2026 MG U9 review: Australian preview drive

To become a major player in Australia, it is clear car brands need a properly competitive dual-cab ute to steal sales away from the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

After all, 4x4 dual-cab utes, as a category, is one of the largest segments by volume and popularity.

So, in a bid to race up the sales charts, MG has introduced its first dual-cab in Australia in the form of the competitively-priced and feature-rich U9.

Sharing its underpinnings, engine, and most of the styling with the already-launched LDV Terron 9, the MG does distinguish itself from the ever-growing competitor set with some unique features, but whether they make a difference in your purchase decision is down to personal preference.

Media were only granted access to the U9 in controlled off-road settings – and for a very limited amount of time – at the launch event, so opinions about the U9’s on-road behaviour are still forthcoming.

What we do know is that it will be affordable – at least for a ute this size.

Starting at $52,990 drive-away for the base Explore, the MG U9 undercuts even its LDV Terron 9 sibling that kicks off from $53,674 drive-away.

As standard, the U9 comes well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights, a painted tub liner, side steps, roof rails, an electronically-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather interior, keyless entry, and push-button start.

The cabin is especially elevated by a widescreen display encompassing dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system – the latter with features such as digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Stepping up to the mid-tier Explore X raises pricing to $55,990 drive-away, but adds 19-inch wheels, rear tub lights, electronically folding side mirrors, cargo bed slide-rail hooks, a heated steering wheel, an electronically-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, in-built satellite navigation, connected services, and a wireless smartphone charger.

Finally, the top-spec car, priced at $60,990, gains 64-colour interior ambient lighting, blacked-out exterior trim, a suede headliner, a sunroof, a massaging driver’s seat, genuine leather interior, heated rear outboard seats, a digital rear-view mirror, two additional cupholders, and an eight-speaker JBL sound system.

The U9 Explore Pro is also the only variant equipped with the much-talked about “innovative” electric two-step tailgate, allowing owners to gain access to the cargo bed with the push of a button.

However, to unfurl the entire tailgate mechanism is a three-step process – one button to lower the gate, another to lower the split, and one more to release the step – making it less convenient to use in reality than what a brochure makes it seem.

Is it a handy feature? Sure, if you regularly make use of the tailgate as a seat or need to climb into the tray frequently, but it is a little finnicky to use.

Also, closing the tray is a manual process, but luckily the tailgate is damped to assist in this endeavour – which is a feature standard across all U9 variants.

MG has also been spruiking the rear-cabin access panel, which lets you fold the rear seats and open a rear hatch connect the cabin and tray – essentially elongating the tray floor.

Is it useful? Sure, but only to buyers who regularly use longboards or require the extra load space will make the most of the feature.

The rear-cabin access panel is also only available as an option on the top-spec car, adding $5500 to the asking price, so it might be too steep for some budget-conscious buyers to stomach.

Of course, there is a full gamut of safety equipment included across the board too, with highlights including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

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.

Overall, the U9 ute offers an attractive equipment list, while the interior fittings and finishes work overtime to elevate this MG above what rivals are offering at a similar sticker price.

But further differentiating the U9 from other rivals is its larger size, measuring 5500mm long, 1874mm tall, 1997mm wide, and with a 3300mm wheelbase.

This makes it bigger than a Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max, but not quite as expansive as a US pick-up like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500.

Instead, the U9 occupies a space in between, similar to the GWM Cannon Alpha. But, that girth does present a downside with manoeuvrability.

With a 13.3-metre turning circle, it is slightly harder for the U9 to complete a U-turn, but at least visibility is great all around from the driver’s seat.

Occupants are afforded generous space inside the cabin, with three adults able to fit comfortably across the second row with plenty of shoulder and leg room.

The U9 also has a larger tray than smaller rivals, with a 1600mm-long floor and 1230mm between the wheel arches.

This means the U9 will easily accommodate an Australian pallet (1165mm x 1165mm), with payload capacities pegged at 870kg, 835kg, and 770kg for the Explore, Explore X, and Explore Pro respectively.

These payload figures are lower than some rivals, but that is because the U9 is fitted with a multi-link rear suspension set-up, which is more sophisticated than the solid-rear axle and leaf springs of most other rivals.

On paper, the rear suspension should be more comfortable in day-to-day driving, offering large SUV-like dynamics at the expense of load capacity.

In reality, the U9 offered very good driving dynamics in the limited time we had behind the wheel at the launch.

Body control, traction, and handling all seemed great, but again, we will have to reserve judgment on these metrics until we can better test the U9’s capabilities across a longer period of time and more varied surfaces.

Powering all this – across all three variants – is a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 160kW/520Nm on tap, which is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

This means the U9 punches out a little more than other four-cylinder rivals, but don’t expect a performance hero here, as the powertrain simply feels well-suited to a vehicle tipping the scales at around 2500kg.

Towing is also in the U9’s skillset, with a rated braked capacity of 3500kg to match the segment standard.

Hauling feels effortless and easy in the pre-production cars sampled at the launch, though the trailer reversing assist functionality had yet to be fully calibrated.

Of course, with 4x4 dual-cab ute buyers demanding more from their vehicles than ever, the MG U9 also needs to perform when the road gets rough.

To this end, all variants are fitted with low-range gearing and a rear differential lock, but only the top-spec Explore Pro has a front differential lock.

Other key considerations when off-roading is a 220mm ground clearance (or 180mm at maximum load), 550mm wading depth, and 29-, 25-, and 20-degree approach, departure, and ramp breakover angles respectively.

While not class-leading in any area, the U9 offers a competent and competitive set of numbers for adventurous buyers, which seems promising on paper, but again, we will have to reserve full judgement until a later date.

As it stands now – and with very limited drive time – the MG U9 is an intriguing new model that could shake up the market, if the brand’s other models are anything to go by.

A good-looking ute with a high-end interior that has oodles of space for families and tools, coupled with a punchy powertrain and enough off-road credibility for most buyers, means the U9 will draw more than a few eyeballs.

Whether MG can steal loyal buyers away from the HiLux, Ranger, and D-Max is another story, but the U9’s low price point and attractive package will at least get them through showroom doors.

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.

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