MG Motor Australia has released full pricing and specifications for the U9, the first ute to be sold by the Chinese manufacturer on local soil.
Despite early suggestions that the U9 would fall within the $55,000-65,000 range, MG has now confirmed that the Explore will start from $52,990 drive-away, while the top-spec Explore Pro is priced at $60,990 drive-away.
The U9 shares a platform with the LDV Terron 9, which is currently priced at $52,674 drive-away for the base Origin and $57,937 drive-away for the top-spec Evolve.
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However, the MG trades the Terron 9’s live rear axle and leaf springs for a more car-like multi-link coil-sprung independent rear suspension system.
MG still claims the U9 offers an identical braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching class leaders including the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
While U9 pre-orders are open, it’s unclear when deliveries will officially commence. MG has announced a $1000 accessory bonus for customers placing early orders.
Pricing
| Model | Drive-away price |
|---|---|
| 2026 MG U9 Explore | $52,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore X | $55,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore Pro | $60,990 |
Drivetrains and Efficiency
The MG U9 shares a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system with the LDV Terron 9, although peak power is down by 3kW in this application.
| Specifications | MG U9 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Power | 160kW |
| Torque | 520Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.9L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 208g/km |
| Fuel tank | 80L |
| Weight | 2450-2550kg |
| Payload | 770-870kg |
| Braked towing capacity | 3500kg |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 3320kg |
| Gross combination mass (GCM) | 6500kg |
All variants come equipped with selectable four-wheel drive including a low-range transfer case, dedicated off-road terrain modes and a rear differential lock, while the top-spec Explore Pro gains a front differential lock.
Dimensions
The MG U9 is offered with a dual-cab pickup body style.
| Dimensions | MG U9 |
|---|---|
| Length | 5500mm |
| Width | 2265mm |
| Height | 1874mm |
| Wheelbase | 3300mm |
| Tub length | 1600mm |
| Tub width | 1230mm |
| Tub depth | 535mm |
Servicing and Warranty
MG will back its U9 with a shorter warranty than most of its models – just five years, with no kilometre limit for private buyers but a 160,000km limit for commercial buyers.
This is bumped up to seven years or 200,000km – matching the LDV – when owners service within the MG dealer network.
Service intervals and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Safety
The U9 will launch in Australia with a full five-star ANCAP rating, based on testing of the electric Maxus eTerron 9 sold overseas.
| Category | MG U9 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 91 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 89 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 84 per cent |
| Safety assist | 85 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Intelligent Cruise Assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Rear collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Seven airbags
Explore X adds:
- 360-degree camera
Explore Pro adds:
- High-definition 360-degree camera
Standard Equipment
The MG U9 will initially be offered in three dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants in Australia: the base Explore, mid-spec Explore X, and flagship Explore Pro.
2025 MG U9 Explore equipment highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- LED headlights
- Heated side mirrors
- Painted tub liner
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ radio
- Dual-zone climate control
- Microfibre/leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leatherette upholstery
- Six-speaker sound system
The Explore X adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED rear tub lights
- Tub cargo slide rail with hook
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Heated steering wheel
- Six-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Amazon music
- Over-the-air updates
- Voice control
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charger
The Explore Pro adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Black window trim
- Black roof rails
- Power tailgate
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Suede headliner
- Electric panoramic sunroof
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar, ventilation and massage functions
- Leather upholstery
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Trailer reversing assist
- Eight-speaker JBL sound system
- Optional power-folding rear cabin access panel ($5500)
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
