Better-than-expected pricing for the 2026 MG U9 ute as the brand backtracks on earlier estimations that put the model starting from $55,000.
After earlier announcing a range between $55,000 and $65,000 for its three-variant U9 dual-cab ute line-up, MG Australia has lowered the price before the first vehicles have even been delivered to customers.
At the U9 launch event – attended by journalists, social media personalities, and Chinese executives from parent company Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) Motor – MG Australia boss Peter Ciao revealed sharper-than-expected pricing.
The 2026 MG U9 will kick off at $52,990 drive-away for the Explore, move up to $55,990 for the mid-tier Explore X, and top out at $61,990 for the flagship Explore Pro.
This means the U9 undercuts the related LDV Terron 9, which starts from $53,674 for the Origin and tops out at $58,937 in Evolve form.
While being around $2000-$4000 cheaper than expected, the MG U9’s much-touted two-step tailgate and electrically folding rear hatch access are exclusive to only the top-spec Explore Pro – the latter component as an optional extra costing another $5500.
Powering all versions of the MG U9 is a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, now confirmed to produce 160kW/520Nm after the figure leaked on homologation documentation earlier this year.
This is 4kW less than its LDV Terron 9 cousin, but torque remains the same across both models.
Featuring an 80-litre fuel tank and 7.9 litre per 100km claimed efficiency, the MG U9 has a theoretical driving range of around 1000km.
Also unique to the U9 compared to its Terron 9 relation is independent multi-link rear suspension compared to a leaf-sprung solid rear axle.
This means less payload capacity – 870kg in the Explore, 835kg in the Explore X, and 770kg in the Explore Pro – compared to the Terron 9’s 1005-1100kg rating.
However, the MG still retains the segment-standard 3500kg braked towing capacity of rivals, while its gross vehicle mass (GVM) and gross combination mass (GCM) are pegged at 3320kg and 6500kg, respectively.
As standard, the 2026 MG U9 is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic LED headlights, side steps, roof rails, an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control.
There is also a single, widescreen display that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.33-inch infotainment touchscreen with functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as digital radio.
Stepping up to the mid-tier Explore X adds 19-inch wheels, electronically folding side mirrors, cargo bed slide-rail hooks, rear tub lights, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, in-built satellite navigation, connected services, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Finally, the Explore Pro gains 64-colour interior ambient lighting, blacked-out exterior trim, a suede headliner, a sunroof, a driver’s side massaging seat, an eight-speaker JBL-branded sound system, genuine leather interior, heated rear outboard seats, digital rear-view mirror, and two additional cupholders.
Standard across all three is also a full array of safety equipment, highlighted by autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
However, the Explore is fitted with just a reversing camera, but the Explore X has a surround-view monitor, while the Explore Pro scores full 1080p high-definition 360-degree cameras for extra clarity – also helping justify its high-price positioning.
In terms of off-road capability, all U9s are fitted with a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential, but only the Explore Pro has a front differential lock.
There is also a full-sized spare across the board, as well as 29-, 25-, and 20-degree approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles respectively.
Ground clearance measures 220mm – or 180mm when fully loaded – while wading depth is 550mm in all U9s.
The MG U9 is on sale now, with customer deliveries expected in the coming months.
2026 MG U9 price in Australia
Note: All prices above are drive-away.
2026 MG U9 Explore standard features:
2026 MG U9 Explore X adds (over Explore):
2026 MG U9 Explore Pro adds (over Explore X):
Optional $5500 electrically foldable rear cabin access panel only available on Explore Pro.
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.
