First drive: All-New MGU9 enters Australia’s dual-cab contest

MG has launched its first-ever dual-cab ute in Australia, the MGU9, a model the brand hopes will transform its reputation from small-car specialist to major player in the hard-fought ute market.

Priced from $52,990 drive-away, the MGU9 range tops out at $60,990 drive-away for the flagship Explore Pro. MG is pitching the newcomer as combining SUV-like comfort with rugged utility, aimed squarely at Australia’s most competitive segment. CEO Peter Ciao described it as MG’s “big step up” – a model designed to push the brand into the Top 5 sales charts by 2030.

The MGU9 might look familiar to those who have seen photos of the upcoming LDV Terron 9. Both vehicles share the same platform, but MG has worked to set its ute apart with some meaningful changes. The rear suspension swaps the Terron 9’s leaf springs for a multi-link coil setup, aimed at delivering a smoother, more composed ride when unladen.

MG has also added clever touches like the Turnover End Gate with its integrated step and load stopper, along with the optional Electrically Foldable Rear Cabin Access Panel on the top-spec model. Together, these features give the MGU9 its own identity within SAIC’s growing ute family.

JUMP AHEAD

• Powertrain
• Model grades
• Interior
• Exterior
• First drive impressions
• Warranty and ownership
• Specs

Powertrain

All MGU9 variants are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing a claimed 160kW and 520Nm, mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

The BorgWarner 4×4 system offers 2H, Auto, 4H and 4L modes, with front and rear electronically locking differentials standard across the range. A choice of Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes is joined by multiple off-road settings (Mud, Snow, Sand, Tow) plus a dedicated low-range terrain set (Rock, Deep Snow, Deep Mud, Wade and Rock Crawl). Low range runs a 2.64:1 ratio, resulting in an overall low-range reduction in first gear of 54.12:1, and giving the ute decent crawling ability.

Suspension is double wishbone front and multi-link independent rear – unusual in this class – and benchmarked on Australian roads, although MG admits it wasn’t specifically tuned for local conditions. Payload capacity is a modest 770kg to 870kg depending on model grade, which is down significantly on the live-axle leaf-sprung Terron 9’s 1005kg-1100kg. Having said that, maximum braked towing capacity is the class standard 3500kg, while ground clearance is 220mm and wading depth 550mm.

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Model grades

The MGU9 will be available in three grades:

• Explore (from $52,990 drive-away): 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument cluster, cloth trim, artificial leather seats, basic safety and off-road modes.
• Explore X (from $55,990 drive-away): 19-inch alloys, additional safety systems, Amazon Music/iSmart connectivity, 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric passenger seat, roof rails, tub slide rail and extra lighting.
• Explore Pro (from $60,990 drive-away): 20-inch alloys, JBL audio, suede headliner, panoramic sunroof, leather seats with massage/ventilation, 64-colour ambient lighting, Smart Hatch (electrically foldable mid-gate), optional Electrically Foldable Rear Cabin Access Panel, and the standout Turnover End Gate with built-in step and cupholders.

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Interior

Overall comfort is excellent. There is power adjustment up front and heated, cooled and massaging driver’s seat in the Pro.

The cabin is wide and spacious, with no transmission tunnel hump in the rear – rare in this class. Outer rear-seat passengers get plenty of rake and decent leg room, as well as seat heating in the top-spec model. The rear window is notably large, aiding rear-seat ambience, although the centre rear passenger sits a little upright.

Twin 12.3-inch displays dominate the dash, with most drive controls accessed via the screen, which can be a little fiddly and would take some time to become accustomed to. While the HVAC uses proper buttons, the symbols are hard to read. Storage is plentiful – big cupholders, wide door bins, a deep console box (complete with seatbelt cutter and glass breaker), and even an aircraft-style gear selector. There are physical buttons to select the drive mode, engage low range and lock the diffs, but you still need to look at the screen to check the vehicle settings. A camera rear-view mirror ensures vision even with passengers or cargo in the way.

The top-spec model’s MultiFold flat-folding system combined with the optional Smart Hatch mid-gate provides great versatility, either for carrying long loads or for accessing the tub from inside the cabin.

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Exterior

Styling is best described as bold, with a massive chrome grille, wide flanks and a high bonnet line. 

A 360-degree camera system aids visibility for off-road manoeuvres. Side steps are standard but sit low, and approach angle is limited by a chin spoiler and light splash guard, all of which we grounded a few times on test. The Pro’s Turnover End Gate is a standout feature, functioning as a load stopper, a rear step, or even a bench seat with cupholders. The Smart Hatch electrically folding rear panel is another innovation, expanding load flexibility beyond what most utes offer.

All of the utes we drove at the launch were top-spec and all featured spray-in bed liners, adjustable cargo tie-down points and cargo hooks, although the front hooks are too high to be of much use.

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First drive impressions

Our first taste of the MGU9 came on a short off-road course, with speeds rarely exceeding 30km/h. Even so, a few key takeaways emerged:

• Ride comfort was impressive, the multi-link rear soaking up bumps surprisingly well for an unladen ute.
• The engine felt incredibly refined and quiet for a diesel four, with barely audible clatter at idle. We’ll reserve judgment on the rest of the NVH package until we’ve had the chance to sample the MGU9 on the road.
• Steering felt light but accurate, with a surprisingly tight turning circle for such a large vehicle.
• The ZF auto shifted smoothly at low speeds, though again we’ll reserve judgment on highway behaviour until a longer test.
• Towing performance seemed confident hauling a 2600kg caravan at low speed, the wide mirrors giving excellent rear vision.
• Downsides? Approach and departure angles aren’t great, the sidesteps hang low, and the splash guard is vulnerable. Larger tyres could help, but front suspension design limits upsize potential.

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Warranty and ownership

The MGU9 is backed by MG’s seven-year warranty and will be supported by a network of more than 100 dealers across Australia. Service intervals are 12 months/15,000km, and capped-price servicing will apply.

MG says the MGU9 marks a new era and is part of its push to become a Top 5 brand in Australia by 2030. With competitive pricing, innovative features and the promise of SUV-like ride comfort, there’s no doubt the MGU9 will appeal to a section of the market looking for a refined and versatile dual-cab ute.