MG's U9 ute, due later this year, share its underpinnings with the LDV Terron 9, but there are a number of key differences between the two that might sway buyers one way or the other.
The Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max – these two ute pairings are twins under the skin but soon there will be another duo to join the club.
This year MG Australia will launch its first dual-cab ute as it tries to accelerate up the sales charts to take on the likes of Hyundai and Mitsubishi, and will pair with sister-brand’s LDV (known as Maxus in overseas markets) Terron 9.
Like other ute twins, the MG and LDV share many things in common – such as the same platform and a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine – but these are the key differences separating the two.
The LDV Terron 9 features a solid rear axle with leaf springs, while the MG U9 has an independent multi-link rear suspension set-up.
However, both are rated to two a maximum 3.5-tonne braked capacity, keeping them in line with key rivals in the dual-cab ute space.
What the change in suspension should mean is better handling and on-road comfort for the MG, but the LDV should handle off-road situations and laden driving more confidently.
Of course, without assessing the two set-ups back-to-back, it can be hard to determine which brand will be proven correct here.
The LDV Terron 9 features a traditional fold-down tailgate – exactly like the ones used by the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Kia Tasman, and others.
The MG U9 meanwhile, features a two-step tailgate design, similar to what is offered on the Ford F-150 and GWM Cannon.
However, MG calls its “innovate” tailgate design unique for moving the game on with one-button electronic operation designed to make work and play easier for Australians.
Aside from functioning as a step into the rear tray, the two-step function also allows easier access to the U9’s rear and will work as a footrest when occupants are seated in the bed.
Both the LDV Terron 9 and MG U9 are mid-size dual-cab utes, but only the latter has fold-down rear seats to extend cargo-bed length.
This means items like surfboards or flat-packed furniture can fit securely and snuggly within the U9’s rear tray confines, rather than positioned at an awkward angle in the tray.
Of course, owners will need to sacrifice second-row seating to make use of the feature, but as an occasional-use feature, the U9 could hold more appeal to particular buyers.
And with the rear seats in place, both models afford room for adults and children.
While both the Terron 9 and U9 both feature a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, it looks like power outputs will differ between the two.
The already on-sale Terron 9 is rated at 163.5kW – rounding up to 164kW – while MG is yet to confirm the exact figures from its engine tune.
However, certification documents indicate the U9 will sport a 160kW tune – less than the LDV, but still one of the punchiest diesel-powered utes in market.
Torque looks to be equal though, with 520Nm, and drive is sent to all four wheels in both models via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Though both models share some mechanical similarities, the LDV Terron 9 is imported and sold through Ateco Automotive rather than a fully factory-backed operation as seen with the MG U9.
This doesn’t mean however that the MG has the longer warranty compared to the LDV.
Unlike the rest of MG’s line-up that features an up to 10-year/250,000km warranty, the U9 assurance period is only five-years/unlimited kilometres for private buyers, and five-years/160,000km for fleet customers.
This is also less than the Terron 9’s seven-year/200,000km warranty, so the LDV wins out for aftersales peace of mind.
Difference: Pricing and positioning
MG is yet to confirm pricing and full specifications for its U9 ute, but given the differences listed above, the brand is positioning its first dual-cab model as more of a lifestyle and rugged adventure vehicle rather than an outright workhorse.
This likely means the U9 will be priced higher than the Terron 9, which features more blue-collar appeal.
The Terron 9 currently kicks off at $53,674 drive-away for the base Origin grade, and rises to $58,937 for the top-spec Evolve.
Expect then a starting price around $55,000 for the entry-level MG U9 ute, putting it against mid-spec versions of the Ranger, Tasman, and HiLux.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
