MGU9 arrives swinging: prices slash Hilux, Ranger, Triton

MGU9 Launches in Australia: MG’s Dual-Cab Ute Targets Tradies and Tourers Alike

MG’s MGU9 has landed in Australia with a price tag that is more like a javelin to the heart of legacy utes. Starting at $52,990 to $60,990 drive-away, it’s aimed not at sweaty tradies but at the wetsuit-and-weekender crowd who want SUV comfort, caravan cred, and a cabin that doesn’t smell like plywood and stale beer. With Kia’s unlovable Tasman flopping into the market like a stunned mullet, MG’s timing couldn’t be sharper. This isn’t a toe-dip—it’s a kick in the cobblers.

The Drive
On the road, the MGU9 feels nothing like the creaking, leaf‑spring relics it’s gunning for. The independent multi‑link rear suspension and disc brakes at all four corners give it composure that Hilux and Triton can only dream about. Over corrugations, the cabin stays calm; over washouts, it doesn’t pogo like a demented ping‑pong ball.

The ZF 8‑speed auto is a gem—smooth, decisive, and always in the right gear. Paired with BorgWarner’s full‑time AWD, it means you’re never fumbling with levers or stopping to engage 4H. Greasy bitumen after a half‑hearted shower? The MGU9 is already in four‑wheel drive, ready to go.

Crawl is like an ultra‑slow cruise control so your foot doesn’t get the jitters on rocks. Other drive modes tweak throttle and traction for mud, sand, or highway, and the wading sensor feeds live data to the centre of the dash. It’s the kind of tech you forget you need until you’re nose‑deep in a river crossing. Even towing a 2.5‑tonne caravan, the 2.5‑litre turbo‑diesel doesn’t feel overawed. It’s not a powerhouse, but the torque is generous and delivered low, right where you want it.

Steering is light for a 5.5‑metre ute, making tight carparks less of a three‑point ballet. On dirt, it’s predictable and confidence‑inspiring, even on all‑terrain tyres. The ride is plush enough to cocoon you on long hauls, yet firm enough to keep body roll in check.

In short, the MGU9 drives like the ute Toyota, Ford, and Nissan keep telling us isn’t possible. It’s proof that comfort and capability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

The cabin is quiet, calm, and very good looking. Will the soft surfaces last?

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Review – MGU9 Ute 2025 Can Toyota and Ford Survive This?

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ABOVE: 2025 MGU9

The Cabin
Slide into the MGU9 and you’ll forget you’re in a dual‑cab. It’s less “sweaty tradie truck” and more “executive lounge with dirt on its boots.” The driver’s seat is the star: 8‑way electronic adjustment, 4‑way lumbar, heating, cooling, massage, and memory. The passenger gets 6‑way electric adjustment with heating and cooling, while the rear outboard seats are heated too. That’s four out of five seats with climate perks, and one with spa privileges. The flat floor makes the rear feel like a ballroom.

The Explore Pro variant layers on suede headliner, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery, while the base Explore still gets artificial leather and a 6‑way electric driver’s seat. MultiFold rear seating folds flat to create a completely flat interior floor despite 220mm ground clearance. Storage is everywhere—sliding centre console, hidden cupholders, deep door bins, and glovebox nooks that feel like they were designed by someone who has actually seen a car.

Twin 12.3‑inch screens dominate the dash. One handles off‑road data like wade depth and pitch angle, infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second screen replaces old‑school dials with digital clarity. JBL audio with 8 speakers is reserved for the Pro, while Explore and Explore X make do with six. Amazon Music, OTA updates, and MG’s iSmart app connectivity are included on X and Pro. Crucially, climate controls remain physical—actual buttons, not touchscreen tantrums. NOTE: only 12 months’ subscription to online services is included. Whether this extends to OTAs or not is unknown.

Ambient lighting, acoustic glass, and heated steering wheel (X and Pro) add to the SUV vibe. After a day in the dirt, the only thing missing was a cocktail trolley and a powder‑wigged flunky named Jeeves offering hors d’oeuvres.

Cabin vs Rivals
Hilux? Vinyl and vents. Ranger? Better, but still feels like it’s trying to impress your dad. Triton? A time capsule from 2013. The MGU9, by contrast, walks in wearing a tailored suit and offers you a drink. It’s not just nicer—it’s categorically different.

