2026 MG U9 review

This is arguably what the Kia Tasman should’ve been…

The MG U9 is the Chinese automaker’s first 4×4 ute thanks to its SAIC Motor group’s LDV counterpart.

Heavily based on the LDV Terron 9, MG swaps the badges, features a unique grille, adds connected services, and incorporates a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension setup with coil springs.

But the U9 enters a crowded segment with long-standing players including the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max, and new market players such as the popular BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and controversial Kia Tasman.

With an affordable sub-$53K starting price, is MG’s first ute worth considering as a family car? I tested the flagship Explore Pro for a week to find out.

NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by MG Motor Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation. Toll costs were covered, but we have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control.

Vehicle tested:

Model	2026 MG U9
Variant	Explore Pro
Starting price	$60,990 drive-away
Exterior colour	Canyon Grey (+$800)
Interior colour	Black leather
Options	Smart Hatch (+$5490)
Country made	China

Design and quality.

The MG U9’s design is a key highlight with Kia-esque elements that is arguably what the Tasman should’ve been.

A prominent chrome grille highlights its big dimensions, with bright L-shaped daytime running lights reminiscent of a Kia and sequential front indicator strokes.

The Explore Pro’s grey wheels and gloss black accents complete its butch style while still retaining practical plastic wheel arches.

It’s a bold and well-proportioned ute that’s arguably less polarising than the Kia Tasman and even the new Toyota HiLux.

A shout out goes to the LDV-derived key fob, which looks and feels much more premium than MG’s typical car key used on its range of models including the ZS and MG 4.

Inside, the MG U9 looks super modern for a ute, yet eerily like a Kia with dual joined widescreen displays, a row of physical switches underneath, and ambient lighting steps glowing across the dash and door cards.

There are masculine design elements such as square cup holders, knurling on the ends of switches, chunky centre console and armrest, an aeroplane-style shifter, and large four-spoke steering wheel. The doors close with a solid thunk, too.

While it’s well-presented with a range of soft-touch materials, a light suede headliner (both cloth sunroof shade) and matte chrome-like finishes, the U9 doesn’t feel as premium with mushy and plasticky switches in the centre.

There were also some build quality control issues with our tester, including a left interior pillar plastic piece that was misaligned and poking out, plus some creaking in the driver’s door.

Some harder plastics are found lower down the door cards, but this is par for the course and is offset by having an interesting paper-like texture.

Practicality.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro dimensions:

Length x width x height	5500 x 2265 x 1874mm
Wheelbase	3300mm
Ground clearance	220mm (180mm w/ max load)
Tray dimensions (length x width x height)	1600 x 1600 x 535mm
Rear seat split fold	60:40
Child seat anchors	2x ISOFIX and 3x top tethers
Air-conditioning system	Two-zone climate control with rear air vents

The MG U9 is spacious for a ute, but lacks proper under-seat storage with a flawed midgate and seat folding design.

The tub measures in at 1600mm long and 1600mm wide with a spray-in liner as standard and multiple tie-down points.

The best part is that it features multiple bright LED lights from each side and from the top, providing great visibility that is lacking in rivals such as the Kia Tasman.

But it lacks any domestic power socket to power tools and charge devices.

On the flagship Explore Pro, there’s the option of a Smart Hatch midgate for $5490. While it seems versatile with the ability to offer load-through access for longer items into the interior, it isn’t as intuitive to operate.

You’ll need to manually flip the rear seat base, then fold the seatback on each side, press the button to wind the window down, and finally another button to fold down the midgate.

It’s equally as tedious to fold it back up as you’ll need to push the midgate and the whole process on both sides of the vehicle in reverse. For $5490, it could be more seamless.

All MG U9 variants offer a tailgate supported by gas struts so it doesn’t flop down, but it’s still heavy enough to require two hands to close.

The Explore Pro’s tailgate also offers a tri-folding step, but unfolding isn’t as smooth and there are some sharp corners.

The U9 lacks proper under-seat storage, with only the flagship variant offering the ability to fold down the rear row seats. I only flipped the rear row base and used the carpeted floor as a quasi storage space.

It’s important to flag that it has a design flaw where the seatbelt buckles can get trapped inside when the seat base is folded back in place, so owners beware. It’s also tedious to unfold the seatback since the headrests touch the folded seat base.

Inside, the Chinese ute offers good headroom, legroom and footroom with a grab handle on the B-pillar, and plastic side steps to help with ingress and egress, but the latter is slippery in the wet.

It’s fit for families with rear air vents, a storage cubby below, heated outboard seats, a fold-down centre armrest with two gripped cup holders, well-sized door pockets, and the same soft-touch leatherette materials and ambient lighting strips from the front applied to the rear doors.

