The MG Hector has made a niche for itself in India’s midsize SUV market. Launched as one of the country’s first internet-enabled SUVs, it was an instant success for its fearless styling, roomy interiors, and generous feature list. Positioned in the ₹14.50–22.45 lakh bracket, it competes with rivals like the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar.
But while the Hector impresses on space, comfort, and tech, long-term ownership costs also play a key role in its overall value. Fuel expenses, service charges, and routine maintenance can add up to a substantial amount over five years of ownership. For potential buyers, knowledge of these running costs is as vital as selecting the correct variant.
In this guide, we will analyse the MG Hector service cost, its running cost for 5 years, fuel efficiency, and total cost of ownership to enable you to make a wiser decision.
Table of Contents
MG Hector: Fuel Type and Mileage Overview
The MG Hector is available with petrol and diesel engines, paired with manual and automatic transmissions. The following is a brief overview of the official ARAI-tested mileage for various MG Hector variants.
| Fuel Type | Transmission | ARAI Mileage |
| Petrol | Automatic | 12.34 kmpl |
| Petrol | Manual | 13.79 kmpl |
| Diesel | Manual | 15.58 km/kg |
While the diesel manual stands out as the most efficient option, the petrol automatic trades efficiency for convenience. Buyers need to weigh their priorities between running costs and driving comfort.
Real World Mileage Used for Calculations
On paper, Hector provides decent efficiency returns, but actual performance is slightly unconventional. The petrol manual, for example, is ARAI-rated at 13.79 kmpl but owners find they obtain approximately 8–10 kmpl in city usage and 12–14 kmpl on highways with an average of about 11 kmpl overall.
The petrol automatic (CVT) is marginally less efficient at an ARAI claim of 12.34 kmpl. It delivers approximately 7–9 kmpl in city driving and 11–13 kmpl on the highway, averaging 10 kmpl in normal driving conditions.
The diesel manual, on the other hand, proves to be the most economical in real-world usage. Against an ARAI figure of 15.58 kmpl, owners report 12–14 kmpl in urban traffic and 16–18 kmpl on highways, giving it a combined average of around 15 kmpl.
These figures show the noticeable difference between theoretical and real driving performances. Driving style, road surface, and terrain all influence fuel efficiency, hence the difference.
For city drivers, petrol is good enough, but for highway drivers, diesel is the most logical and economical choice. Customers must account for these aspects when selecting long-term operating expenses.
Annual and 5-Year Fuel Cost Estimate
Assuming a 10,000 km average annual running distance for this calculation. The following table illustrates rough annual and 5-year fuel costs at varied mileage rates of various fuels.
| Variant | Mileage | Fuel Required (Annual) | Annual Fuel Cost | 5-Year Fuel Cost | Fuel Cost/Km |
| Petrol + Manual | 11.5 kmpl | ~869.5 L | ₹86,950 | ₹434,750 | ₹8.70/km |
| Petrol + Automatic | 8.95 kmpl | ~1,117.3 L | ₹111,730 | ₹558,650 | ₹11.17/km |
| Diesel + Manual | 14.2 kmpl | ~704.2 L | ₹63,378 | ₹316,890 | ₹6.34/km |
Note: Please note that these calculations are based on average fuel prices (₹100/l for petrol and ₹90/l for diesel) and standardised mileage figures. Actual costs may vary depending on fuel prices, driving habits, traffic conditions and vehicle maintenance.
MG Hector: Service and Maintenance Costs Over 5 years
The total estimated maintenance of the MG Hector over 5 years is ₹35,067. The first three services (at 15,000 km, 30,000 km, and 45,000 km) are provided free of labour charges by the company, lowering the initial ownership costs. Maintenance is charged from the fourth service onwards, with labour and consumables taking up the largest share of the bill.
On average, Hector’s maintenance price is ₹585 per month, which is good enough for an SUV this big. These are estimates of base petrol and diesel trims, and actual expenditures may differ based on usage, fuel, location, and service upgrade options.