The Pro’s panoramic sunroof, suede headliner, and streaming rearview mirror are almost unheard of in this segment. Even the base Explore gets a microfibre leather wheel, push‑button start, tilt/telescopic steering, and four USB ports. Compared to rivals, the MGU9’s interior isn’t just more comfortable—it’s more considered. It’s the difference between a motel and a boutique stay. And once you’ve sat in it, going back to creaking, leaf‑spring austerity feels like punishment.

The Tub
Tailgate with lift assistance is standard, while the Pro adds an electric release tailgate, turnover step, and cargo slide rails. Painted tub liners are standard across the range. Side steps and roof rails (silver on Explore/X, black on Pro) are included, as are black wheel arches. It’s a ute that has already popped into Savile Row for a pith hat and safari suit.

The Grille
It’s big. It’s shiny. It’s chromed plastic. And it’s the only real misstep. Mirror‑finish plastic never ages well—it scratches, fades, and screams “whoopsies” after one summer. Everything else about the exterior is chunky, Tonka‑toy chic. But the grille? GET.IN.THE.BIN.

The Quirks
Phantom bongs. Mysterious chimes with no warning or explanation. MG says it’s a glitch. We say it’s haunted. Overspeed alerts and driver attention nags also need silencing every start—thanks, EU mandates. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a vibe‑killer. GET.IT.EXORCISED.

Safety and ADAS
MGU9 earned a 5‑star ANCAP rating, and not just by ticking boxes. Bosch ESP 9.3 brings traction control, vehicle dynamics, and autonomous emergency braking that works at highway speeds. Lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, blind‑spot monitoring, and trailer reversing assist (Pro only) round out the suite. It’s the kind of safety spec Hilux should’ve had five years ago.

The Verdict
MGU9 isn’t chasing flannel shirts and tool belts, more’s the pity. It’s courting the G&T campsite crowd, and doing it with SUV comfort, proper safety, and pricing that makes legacy brands look asleep at the wheel. Hilux used to be the darling. Now it’s just… dated. MG didn’t reinvent the ute—it just made one that actually works for how people live now, not 40 years ago.

MGU9 Full Spec:MGU9_Specs

MGU9 Spec Highlights (Australia)

Explore – $52,990

Engine: 2.5L 4‑cyl turbo‑diesel, 160kW / 520Nm
Transmission: ZF 8‑speed automatic
Driveline: Full‑time AWD (BorgWarner)
Suspension: Independent multi‑link rear
Towing: 3.5 tonnes
Ground clearance: 220mm
Seats: Artificial leather, 6‑way electric driver
Rear seats: 60/40 split backrest
Infotainment: 12.3″ screen, 6 speakers, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
Connectivity: 4 USB ports
Roof/Headliner: Silver roof rails
Mirrors: Heated, electric adjust
Tub/Tailgate: Painted liner, lift‑assist tailgate
Steering wheel: Microfibre leather
Safety/ADAS: Bosch ESP 9.3, AEB, lane keep, blind‑spot
Audio: 6 speakers

Explore X – $55,990

Same engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, towing, clearance
Seats: Artificial leather, 6‑way driver + 6‑way passenger
Infotainment: 12.3″ screen, 6 speakers, OTA updates, Amazon Music, iSmart
Connectivity: 4 USB ports + wireless charging
Roof/Headliner: Silver roof rails, acoustic glass
Mirrors: Heated, electric adjust + fold
Tub/Tailgate: Painted liner, lift‑assist tailgate + cargo slide rails
Steering wheel: Heated microfibre leather
Safety/ADAS: Adds acoustic glass
Audio: 6 speakers

Explore Pro – $60,990

Same engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, towing, clearance
Seats: Leather, 8‑way driver w/ lumbar, massage, memory + 6‑way passenger
Rear seats: 60/40 split backrest + fold‑forward cushion + heated outboard
Infotainment: 12.3″ screen, JBL 8 speakers, OTA updates, Amazon Music, iSmart
Connectivity: 4 USB ports + wireless charging
Roof/Headliner: Black roof rails, suede headliner, panoramic sunroof
Mirrors: Heated, electric adjust + fold + reversing memory
Tub/Tailgate: Painted liner, electric tailgate, turnover step, cargo slide rails
Steering wheel: Heated microfibre leather
Safety/ADAS: Adds trailer reversing assist, streaming rearview mirror
Audio: JBL 8 speakers