Strangely, the U9 is missing any ceiling grab handle, but both the front and rear rows have handles on the pillars.

The rear row has one USB-C and one USB-A port with two more at the front row, but both are quite slow to charge in my experience.

It’s also worth shouting out the Explore Pro’s exclusive panoramic sunroof with a wide opening and built-in sunshade – which is a rarity for a pickup.

Up front, the MG ute features a wide centre console with a small and slippery microfibre-lined Qi wireless charging pad, slot beside the shifter (great for the car key), two gripped cup holders, and three-tierd storage door cards.

While the centre console is dominated by an aeroplane-style shifter, it’s still more practical than a Mazda CX-90 by better filling the space with storage and buttons.

It also features a fixed tray which can be slid to cover the armrest cubby or cover the cup holders, but there’s no way to remove it so you must have either covered. Forget about having open access to the cubby when the cup holders are in use. It’s a minor design flaw.

The glovebox is small and non-illuminated.

Moreover, the front seats are wrapped in soft faux leather (typical of many Chinese cars), but the side bolsters aren’t as thick to support occupants from the body lean.

It’s also strange that both front seats offer three-level heating, yet only the driver seat has ventilation (with fans on the base only) and a range of Geely-familiar massaging modes.

Similarly, the Chinese ute always sets the fan speed to level three every time you first start it, which is somewhat annoying.

Another quirk are the electronic door handles. Even though the exterior handles seem conventional, it is actually powered with a press of a button on each door popping it slightly out – which is useless as you can just pull the handle as usual anyway.

Interior buttons unlock each door, but the emergency manual release isn’t clear.

Technology.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro tech features:

12.3-inch touchscreen running SAIC Motor software	12.3-inch driver instrument display
Wireless/wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	15-watt Qi wireless charging pad
Built in maps	2x USB-C, 2x USB-A and 1x 12-volt charging ports
OTA software update capability	Eight-speaker JBL
MG iSmart mobile app and connected services (one year subscription included)	Proximity key with auto-folding mirrors

The MG U9 features good technology, but there are areas in the software that aren’t as refined and distracting.

The Chinese ute’s 12.3-inch touchscreen is clear and bright with a matte coating that effectively reduces fingerprints.

Powered by SAIC Motor’s own software, it has a good layout with selectable wallpapers, a row of customisable widgets (typical of Chinese cars), the time always showing on the home screen, and a shortcut bar on the driver’s side.

However, there are some strange English quirks especially in the vehicle settings and pop-up menus such as “I see” instead of an ‘ok’ button, and it boots up slowly (it sometimes doesn’t pre-boot upon unlocking) with a slower response on initial startup.

The vehicle settings are also too complex and home to key functions such as the seat massage and memory – instead of being in the climate app. There are tabs within each category adding another layer and certain settings not logically placed.

While it has an automatic brightness function, it doesn’t dim down enough at night and only goes to level two as its minimum. Fortunately, you can easily swipe down the screen to force it to level one brightness, but it’s still too eye-searing for my liking, similar to the Leapmotor C10.

While the dual-zone climate controls are centred around the touchscreen, there is a row of physical switches to easily adjust the temperature and fan speed with a pop-up showing the status on top of any screen, and home screen widget providing access to the heated and ventilated seats.

While a row of switches below the screen is welcome with dedicated buttons to change the climate control, going to the home screen and locking or unlocking the doors, it’s only missing a volume adjustment switch and a shortcut to quickly go to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but they don’t connect automatically on boot up; you’ll need to press the icon and wait every time. 

Both systems fill the entire screen and hide the right shortcut bar, though there’s still access to the swipe down control panel and a button is available below to quickly go back to MG’s home page.

I found that there was a delay with the audio response in Android Auto with the voice assistant chime not sounding at all when prompted.

Disappointingly, like many models, the Qi wireless charging pad is slow and non-ventilated so phones eventually overheat and stop charging. The suede pad itself is also slippery and my device tended to slide out of the wireless charging zone.

Furthermore, the 12.3-inch driver instrument display has inherently large text with configurable, albeit a limited set of widgets on the side, and some disproportionately tiny icons including the speed sign recognition.

However, the safety assists screen in ‘classic mode’ is very distracting as it visualises lane lines that move too quickly when driving, especially while driving. Fortunately, there’s ‘minimal mode’ which reduces the safety assist graphics to a small box.

Unlike the related LDV Terron 9, the MG ute has the advantage of connected services with a serviceable mobile app providing access to pre-start the engine, climate control and heated seats (but not ventilation), and track its location and fuel level.

Only one year of connectivity is included for free though, unlike other brands like Kia that matches the warranty period.

