MG4 vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 5-year cost to own (Australia)

By Ivan H., EVCostIQ · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

Over 5 years in Australia (12,000 km/yr), as of July 9, 2026, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car to own — about $42,750 vs $50,858 for the MG4, a $8,108 difference over 5 years.

Novated lease (FBT exemption): for a salary-packaged EV the federal FBT exemption can cut the cost substantially — it depends on your income and tax, so it is not in the totals above. Source: ATO.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · AustraliaToyota Corolla Hybrid · $42,750 total · $8,108 less than the MG4

MG4 vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (AUD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost component	Electric · MG4	Hybrid · Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Depreciation (estimated)	$18,874 (37%)	$13,486 (32%)
Charging / fuel	$4,680 (9%)	$3,912 (9%)
↳ of which charging loss	12% (~$562)	—
Maintenance	$4,752 (9%)	$5,502 (13%)
Insurance	$12,725 (25%)	$10,000 (23%)
Financing interest	$5,452 (11%)	$5,475 (13%)
Registration & fees	$4,375 (9%)	$4,375 (10%)
Total cost of ownership	$50,858	$42,750

When does the MG4 win?

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid wins decisively here — $8,108 cheaper over 5 years; at typical assumptions this isn't a close call.

No realistic annual distance flips this verdict — the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car at every distance we model.

What decides the MG4 vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid verdict

The single biggest mover is depreciation: $18,874 on the MG4 against $13,486 on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, a $5,388 gap in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor — the largest slice of the $8,108 verdict. On the MG4, depreciation alone is 37% of its $50,858 total; on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid it is 32% of $42,750.

Insurance: MG4 $12,725, Toyota Corolla Hybrid $10,000 — $2,725 more in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor.
Energy: $4,680 of charging for the MG4 vs $3,912 of petrol for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid — $768 more in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid's favor.
Maintenance: MG4 $4,752, Toyota Corolla Hybrid $5,502 — $750 the other way, to the MG4.

The MG4 gets $750 back on maintenance, but against an $8,108 verdict that is loose change. At the dealer the Toyota Corolla Hybrid costs $120 more than the MG4, yet 5 years of ownership claw all of that back — and finish $8,108 ahead. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is ahead by $1,993 after the first year and more than doubles that lead — $8,108 by year 5.

MG4 vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid, side by side

Electric

MG4

5-yr total cost: $50,858
Cost / month: $848
Cost / km: $0.85
Starting price: $31,990
Powertrain: Electric
Efficiency: 16 kWh/100km

Hybrid Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

5-yr total cost: $42,750
Cost / month: $713
Cost / km: $0.71
Starting price: $32,110
Powertrain: Hybrid
Efficiency: 4 L/100km

Australia electricity: 33.00c/kWh AER
Petrol (Australia): $1.63/L AIP

FAQ

Is the MG4 or the Toyota Corolla Hybrid cheaper to own over 5 years in Australia?

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car to own — about $42,750 vs $50,858 for the MG4, a $8,108 difference over 5 years.

When does the MG4 become cheaper than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

No realistic annual distance flips this verdict — the Toyota Corolla Hybrid stays the cheaper car at every distance we model.

How much more does the MG4 cost to buy than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

The MG4 starts at $31,990 — $120 less than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid ($32,110). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $8,108 in favour of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

Which costs less per km — the MG4 or the Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid: $0.71 vs $0.85 per km all-in ($713 vs $848 per month).