MGU9 4WD Ute first drive for 2025 review

MGU9 – MG have launched the U9 Ute finally. They have teased details for a while now, but I just attended the first drive day. It was held at Glenworth Valley facilities just north of Sydney.

MGU9 quick details

• MG Motor announces three variants for the all-new MGU9 Ute:
  MGU9 Explore, MGU9 Explore X and MGU9 Explore Pro
• MGU9 Pricing:
  • MGU9 Explore – $52,990 AUD Drive Away
  • MGU9 Explore X – $55,990 AUD Drive Away
  • MGU9 Explore Pro – $60,990 AUD Drive Away

Please note that I only drove the top spec model at launch. These comments are also based on a 4 hour drive under mixed conditions.

Full details for the MGU9 can be found HERE MGU9_Specs

What does the MGU9 look like?

It has the bigger bolder American Pickup look.

The front grill has some unusual chrome like styling highlights. I’m not a fan, but others at the launch really liked them.

I do like the squared off LED headlights and DRL’s. There are no front fog lights though.

From the side it has a high sided appeal. It’s squared off without appearing slab sided.

Depending on the model the wheels range from 18 inch to 20 inch alloys with 265/65R18, 275/60R19 or 275/55R20 tyres.

Frome the rear its again squared off. The electric soft opening tailgate has a clever step feature. It allows both easier access to the tub with an indent. As well as a handy step that will accommodate heavier people.

With the step down it also doubles as a practical seat. I can see that being used quite a lot.

MGU9 Tub

The tub is a large size with top rails for securing loads. The tie down points are mounted relatively low at the rear, but like a lot of Utes they are mounted high at the front. This means that in NSW if you have a flat pack box you can’t physically tie down the load and can be fined.

The tub does have handy lighting. I’m not sure MG will be able to have a canopy attached as the design seems to limit functionality of the rear of the cabin. Also, there was nothing that seemed to allow a soft tonneau to cover to be attached.

One unusual feature on the Explore Pro version,  is that the front bulkhead between the tub and Ute body has a window that can be wound down. The extension of that is if you fold the rear seats flat the bulkhead will actually folds flat and extend into the cabin, allowing for longer loads to be carried within the tub.

I didn’t get a chance to drive it with that configuration. I wonder just how much exhaust fumes it will suck into the cabin. But its there and in some ways practical.

What about inside the MGU9 Cabin?

Initial impressions are favourable Its spacious, well laid out and comfortable.

There are grab handles everywhere to aid in access.

Front seats are comfortable and supportive. They are good for the larger than average bear sized occupants like me.

The driver’s seat in the top model has heating, ventilation, and a massage function.

MGU9’s front and rear heated seats also use a five-layer and four-layer comfort material respectively, cradling the driver and passengers with excellent support, providing superior long-distance comfort.

The steering wheel is an odd shape but feels good in your hands, even if it’s a touch thin. You will fond the usual controls on the stalks.

Infront of the driver is a large digital instrument cluster. It has configurability as you would expect.

The huge central touch screen houses all the controls. However, in a throwback to sanity, the A/C controls are housed below the screen and allow easy access.

I have to say the touch sensitivity and resolution clarity of the screen is excellent.

One unusual feature is the aircraft style transmission lever. It takes a touch getting used to, but it certainly stands out.

Storage includes large door bins, cup holders, large central console, and glove box and more. In total there are some 32 storage pods.

Rear seating

The MHU9 belongs to that mod sized group of Utes. Larger than what we are used to with HiLux and Ranger, but smaller that the American Pickup trucks.

This does allow better rear seat room though, and I could sit behind myself in comfort. Something that simply couldn’t happen with a normal Ute.

Again, the seats are comfortable and room for three. Head, knee and leg room are adequate.

Versatile MultiFold Seating

The MGU9’s MultiFold rear seating has been designed to deliver both practicality and comfort.

Available on the top spec Pro version, the seats are upholstered in premium vegan leather. The rear seats can be folded completely flat through MG’s proprietary design.

Enabling a seamless cabin-to-tub pass-through when partnered with the Smart Hatch. Transforming the interior into a versatile loading area suitable for longer equipment and materials.

When the rear seats are lowered, the front passenger seat can also be folded backwards. Creating an extended, flat surface that provides a comfortable resting position.

This innovative folding system allows a customisable interior cabin layout, enhancing overall utility and versatility, making it perfectly suited for both work and leisure.

Infotainment, technology, and connectivity

The infotainment system also comes with voice-activated commands, meaning the driver’s hands can stay on the wheel for longer.

Dual infotainment screens consisting of a 12.3” digital cluster and 12.3” central control screen, contains the following:

• JBL 8 Speakers
• DAB+ Audio, FM/AM Radio
• Bluetooth®
• Amazon Music
• iSmart – (12 Months Complimentary Access)# –
• Over The Air Updates (OTA)
• Vehicle APP Connectivity
• Offroad Vehicle Information
• Voice Control
• Satellite Navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Connection
• Wireless Mobile Charging (15W)
• USB Ports x 4 (2x Type-A and 2x Type-C)

Engine and drivetrain

MGU9 is powered by a 2.5L Turbo diesel engine coupled with a ZF 8AT transmission and BorgWarner Super Select 4WD system. This delivers some 160 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque.

As mentioned, the MGU9 is equipped with a responsive ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, and an advanced BorgWarner Super Select 4WD system. With electronically-controlled locking differentials on both axles, it seamlessly switches between driving modes. To ensure stability on highways and acceptable off-road capability.

Having both front and rear diff locks for the price is excellent.

Drive assistance includes:

• Manual Shift Mode for Auto Models
• Highway Mode: Normal/Eco/Sport
• Off-Road Mode: Mud/Snow/Sand/Tow
• Terrain/”4L” Off-Road Mode: Rock/Deep Snow/Deep Mud/Wade/Rock Crawl
• Custom Mode
• Steering Assist Modes – Standard & Sport & Comfortable
• Intelligent Real Time Torque on Demand

Suspension, brakes, and towing capacity

MGU9 features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension.

More commonly found in premium performance vehicles, it enhances both handling and ride comfort.

This suspension pairing offers strong anti-roll capability and more precise wheel control, improving handling on challenging roads and tracks.

Benchmarked across Australia’s city scapes, highways, rural roads and off-road trails, this unique suspension technology is a practical improvement which not only enhances capability but delivers superior ride comfort as well.

I have to say the on road ride on the small sections we drove has smooth and compliant. Off road it seems to soak up the bumps easily.

Towing capacity is rated at 3500 kg with a tow ball rating of 350 kg. On launch we drove two vehicles with 1900kg and 2500kg on the back. On the small loop we drove they performed with ease.

Longer and  more difficult terrain is needed to really test the capability.

Safety

MGU9 meets EuroNCAP five-star safety rating standards and now ANCAP as well. Ensuring full protection for both drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

With Bosch ESP 9.3 included, MGU9 integrates.

• vehicle dynamic control,
• traction control and
• automatic emergency braking
• to improve control, stability, and safety.

Featuring high-strength body materials, the MGU9 is built to withstand challenging conditions both on and off-road.

Owner benefits

The MGU9 is backed by MG’s over 100 dealership strong network and a 7-year warranty when serviced within the MG network.

Final thoughts from first drive

Overall, its impressive especially for the price. That’s the key factor the pricing is outstanding value.

Will buyers take this Ute to Cape York or across the Gibb Rover Road. Probably not.

However, as a lifestyle Ute that can accommodate the family and provide adventurous lifestyle with camper trailers, boats, seadoos etc. – Its spot on

I liked it a lot.

MGU9 Details

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs, and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.