2025 MGU9 review

How much does the MGU9 cost?  

The MGU9 ute range consists of three models: the Explore for $52,990, the Explore X for $55,990, and the Explore Pro for $60,990 (all prices are drive away).

An entry price of approximately $50,000 before on-roads puts the MGU9 right in the thick of the ute market. Comparable dual cab competitors with 4x4 and an auto transmission include the Kia Tasman ($49,990) Mitsubishi Triton GLX ($50,490), GWM Cannon Alpha Lux ($50,490), Isuzu D-Max SX ($50,700), Ford Ranger XL ($51,130) and Toyota HiLux SR ($55,190).

MG offers a seven-year/200,000km warranty on an MGU9 intended for private use, while commercial customers get five years/160,000km. MG had not published service intervals or pricing at the time of writing.

What is the MGU9 like inside?  

While the recent crop of MG SUVs has shaken off the brand’s budget heritage, the MGU9 ute – despite luxury pretensions – retains a whiff of the bad old days.

A superficial assessment bodes well. The MGU9 features artificial leather upholstery (real on the Explore Pro) that’s robust but pleasant to the touch, a microfibre leather steering wheel, single panoramic screen encompassing infotainment and instrument cluster, a digital transmission shifter that resembles the thrust lever in a passenger jet, electric door openers on all four doors, and (in the top-spec model) a sunroof that stretches across both rows.

On closer inspection, however, there are some rough finishes, the rubber lining doesn’t quite fit flush in the coin tray, the transmission handle is a touch wobbly, and one wonders whether ‘microfibre’ is a euphemism for ‘thin’ when it comes to the leather steering wheel. Also, while the physical switches for central locking, air conditioning and touchscreen home-button are welcome, they feel cheap and flimsy and likely won’t wear well under rough tradie fingers. 

These throwbacks to the MG of 10 years ago are a shame, because otherwise the U9 enjoys a clever and versatile cabin. 

The simple dark grey and silver colour palette is inoffensive and the logical positioning of instruments and storage nooks makes the driver feel at home immediately. Up front, the seats are generous in proportion and comfortable (although I suspect I could feel one of the ‘fingers’ from the Explore Pro’s massage function digging into my back while it was switched off). The induction phone charger (Explore X and up) is a luxury accessory seldom seen in utes at this price point and there’s a USB-A, USBC-A and 12-volt socket in a neat and accessible row behind the gear lever, while the driver’s seat in the Explore Pro is ventilated – a big plus in an Aussie summer. The armrest cubby’s sliding tray aids storage versatility and two drink holders finish off the well-designed centre console.

The wide second row could likely accommodate three grown men if required and there’s decent leg room, although head and foot room aren’t as plentiful. The panoramic sunroof (Explore Pro only) makes for a cabin uncommonly light and airy among utes. Rear-pew comforts include seat heaters (Explore Pro only) and air conditioning controls, one USB-A and one USB-C plug, and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders (Explore Pro only). Two top tether anchor points and two Isofix attachments give the MGU9 proper family car credentials.

At the launch, MG made a big deal of the MGU9’s ‘cabin access panel’, where the electric back window slides down at the press of a button and another button drops the wall between the seat back and the tray area, making an already capacious tray space even longer. Nifty, to be sure, but it’s a $5500 optional extra and only available on the halo variant (see below).

What equipment does the MGU9 come with?  

The MGU9 Explore is well equipped when juxtaposed against similarly priced competitors, although it does miss out on quite a few of the unique goodies that set MG’s ute apart from the pack. 

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and taillights, a painted tub liner, sidesteps and roof rails, keyless entry and start, artificial leather seats, rain sensing wipers, a leather steering wheel, air conditioning with rear-seat vents, a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, automatic door locking, wading sensor, six speaker audio, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen, digital radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Invest another $3000 in the Explore X and you’ll get 19-inch alloys, three rows of LED headlight lenses rather than two, two LED lights in the tray and a slide rail with hook, 360-degree camera, folding door mirrors, heated front seats and six-way electrically adjustable passenger seat, acoustic windscreen glass, auto-dimming rearview mirror, several infotainment system apps including Amazon Music, voice control, and a wireless phone charger.

It’s not hard to see why the Pro costs so much more than the two lower trims. Added to the spec sheet are 20-inch alloy wheels, 64-colour ambient interior lighting, black (rather than chrome) window trim and roof rails, rear view mirror reversing memory, an electric tailgate with ‘turnover step’, electronic panoramic sunroof, suede headlining, eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with heating/ventilation and massage function, real leather seats, heated outboard seats in the second row, trailer reversing assistance, a digital rearview mirror and an eight-speaker JBL sound system. 

