Tow test: 2026 MG U9 — a ute with SUV appeal

We took the 2026 MG U9 out for a drive and tow test, showing it handles roads and offroad tracks with SUV comfort and work-ute capability.

When the now giant MG brand announced the introduction of a ute in 2024, it had die-hard sports car traditionalists crying into their gin and tonics. Established in England in 1924, MG was a much-loved marque of lightweight two-seater fun machines. When the company folded in 2005, Nanjing Automobile Corporation grabbed control but folded into the giant Chinese state-owned Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (SAIC) in 2007. Manufacturing 2.5 million vehicles in 2024 (not including affiliate models), SAIC rates as the third largest in worldwide electric vehicle sales and has brands across both passenger and commercial vehicles.

MG entered the local market in 2016 and, within two years, clocked up 3000 sales across a limited range of compact vehicles. But by 2024, MG had managed more than 50,000 registrations, many of which were in the hire vehicle fleet. These are impressive figures, and considering the parent company’s production capability, its aim of becoming a top three seller by 2030 isn’t laughable.

The new MG U9 looks the part

SAIC’s Maxus division, known as LDV here in Australia, is a player in the RV and ute segment, and the LDV Terron 9 is the base for the new MG U9.

SAIC considers the MG its premium brand, with innovation a high priority. While the specs and outward look of the MG U9 and the Terron 9 are similar, the MG embodies a ride and comfort far ahead of its twin.

Much about the new ute has been teased in recent months ahead of the official launch at Glenworth Valley, north of Sydney, held in late September. MG invited Caravan World to learn about the development of the MG U9 and experience the drive over some moderately challenging offroad trails and farm tracks.

The new range is limited to three iterations: the base Explore, mid-range Explore X and the chart-topping Explore Pro that features some laudable innovation and a high-end appeal.

The new 2026 MG U9 being put through its paces

The look

A wide, busy-looking grille in deep black and chrome dominates the front end of the MG U9, and at 5.5m long, 2.045m wide and 1.874m high, the new ute looks imposing. It is among the longest in its category.

Twenty-inch alloy wheels on the Explore Pro spec model add to the bulky impression, but the relatively low profile 275/55R20 tyres might have some owners questioning their durability on rocky terrain and when air pressures are dropped on sand.

Styling is somewhat boxy, with slap sides and prominent wheel arches, but the body flows seamlessly from front to back because the tub is an integral part of the structure, so there’s no cab-chassis variant. Apart from some colour options and subtle differences at the grille with a large MG logo, there’s little to distinguish the exterior of the new model from the LDV Terron 9.

Looks aside, the MG U9 gets a user-friendly electric tailgate with a manually folding step for safety getting up into the tray. This step also acts as a handy seat with adjacent cup holders. Most buyers will want to accessorise the ute, and suppliers are waiting to announce their range of add-ons. HSP Vehicle Accessories has tub racks and roller covers and ARB has been developing bullbars and other protection.

A range of colours availableThe electric tailgate with step and cup holders

The tech

SAIC developed the 2026 MG U9 from its home base, but we are told that test vehicles underwent 40,000km of hard driving across Australia to verify their reliability and suitability for local conditions. The four-cylinder 2.5L turbo diesel engine originates from the company’s commercial range. It is essentially the same as the LDV, although it produces three fewer kilowatts at 160kW, while matching 520Nm of torque.

The drivetrain is constant 4WD with a central lock and rear diff locks on all versions, while the top-tier Explore Pro also gets a front locker. The gearbox is a ZF eight-speed automatic with overdrive on the top two ratios.

Drive modes include Eco, Normal and Sport, offering different computer-controlled shifts and power settings. Offroad modes provide choices for Mud, Snow and Sand.

Bringing in even more 4x4 help are Rock Crawl, Deep Mud and Deep Snow, where traction control and braking assist will help you out of trouble. Bosch ESP-9.3 delivers the stability control, and MG has integrated a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, intelligent cruise control and a driver monitoring system that suggested I was looking at the screen too long while driving.

MG U9 infotainment screen

The bullbar and racks are available accessories

The MG U9 achieved an ANCAP rating through its European certification for the electric version of the LDV.

The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent setup, but the rear differs from the LDV Terron 9’s leaf-sprung live axle, instead featuring a multi-link independent setup with coil springs. This makes the MG U9 more akin to softer riding SUVs and performance-oriented vehicles but may compromise heavy towing without modifications like airbag assistance.

Nominal towing capacity is 3500kg with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3320kg, a gross combined mass (GCM) of 6500kg and a payload of 770kg in the Explore Pro version. By the time you add passengers and accessories like a bullbar, tow bar and equipment, a more realistic loaded caravan would weigh around 3000kg or less, allowing for a safety margin. To be fair, this applies to most twin-cab utes on the market, and it’s the reason Ford is preparing a Super Duty version of the Ranger.