Safety.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro safety features:

Front AEB with vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection	360-degree cameras with transparent underbody view
Blind-spot assist	Blind-spot view cameras
Rear cross-traffic assist	Front and rear parking sensors
Lane-keep assist	Door open warning
Adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist	Drive attention monitoring camera
Road sign detection with overspeed warning	Full LED headlights and tail-lights with rear fog light

The MG ute has some annoyingly sensitive safety systems turned on by default, but there is one temporary saviour…

The Chinese company has improved since the old ZS days, but its safety assistance systems are still unrefined and a step behind Japanese and Korean automakers.

The adaptive cruise control keeps a distance with the vehicle in front well, even though it feels a touch too far in the closest setting (which is apt for a heavy ute).

However, the automated lane-centring assist is weak and unreliable. Thankfully, it isn’t enabled by default as toggling adaptive cruise requires one press of the steering wheel button and another press and hold turns on lane-centring.

It’s also difficult to make 1km/h fine adjustments to the set speed via holding D-Pad, but a quick push changes in 5km/h increments.

When driving the MG U9 normally, the lane-keep assist is too sensitive even on the low sensitivity setting, the overspeed warning is incessant especially when it often detects speed signs incorrectly, the road sign recognition icon is tiny, and it habitually triggers the driver inattention alert while cancelling out the indicator sounds in the process.

Fortunately, these systems can be disabled or muted with two presses on the touchscreen every time you start the MG.

The ‘driving preference’ preset allows drivers to configure a range of safety assist settings by swiping down for the control panel, pressing two buttons to execute it, waiting for it to load, then pressing “I see”. 

The steering wheel favourites button can also be programmed for it, but you’ll still need to press the screen to confirm.

While it’s great that this shortcut function is available, it is still an unnecessary hassle since it’s not mandated by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Meanwhile, the 360-degree cameras are clear and can be programmed to trigger with the single favourites steering wheel button, but it can’t be enabled after 25km/h speeds and cuts out after 30km/h with a laggy feed at higher speeds.

A blind-spot camera view pops up when you indicate, with it appropriately showing on the right side of the instrument cluster with a right turn indicator and on the left side of the main screen with a left indicator. It even switches to the front wheel curb view when driving at low speeds.

Disappointingly, there is noticeable lag to the blind-spot view cameras when driving with a choppy video feed – which diminishes its dependability.

The pickup truck comes with full LED headlights as standard providing good visibility at night, though it doesn’t have cornering lights offered by some rivals such as the BYD Shark 6.

The 2026 MG U9 received the full five-star safety rating from ANCAP under 2024 testing criteria.

Range and fuel consumption.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro fuel and efficiency specs:

Claimed driving range (combined cycle)	1012km
Claimed fuel efficiency (combined cycle)	7.9L/100km
Fuel tank size	80L
Minimum fuel quality requirement	Diesel
Claimed CO2 exhaust emissions (combined)	208g/km

The MG U9 offers adequate fuel efficiency from its turbocharged four-cylinder diesel powertrain.

After a week of mixed urban and highway metro driving conditions, the affordable Chinese ute indicated a fuel consumption of 10.2L/100km.

Therefore, this results in a real-world driving range of about 784km from a large 80-litre fuel tank.

The fuel flap is accessible at the left-rear quarter side of the vehicle.

Driving.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro powertrain specs:

Engine	2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Power / torque	160kW / 520Nm
Transmission	Eight-speed auto
Drive type	AWD 4×4
Kerb weight	2550kg
Payload	770kg
Towing (unbraked / braked)	750 / 3500kg
Turning circle	13.3m
Approach / ramp breakover / departure angle	28 / 20 / 25 degrees
Wading depth	550mm

The MG U9 delivers a refined diesel engine, but the transmission and body control could be better.

Featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, it makes 160kW of power and a healthy 520Nm of torque with an eight-speed torque converter automatic sourced from German supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

It’s a smooth and refined diesel with plenty of punch on tap. As typical for diesels, drivers need to gradually apply pressure on the accelerator to make the most out of it.

While diesel rattling sounds are audible, vibrations in the cabin when idle is minimal.

Annoyingly, it defaults to eco mode on startup every time, though there’s a physical button and dedicated toggle switch to easily change drive modes.

I did find that the ZF auto was sometimes uncertain which gear to be in.

The U9 steers well but you wouldn’t want to do much sporty cornering as there’s some considerable body lean when unladen on this body-on-frame chassis, which isn’t as apparent from other rivals.

But unladen ride compliance and comfort is good on the road-orientated Continental CrossContact RX tyres – far better than the equivalent Kia Tasman X-Pro – while noise insulation is also good.

