SPONSORED
The arrival of the MG U9 Double Cab marks a significant moment for MG on the Australian market.
MG’s decision to enter this highly competitive segment is a sign of its ambition to expand beyond compact SUVs and hatchbacks.
What the MG U9 offers is more than just utility – it represents a lifestyle-focused alternative that combines practical carrying capacity with SUV-style comfort, modern technology and competitive pricing.
So let’s take a look at the model range to see what you get and how it compares to its main competitors.
How many variants of the MG U9 are there?
MG Motor Australia offers the MG U9 in a 4×4 crew cab range in three variants, comprising the entry-level Explore, the mid-range Explore X and the flagship Explore Pro.
With prices starting from just $52,990 per car for the Explore and going up to $55,990 per car for the Explore
It costs less than the entry-level variants of the popular 4×4 pickup models Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton with double cab and at the same time offers significantly more standard equipment.
What do you get?
Even with the entry-level Explore model, the MG U9 offers a generous range of standard equipment, including:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full size spare tire
- LED headlights and taillights
- Bathtub insert
- Tailgate with electric soft opening
- Windshield wipers with rain sensors
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Electric windows
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leather seat covers
- Microfiber leather steering wheel cover
- Six-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Audio system with six speakers
The Explore X offers the following features:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Three-stage LED headlights
- LED lighting in the tray
- Tub cargo slide rail with hook
- Heated steering wheel
- Six-way electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Acoustic windshield
- Embedded satellite navigation
- Voice control
- Wireless phone charger
- 12-month iSmart subscription to connected services including:
- Connectivity via smartphone app
The flagship Explore Pro goes even further:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Front differential lock
- Window trim in black finish
- Black roof rails
- Power tri-fold tailgate with power release (with rear step)
- Full leather interior
- Suede headliner
- Eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with ventilation and massage functions
- Foldable “MultiFold” rear seat cushion
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Digital rearview mirror
- 64-color ambient interior lighting
- JBL audio system with eight speakers
- Optional Smart Hatch cab-to-tub folding center gate
What’s under the hood?
All three variants of the MG U9 feature the same mechanical setup, consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to a part-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque and claims an average fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km – figures all comparable to those of its main rivals.
The transmission features both a traditional shifter and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and there are three unique modes for highway driving (Eco, Normal and Sport) as well as four tailored off-road settings – Mud, Snow, Sand and Tow – as well as a Custom mode.
When Low Range is enabled, drivers can also adjust the responsiveness of the engine, transmission and stability control systems via the Rock, Deep Snow, Deep Mud, Wade and Rock Crawl settings.
Both the Explore and Explore
All three MG U9 grades ride on a robust ladder frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear configuration.
The towing capacity for all models is 3,500 kg with a braked trailer. However, the payload varies for all three model variants, from 770 kg for the Explore Pro to 835 kg for the Explore X to 870 kg for the entry-level Explore model.
Is the MG U9 safe?
The MG U9 has achieved the maximum ANCAP rating of five stars under the latest – and most stringent – protocols, thanks to 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
- Driver monitoring
- Rear cross traffic warning
- Door opening warning
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Parking sensors front and rear
- Reverse parking indicator
- Seven airbags
The Explore
How much does it cost to run the MG U9?
The MG U9 comes with a seven-year warranty for private buyers servicing through the MG dealer network and a five-year/100,000km warranty for commercial customers.
CarExperts opinion on the MG U9
The MG U9 4×4 Double Cab Pickup arrives in Australia with a compelling value proposition, generous standard specification, robust safety features and a real mix of utility and lifestyle capability, as well as options such as the Smart Hatch Midgate, which allows you to extend the tub into the cab or vice versa for $5,490, offering even more ways to enjoy the adventure.
MG has clearly positioned it as a robust SUV alternative for adventurers rather than for business owners looking for a robust, no-frills workhorse.
And to that end, it delivers exactly where it counts: with elegant design, powerful off-road capabilities, car-like luxury and thoughtful amenities throughout the interior.
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