Also, occasional costs like tyre replacement, brake pad renewal, and insurance charges contribute to the total cost of ownership. MG also offers prepaid packages of maintenance and extended warranties that can help lower longer-term expenses.
For prospective buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for over five years, buying these packages offers cost assurance and peace of mind with regard to running costs.
Estimated MG Hector Service Costs by Year
MG Hector service cost estimates are displayed in the table below:
| Year | Routine Service | Additional Cost | Total Cost |
| 1st | ₹0 | ₹5629 | ₹5629 |
| 2nd | ₹0 | ₹5629 | ₹5629 |
| 3rd | ₹0 | ₹5785 | ₹5785 |
| 4th | ₹2400 | ₹5629 | ₹8029 |
| 5th | ₹2400 | ₹7595 | ₹9995 |
In total, the 5-year service cost of the MG Hector comes to approximately ₹35,067. The first three years are light on the pocket, while expenses rise from the fourth year onwards due to paid labour and increased wear-and-tear replacements.
Insurance and Other Recurring Expenses for MG Hector
Similar to all other SUVs, the MG Hector features compulsory yearly insurance. The third-party policy for insurance is inexpensive, yet almost all owners go for comprehensive insurance because of the premium status of the SUV. Hector’s mean yearly comprehensive premium for FY 2023–24 varies from ₹23,000 to ₹50,000 based on the variant, fuel type, and add-on covers.
Tyre replacements are another periodic expense. The Hector comes with 215/60 R17 tyres, and depending on brand choice, a set of four tyres can cost between ₹50,000 and ₹76,000. Typically, tyres require replacement every 35,000–40,000 km, meaning one full change within the first 5 years.
Fuel, as with any large SUV, is the most significant running expense. The Hector returns about 8–10 kmpl in urban driving and 12–14 kmpl on highways for petrol versions and slightly improved mileage using diesel. Increasing fuel prices also account for the cost of ownership in the long term, particularly for city dwellers with heavy-traffic-driving school or office runs.
With increased insurance, tyre, and fuel costs, it is evident that Hector requires a higher budget than compact SUVs, although it offsets this with better space, comfort, and features.
Total Ownership Cost of MG Hector (5-Year Estimate)
The table below describes the detailed overview of the total ownership cost of the MG Hector over five years:
| TCO Calculation | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
| Insurance Cost | ₹23,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹23,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹23,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹23,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹23,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹1,15,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Fuel Cost | ₹86,950 | ₹86,950 | ₹86,950 | ₹86,950 | ₹86,950 | ₹4,34,750 |
| Tyre Change Cost | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹25,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹0 | ₹25,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹76,000 |
| Service Cost | ₹5,629 | ₹5,629 | ₹5,785 | ₹8,029 | ₹9,995 | ₹35,067 |
| Depreciation | ₹4,25,700 | ₹1,41,900 | ₹2,83,800 | ₹2,83,800 | ₹2,83,800 | ₹14,19,000 |
| TCO | ₹3,99,379 – ₹4,26,379 | ₹3,99,379 – ₹4,26,379 | ₹4,24,535 – ₹4,64,535 | ₹4,01,779 – ₹4,28,779 | ₹4,28,745 – ₹4,68,745 | ₹20,53,817– ₹22,14,817 |
| TCO/KM | ₹40 – ₹43 | ₹40 – ₹43 | ₹42 – ₹46 | ₹40 – ₹43 | ₹43 – ₹47 | ₹206 – ₹221 |
Over five years, the MG Hector’s total cost of ownership is estimated to fall between ₹20.53 lakh and ₹22.14 lakh, translating to roughly ₹410–₹443 per kilometre. This positions the Hector as a premium SUV with manageable service costs but relatively high fuel and depreciation expenses compared to compact SUVs.
How to Reduce Your MG Hector’s Running Cost?