While it provides a suitably high driving position with a clear view of its long bonnet, the MG U9 feels too wide especially in the city and narrow lanes. It was quite unnerving to drive on Milton Road.

For context, the MG U9 is 2265mm wide (including the mirrors unfolded) which is larger than rivals such as the GWM Cannon Alpha, BYD Shark 6, and Ford Ranger.

This review is focused on on-road driving, but the affordable Chinese ute has a range of 4×2 and 4×4 drive modes (albeit no 4A setting), front and rear differential locks sourced from BorgWarner, and the advantage of a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension setup with coil springs compared to its LDV Terron 9 twin.

Moreover, the Explore Pro comes with a digital camera-based rear-view mirror. While it provides wider visibility than a traditional glass mirror, it isn’t executed as well since it’s positioned in the middle of the tailgate, resulting in a lower angle view of vehicles behind similar to the Toyota C-HR.

The camera also isn’t as high resolution as those found on Hyundai, Mazda and Polestar, and defaults on every time you start the U9; you’ll need to press and hold a button to turn it off.

Warranty and servicing.

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro capped-price servicing costs:

1 year/10,000km	2 years/25,000km	3 years/40,000km	4 years/55,000km	5 years/70,000km
$399	$499	$399	$499	$599

The 2026 MG U9 is backed by a seven-year, 200,000km conditional vehicle warranty.

That’s only provided if owners service the ute with a MG dealer every time and falls short of the 10-year, unlimited kilometre conditional warranty on other MGs.

Otherwise, it reverts to standard five-year, unlimited kilometre coverage for private buyers.

The initial service has a one-year/10,000km limit (whichever occurs first), then checkups are required every one year/15,000km thereafter.

After the first five visits, it’ll cost $2355 in total to maintain the MG U9 which is typical pricing.

Roadside assistance is included for one year and renewed for the duration of the warranty period when serviced with a MG dealer.

However, MG connected services and mobile app connectivity is only included for free for one year, with a paid subscription required to keep it afterwards.

A full-size spare tyre is included and located underneath the chassis.

Price and rivals.

2026 MG U9 model range pricing (accurate as at the time of publication):

Explore	Explore X	Explore Pro
From $52,990 drive-away	From $55,990 drive-away	From $60,990 drive-away

The 2026 MG U9 is priced from $52,990 drive-away in Australia.

Three variants are available with only $8000 separating between the base Explore and flagship Explore Pro.

All exterior paint colours except Alpine White are priced at $800.

The top-spec Explore Pro has the option of the Smart Hatch midgate for $5490 extra.

The MG U9 directly rivals the following 4×4 utes:

• LDV Terron 9
• Kia Tasman (full review)
• BYD Shark 6
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• Ford Ranger
• Toyota HiLux
• Nissan Navara
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Mazda BT-50
• Isuzu D-Max

Other alternatives to the MG U9 include:

• Ford Transit Custom (full review)
• Toyota HiAce
• Hyundai Staria Load
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo (full review)
• Volkswagen Transporter
• LDV Deliver 7
• Peugeot Expert

Would I pick the 2026 MG U9 Explore Pro?

The MG U9 is a fantastic value ute that looks the part, but it’s unrefined in some areas.

With a bold and well-proportioned exterior, premium-presented interior, smooth diesel and compliant unladen ride, MG’s first pickup truck represents excellent value with sharp pricing.

It’s arguably what the Kia Tasman should’ve been with some clear ‘design-inspired’ nods that should make the South Korean carmaker nervous.

But at more than 2.2 metres wide, the U9 feels too wide to drive in metro areas and car parks, some safety assists including the driver attention, lane-keep and overspeed warnings are over-sensitive and turned on by default, the cameras are laggy, and the software design could be better.

Critically, the rear seatbelt buckles can be hidden when folding back the seat bench and after using the optional midgate, which is a design flaw that MG should take a look at.

I’d pick the flagship Explore Pro which costs just $8000 more than the base model but gains a host of niceties. Yet it still significantly undercuts key rivals including the Kia Tasman X-Pro, Toyota HiLux Rogue, and Ford Ranger Platinum on price – though BYD Shark 6 Performance plug-in hybrid still has the edge for running costs.

I think the MG U9 is one of the best-looking utes available for the price inside and out, but amid volatile diesel costs, it might be worth thinking twice before committing to a diesel-only ute.

Photographs by Henry Man

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Pros:

• Refined and punchy diesel
• Compliant unladen ride
• Bright tub lighting
• Well-presented interior
• Bold exterior design

Cons:

• Too wide for its own good
• Rear seat folding design flaw
• Over-sensitive safety assists, unrefined software
• Body control could be better
• No domestic power plug, slow USB-C