The electrically foldable rear cabin access panel is a $5500 option available only on the Explore Pro. Ticking this box would push its final price to $66,490.

The MGU9 is available in five colours, with one – Riverstone Blue – unique to the Explore Pro. All models come with a full-size spare wheel. 

How safe is the MGU9?  

The MGU9 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2024 crash test results from SAIC stablemate the LDV eTerron 9, along with additional data provided to show the results were applicable to the MGU9. It has seven airbags and a full array of active and passive safety technology. 

What powers the MGU9?  

While the likes of Ford and BYD are exploring hybrid alternatives, diesel remains king in the ute world and the MGU9 runs a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine matched to an eight-speed transmission, producing 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque. All variants are equipped with four-wheel drive, a rear diff lock, and selectable low range. The MGU9 Explore Pro also has a front diff lock.

Tow ratings for the MGU9 are 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked. Any mention of payload capacity was notably absent at the launch drive day, and that’s because it’s 870kg for the Explore, and 835kg for the Explore X, and a mere 770kg for the Explore Pro. Most key players in the Aussie ute segment can take 1000kg in the tray (although in 2024 Mitsubishi did introduce some sub-1000kg models to make them more affordable).

Combined fuel consumption for all three MGU9 models is a claimed 7.9L/100km.

What is the MGU9 like to drive?   

The launch was conducted along a number of off-road trails in Glenworth Valley in the NSW central coast hinterland. The MGU9 runs double wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear, intended to provide comfort on tarmac and capability on the rough stuff. Motoring journalists were not given the opportunity to drive the MGU9 on regular roads during the launch – we will provide further updates once we’ve conducted a proper urban test, although on flatter sections of dirt track the MGU9 seemed stable and not given to undue bouncing or body roll in corners. 

During our drive, the MGU9 exhibited good off-road competence with ample wheel articulation in ruts and plenty of traction on steep climbs and water crossings. The ride is comfortable and cushiony and, although the test tracks were not extreme or arduous, we noticed no steering kickback. Throttle response isn’t lightning fast, but the engine is far from laggy and offers plenty of pull where it’s needed. The 550mm wading depth and unladen approach/departure angles of 29º and 25º are on par for the segment. 

At one point during some fairly tame off-roading the radio came on by itself, raising additional concerns about the MGU9’s build quality and longevity if subjected to a hard life. 

We also took the MGU9 for a short towing run with a full-size caravan behind it. The 2.5-litre engine/eight-speed transmission combo conducted itself admirably, with smooth power delivery and no jerkiness. The Explore Pro has a camera over the towball, making hitching up much simpler, and trailer reversing assistance to keep arguments and frustration to a minimum. 

Unlike the cabin access panel, the electric tailgate with fold-down step comes as standard gear on the Explore Pro and it would prove expedient indeed for any owner who spends a lot of time loading and unloading equipment or cargo.

The instruments inside the cabin are similarly ergonomic and practical. The ‘thrust lever’ gear shifter is convenient to use as well as looking cool, the touchscreen is intuitive to use, and the row of buttons beneath it add a utilitarian look and feel while providing an easy way to access the most common controls. Buttons on the steering wheel mean safer controls on the go. Even the starter button, located where a traditional ignition key would be, has an agreeable pragmatism.

Not everything about the Explore Pro is quite so pragmatic, though. It has a digital rearview mirror, which seems high-tech but is more often than not a limitation. You can’t see yourself in it, for a start, and – more importantly for a ute hoping to target families – it can’t show you the back seat. Going off-road frequently will also expose the camera lens to dust and potential damage, meaning no rear vision mirror at all until it’s cleaned or fixed.

Open Road’s take on the MGU9  

There’s a hint of ‘smoke and mirrors’ about the MGU9. It feels like a budget ute playing at being premium, some materials and switchgear don’t inspire confidence in their longevity, and several key selling points are only available on the top-spec variant or at extra cost. That said, agreeable ride and handling characteristics, some unique functionality (if you’re willing to pay for it), and a sense of space and user-friendliness lend it considerable appeal. If you’re in the market for a more affordable ute, add it to your list – just don’t let the marketing hype bamboozle you.  

PROS 

• Unique load space functions (albeit for a price)
• Muscular engine and comfortable suspension
• Practical interior with plenty of technology 

CONS 

• Desirable features only available on Explore Pro
• Lower maximum payload than many competitors
• Some build quality concerns