MG Hector is one of the top-selling midsize SUVs in India, offering premium features, innovative connectivity, and aggressive road presence. However, like any other SUV in this segment, running costs accumulate over time. MPG lifestyle and wise choices can reduce the Hector’s long-term cost of ownership without compromising on comfort and performance,such as:
- Follow the Service Schedule
The 5-yearly maintenance of the Hector will cost around ₹35,067, and that’s considerable for the size. Following the recommended schedule, like oil changes, filter replacement, and routine check-ups, keeps the engine healthy and prevents expensive repairs later. Adhering to service intervals also ensures resale value, making your Hector a better long-term investment.
- Drive Smoothly
With the fuel efficiency of a city as low as 8–10 kmpl with petrol and 12–14 kmpl with diesel, driving behaviour is an essential contributor to running costs. Smooth acceleration and even braking maximise fuel economy with minimum tyre wear, brakes, and suspension. It saves fuel and spares over a period of years.
- Check Tyre Pressure
The Hector’s 215/60 R17 tyres have a price of ₹50,000–₹76,000 for a complete set. Low tyre pressure decreases fuel efficiency by 2–3% as well as contributes to uneven tread wear, resulting in premature tyre replacement. Regular check and maintenance of tyre pressure every 2 weeks can increase tyre life and reduce running expenses.
- Select Diesel for Longer Runs
The Hector diesel gives a fuel efficiency of 16–18 kmpl on highways, and the petrol automatic gives 7–9 kmpl. For daily heavy usage or for frequent highway users, the diesel is cost-effective. The extra initial expense is recovered in the form of fuel costs in the long term.
- Choose Zero-Depreciation Insurance
Since the insurance premium is ₹23,000–₹50,000 annually, it is easy to go for the zero-depreciation add-on at the time of claim. It includes depreciation on parts replaced, which could be expensive on a costly SUV. This puts one’s mind at ease and saves one money, too.
- Keep Battery & Fluids
Regular checks on the battery, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluids avoid expensive breakdowns. Neglecting to service fluids can lead to overheating or brake failure, which is far more expensive to repair.
Summary
MG Hector provides world-class comfort and best-in-class features, but the ownership cost is fuel and depreciation-driven. Total cost of ownership for 5 years falls in the range of ₹20.53 lakh–₹22.14 lakh, with only fuel driving to ₹4.35 lakh (petrol manual).
The cost of service remains competitive at ₹35,067, but insurance, tyres, and depreciation collectively contribute significantly to long-term costs. Through selecting the proper variant, practising service discipline, and fuel-efficient driving practice, Hector owners can reduce the running cost of their SUV without sacrificing its luxury and usability.
FAQs about MG Hector Running Cost Breakdown
Q. Which variants and price range are available for the MG Hector?
The Hector comes in a series of petrol and diesel models with manual and automatic transmission. The price is between ₹14.50 lakh and ₹22.45 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on trim and specifications.
Q. What is the actual mileage of the MG Hector?
The petrol automatic returns 7–9 kmpl in the city and 11–13 kmpl on highways. The petrol manual averages 11–12 kmpl. The diesel options return more with 12–14 kmpl in the city and 18 kmpl on highways.
Q. What is the 5-year service cost of the MG Hector?
Maintenance cost is approximately ₹35,067 in 5 years. All the first three services are labour-free, and slightly more expense comes from the fourth year because of wear-and-tear replacements.
Q. What is the annual fuel cost of the Hector?
For petrol manual models, annual fuel costs total around ₹86,950, while petrol automatics reach well over ₹1.1 lakh. The diesel is frugal at ₹63,000 – ₹65,000 annually, based on 10,000 km/year.
Q. How can I reduce Hector’s running expenses?
Drive gently, get periodic tyre pressure checks done, observe regular servicing, and choose the diesel model if your running is considerable. Having zero-depreciation insurance coverage and periodic fluid checks also helps keep long-term expenses low.
