Is the MG ZS EV cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?

Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the MG ZS EV costs $40,744 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $4,904 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.

How much does it cost to run the MG ZS EV per year in Australia?

Around $8,149 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.

How much can I save switching from the MG ZS EV to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?

About $4,904 over 5 years — roughly $981 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.

5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW

MG ZS EVVSToyota Corolla Ascent Sport

The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is cheaper to run — by $4,904 over 5 years (12% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.

5-yr cheaper total: $35,840; Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
Saving vs rival: $4,904; 12% lower
Cost per km: $0; vs $1
Saving per year: $981; on average

Tale of the tape

Headline specs and running costs side by side.

Metric	⚡ MG ZS EV	⛽ Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
Driveaway price	$46,990	$33,990
Powertrain	Electric (BEV)	Petrol · ULP 91
Efficiency	19.0 kWh/100km	6.5 L/100km
Battery / fuel	50.3 kWh battery	Petrol · ULP 91
Range	~260 km real-world	—
Annual energy / fuel	$630	$1,999

Run the numbers yourself

interactive

Pre-loaded with the MG ZS EV and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.

EV Running Cost Calculator

Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.

⚡ Electric vehicle

⛽ Petrol equivalent

Annual distance15,000 km

Ownership period

State / Territory

EV charging mix

Home (grid)70%

Public charger20%

Home solar10%

Total: 100%

Over 5 years, the MG ZS EV costs $172 less than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. That's $3/month in savings.

Electric

MG ZS EV

CHEAPER

Energy / Fuel: $3,149
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $1,750
Depreciation: $25,845

5-Year Total

$40,744

$1/km · $8,149/yr

💰 YOU SAVE $172

Petrol

Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport

Energy / Fuel: $11,070
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $2,750
Depreciation: $17,096

5-Year Total

$40,916

$1/km · $8,183/yr

5-Year Cost Breakdown

Energy / Fuel

$3,149

PET

$11,070

Registration

$2,500

PET

$2,500

Insurance

$7,500

PET

$7,500

Servicing

$1,750

PET

$2,750

Depreciation

$25,845

PET

$17,096

Compare MG ZS EV vs Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport in detail See all MG running costs

5-year cost breakdown

Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.

Category	MG ZS EV	Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport	Difference
Energy / fuel	$3,149	$9,994	−$6,845
Registration	$2,500	$2,500	—
Insurance	$7,500	$7,000	+$500
Servicing	$1,750	$2,750	−$1,000
Depreciation	$25,845	$13,596	+$12,249
Total (5 yrs)	$40,744	$35,840	$4,904

Which is cheaper to run?

Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport costs $35,840 to own and run, against $40,744 for the MG ZS EV. That is a $4,904 difference — about $981 a year, or $82 a month.

The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $12,249. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the MG ZS EV's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.

Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.

FAQ

Is the MG ZS EV cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?: Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the MG ZS EV costs $40,744 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $4,904 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.
How much does it cost to run the MG ZS EV per year in Australia?: Around $8,149 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
How much can I save switching from the MG ZS EV to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?: About $4,904 over 5 years — roughly $981 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.