Hector owners upgrade?

If you already own a recent facelift model, the upgrade may not feel significant. The changes are more cosmetic and software-focused.

Who should choose the old MG Hector instead?

Buyers who need a diesel engine immediately or prefer the older grille design may find better value in the outgoing model or remaining inventory.