For a refresher on towing weights and what they mean, check out our guide here.

Work ute meets SUV

It’s when you get inside the new MG U9 that the other significant differences to the LDV Terron 9 start to appear. MG has delivered on a promise of combining the benefits of a ute with the refinement of an SUV. The interior looks premium, from the suede-style hood lining to the ‘vegan’ leather of the Explore Pro. Someone in MG has a sense of humour.

A pair of 12.3in screens tell you everything you need to know in a customisable layout, and the soft-touch heated steering wheel is well-positioned. The front and back seats are heated, and the driver gets ventilation and a selection of back massage options that feel great and will be a real benefit over long drives.

The interior is modern and comfortable

The rear seats

The seating configuration accommodates a wide variety of practical arrangements, demonstrating refreshing innovation on MG’s part. The rear seats fold flat for storage and allow the front seats to fold back into a flat position to create a comfortable bed for a rest stop on a long drive. In the Explore Pro variant there’s an option for the rear cabin window to retract and the bulkhead to lower, creating an uninterrupted space through to the tailgate. This Smart Hatch option allows you to carry long items when needed.

Rear folding seat and optional MG Smart HatchThe MG Smart Hatch is a breakthrough

The drive and tow test

Our driving experience was limited to low-speed roads and some more demanding 4WD tracks in Glenworth Valley. The driving position is comfortable, and there is ample adjustment of the steering wheel and seat to accommodate most drivers comfortably. The aircraft-inspired gear selector in the centre console was easy to use.

The aircraft-style gear lever looks great

First up, we hooked on a 2500kg van and the MG U9 had no trouble getting us moving. The ride was smooth and predictable, with some short rises giving the impression there was enough usable power on tap for real-world towing.

Over offroad courses that were a bit more challenging, the MG U9 showed its strength with impressive traction up muddy slopes and shallow but rocky water crossings. Selecting 4WD modes and the diff lock is straightforward from the switches next to the gear selector. I noted the long bonnet restricted visibility right in front of some steep sections on the track, but the all-around camera would help with visibility if you were in doubt. A final drive up the steep gravel tail out of the valley showed the ute has admirable traction even with road tyres.

The 2026 MG U9 towed the van with ease

How much does the 2026 MG U9 cost?

Despite an earlier announcement of a cost between $55k and $65k, MG Australia CEO Peter Ciao surprised the market at the launch with the MG U9 Explore base model at $52,990 and the Explore Pro version at $60,900 drive away, which will be very tempting for prospective buyers.

Final thoughts on the MG U9 ute

According to the MG team, their research shows that women account for 60 per cent of the buying decision, so their marketing will reflect that. In many ways, the 2026 MG U9 is a distinct option for those considering a new vehicle. In addition to some genuine innovations on board, it’s much more car-like in its appeal, marrying the softer nature of an SUV with the practicality of a work vehicle. Will the plush interior survive rough tradie treatment? Time will tell. But for the average family looking for an about-town drive that can handle outback touring holidays, then MG is on a winner.

The MG crew are pretty happy

Measuring up

Pros

• Very appealing interior
• Car-like driving experience
• Great value

Cons

• New to the market so yet to earn its stripes

2026 MG U9 UTE RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY 9/10

The MG U9 will appeal to a new market for utes and it’s priced to be ultra-competitive

TOWING PERFORMANCE TBC/10

We have yet to tow it in real-world conditions

HITCHING UP 8/10

Rear camera, towing modes

CREATURE COMFORTS 8/10 

One of the most comfortable in its class, and the massaging seats are fantastic

ACCESSIBILITY OF SPARE PARTS 5/10

The dealer network is limited, but stock levels are expected to improve rapidly

FUEL ECONOMY 7/10 

The stated fuel figures are in line with those of its competitors. We need to see it in real-world towing conditions to be more objective

SOLO PERFORMANCE 8/10 

Sporty ride and handling, lots of entertainment options and again the seats are a winner

ENGINE POWER 7/10 

520Nm and 160kW will be plenty for day-to-day driving. Should hold its own with vans up to 3T

INNOVATION 8/10 

Many thoughtful and practical ideas all round. The multi-position seats and the hatch are going to impress

X-FACTOR 8/10

The creature comforts and adaptable interior are game changers in this segment

2026 MG U9 UTE SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

DRIVETRAIN

GENERAL

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro price from $60,900 drive away

OPTIONS FITTED

• Smart Hatch — $5500

2026 MG U9 Explore Pro price as shown $66,400 drive away

MORE INFORMATION

MG Australia

THE NEXT STEP

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