The two newest members of Australia’s ever-growing double cab segment – the MG U9 And Kia Tasman – have made a lot of headlines this year.
At least in the high-end version, both are at the lifestyle end of the spectrum, aimed at adventurous families as a rugged, go-anywhere alternative to an SUV, rather than the high-viz tradie crowd who want a traditional cargo hauler.
But who can do what best? Let’s find out…
How much?
The MG U9 is the new entry, arriving in showrooms a few months behind the Kia Tasman, and is offered in three model variants: entry-level Explore, mid-spec Explore X and range-topping Explore Pro.
As with all MG models, pricing is extremely competitive: pricing for the base model starts at just $52,990 auto, with pricing rising to $55,990 auto for the Explore
| Model | One-way fare |
|---|---|
| 2026 MG U9 Discover | $52,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore | $55,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore Pro | $60,990 |
Kia offers a much broader model range with the Tasman, available in two-door and four-door cab/chassis and pickup configurations with 4×2 and 4×4 powertrains in base S trim, as well as mid-range SX crew cab pickup and cab chassis 4×4 models, as well as X-Line and flagship X-Line models Pro double cab 4×4 double cabs are available.
There are currently eleven individual variants on offer, and more may be added. However, comparing apples to apples, there are five Tasman double cab 4×4 pickup variants, starting at $53,890 drive away for the entry-level S and going up to $77,990 drive away for the top-spec X-Pro.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×2 Single Cab/Chassis | $38,010 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×2 Double Cab Pickup | $42,990 | $46,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 Single Cab/Chassis | $45,010 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 Double Cab/Chassis | $48,240 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 Single Cab/Chassis | $49,520 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 Double Cab Pickup | $49,990 | $53,890 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 Double Cab/Chassis | $52,740 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 Double Cab Pickup | $54,490 | $58,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX+ 4×4 Double Cab Pickup | $62,390 | $66,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman X-Line 4×4 Double Cab Pickup | $67,990 | $70,990 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro 4×4 Double Cab Pickup | $74,990 | $77,990 |
For the remainder of this dyno comparison, we’ll be comparing the top-of-the-line MG U9 Explore Pro ($60,990 auto) with the similarly named but second-best Kia Tasman X-Line, which costs $70,990 auto.
That immediately gives the MG a $10,000 price advantage, but let’s see if it stays ahead.
What do you get?
The MG U9 Explore Pro comes fully equipped with a generous list of standard equipment, some additional mechanical extras and a range of practical features that make it ideal for four-wheel drive enthusiasts.
For the same level of dedicated off-road equipment you have to go a step further and go to the flagship Kia Tasman
Both the MG U9 Explore Pro and the Kia Tasman X-Line share the following features:
- LED headlights and taillights
- Full size spare tire
- Roof rails
- Privacy glass
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Dual zone climate control
- Leather seat covers
- Heated front seats
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded satellite navigation
- Ambient interior lighting
- Wireless phone charger
- Connected Services
- Over-the-air software updates
However, the MG U9 offers even more for less money, with larger 20-inch alloy wheels (compared to 18-inch on the Tasman), full leather interior rather than synthetic material, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats with ventilation and a massage function for the driver, heated outboard rear seats, a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system and a panoramic sunroof.
Are you sure?
Both the MG U9 and Kia Tasman are at the forefront of safety, setting new standards in the double cab segment and achieving the maximum five-star ANCAP rating under the latest – and most stringent – testing protocols.
However, the rating of Kia excludes the models X-Line and
Both the U9 and Tasman are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance and accident avoidance systems, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistant
- Speed limit assistant with traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot detection
- Monitoring driver attention
- Rear cross traffic warning
- Doo opening warning
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Parking sensors front and rear
- 360 degree parking display
- Seven airbags
How are they inside?
This is where both subways really stand out from their competitors, with more modern and car-like cabins that feature the latest digital amenities and comfort.
The MG U9 is half a size larger than most mainstream competitors, which is most noticeable when you climb into the spacious cockpit.
There’s plenty of room in both rows, with wide and comfortable front seats and room for three in the back.
The standard panoramic sunroof – a rare feature in this class – further adds to the sense of space, while the dual 12.3-inch digital displays on the dashboard and 64-color ambient interior lighting give the interior a feel of modern technology.
There’s decent but not premium storage space throughout, but for an additional $5,490 the Explore Pro can be equipped with the clever (but optional) MG Smart Hatch, which allows the rear window to be recessed into the fold-down partition between the cabin and the tub to expand the tray’s loading capacity for particularly long items.
Likewise, the Tasman’s interior design sets a new design standard with a thoroughly modern aesthetic and high-quality materials.
The Kia isn’t quite as big as the MG in terms of overall space, and doesn’t offer options like the MG’s folding Smart Hatch center door from the cabin to the tub, but there’s enough space for five plus thoughtful storage compartments for small items, including additional storage under the rear seats.
What’s under the hood?
All three variants of the MG U9 share the same mechanical setup – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to part-time four-wheel drive, including a low-range transfer case and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque and claims to average 7.9L/100km – figures all comparable to those of its main rivals, including the Tasman, which has a smaller displacement 2.2-litre turbodiesel. The Tasman produces 154kW and 440Nm and claims to average 8.1L/100km.
Both vehicles ride on a robust ladder frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension. But the Tasman features a more traditional leaf-spring rear end with a live axle, while the U9 has an SUV-style independent multi-link setup that’s designed more for comfort.
The U9 Explore Pro also features front and rear differential locks for additional traction in harsh off-road conditions.
The towing capacity for both vehicles is 3500 kg with braked trailer. However, with a higher payload of 1027kg, the Tasman can carry more in the cargo area than the U9 with 770kg.
Operating costs
MG offers a five-year warranty on the U9, with unlimited kilometers for private buyers and a distance limit of 160,000 km for commercial customers.
The term increases to seven years or 200,000 km if owners service their U9 in the Chinese brand’s dealer network.
As with all other Kia models, the Tasman is covered by the Korean brand’s seven-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Both brands offer roadside assistance packages and service programs at top prices – Kia for up to eight years and MG for the first five years. The Tasman is slightly more expensive to run, with an average annual cost of $585 compared to $507 for the U9.
The choice of Daily Sparkz
The MG U9 and Kia Tasman are both excellent newcomers to the dual cab segment and deserve consideration alongside established players such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton.
But in this comparison, the U9 stands out due to its significant price and features advantage, its more flexible cabin and storage solutions, and its less polarizing appearance.
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
MORE: Explore the Kia showroom
