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The arrival of the MG U9 dual-cab ute marks a significant moment for MG in the Australian market.
With utes firmly embedded in our automotive culture, MG’s decision to enter this fiercely contested segment signals its ambition to broaden beyond compact SUVs and hatchbacks.
What the MG U9 offers is more than just utility – it presents a lifestyle-driven alternative, blending practical load-carrying capability with SUV-style comfort, modern tech, and competitive pricing.
So, let’s go over the model range to see what you get, and how it lines up against its key rivals.
How many variants of the MG U9 are there?
MG Motor Australia offers the MG U9 in a three-variant dual-cab 4×4 lineup comprising the entry-level Explore, the mid-spec Explore X, and the flagship Explore Pro.
With prices starting at just $52,990 drive-away for the Explore and extending to $55,990 drive-away for the Explore X, and $60,990 drive-away for the Explore Pro, the MG U9 is one of the most accessible dual-cab utes in its class.
It costs less than entry-level dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants of the popular Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton, while offering significantly more standard equipment.
What do you get?
Even with the entry-level Explore, the MG U9 brings a generous level of standard equipment including:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size spare tyre
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Tub liner
- Tailgate with electric soft-opening
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Power windows
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leather seat trim
- Microfibre leather steering wheel trim
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker audio system
The Explore X adds the following features:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Three-level LED headlights
- LED lighting in the tray
- Tub cargo slide rail with hooks
- Heated steering wheel
- Six-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Acoustic windscreen
- Embedded satellite navigation
- Voice control
- Wireless phone charger
- 12-month iSmart subscription for connected services, including:
- Smartphone app connectivity
The flagship Explore Pro goes even further with:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Front differential lock
- Black finish window trim
- Black roof rails
- Power-release electric trifold tailgate (with rear step)
- Full leather interior trim
- Suede headliner
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with ventilation and massage functions
- Fold-forward ‘MultiFold’ rear seat cushion
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Digital rear-view mirror
- 64-colour ambient interior lighting
- Eight-speaker JBL audio system
- Optional Smart Hatch cabin-to-tub folding mid-gate
What’s under the bonnet?
All three variants of the MG U9 share the same mechanical setup, comprising a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel linked to a part-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque, and consumes a claimed average of 7.9L/100km – figures that are all on par with its key competitors.
The transmission has both a traditional gear lever and paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and there are three unique modes for highway driving (Eco, Normal, and Sport), plus four tailored off-road settings – Mud, Snow, Sand and Tow, plus a custom mode.
When low-range is activated, drivers can also choose to tailor the responsiveness of the engine, transmission and stability control systems via Rock, Deep Snow, Deep Mud, Wade, and Rock Crawl settings.
Both the Explore and Explore X variants have a rear differential lock to improve traction in slippery conditions, while the Explore Pro adds a front diff lock for even more capable off-road performance.
All three MG U9 grades ride on a rugged ladder frame chassis with double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link independent rear-end configuration.
Towing capacity is rated at 3500kg with a braked trailer across the range. However, payload varies for all three model variants, from 770kg for the Explore Pro to 835kg for the Explore X, and 870kg for the entry-level Explore.
Is the MG U9 safe?
The MG U9 has scored a maximum five-star ANCAP rating under the latest – and most stringent – protocols thanks to a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and crash-avoidance systems, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistance
- Speed-limit assist with traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot detection
- Driver monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Door-opening warning
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reverse parking display
- Seven airbags
The Explore X and Explore Pro both have a 360-degree parking display, and an off-road expert function showing water wading depth, and approach and departure angles – the range-topping version in full 1080p HD resolution.
How much does the MG U9 cost to run?
The MG U9 is backed by a seven-year warranty for private buyers who service within the MG dealer network, and a five-year/160,000km lwarranty for commercial customers.
CarExpert’s Take on the MG U9
The MG U9 dual-cab 4×4 pickup arrives in Australia with a compelling price proposition, generous standard specifications, robust safety credentials, and a genuine mix of utility and lifestyle capability, plus options like the Smart Hatch mid-gate, which for $5490 allows you to extend the tub into the cabin or vice versa, presenting even more ways to enjoy the adventure.
MG has clearly positioned it more for adventure-seekers as a rugged SUV alternative, rather than targeting tradies who want a heavy-duty, no-frills workhorse.
And to that end it delivers where it counts, with butch styling, capable off-road abilities, car-like luxuries, and thoughtful conveniences throughout the cabin.