Here's something I honestly never thought I’d write: this is a review of an MG ute.
Yes, that’s right, for a brand known for its heritage of sports cars and more recently its flood of hatchbacks and SUVs, seeing an MG badge on the nose of a massive utility vehicle is a bit of a shock to the system.
In fact, the old flat cap brigade looks absolutely startled when they see it; some people even seem to think the whole thing is a joke. But this really isn’t just a badge-engineering exercise for a laugh; it’s a fully capable, enormously sized contender in a very competitive market.
It does have to be said, however, that the U9 is pretty much the exact definition of ‘badge engineering’, being more-or-less a rebadge of the LDV Terron 9, albeit with significant specification differences.
Being based on the massive Terron means that the U9 is a physically imposing machine that occupies a unique space in the market: it is considerably bigger than the standard Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, yet it doesn't quite reach the gargantuan proportions of full-size American trucks like the Ram 1500 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
It generally falls into the same size ballpark as the GWM Canon Alpha, but where the Cannon is a traditional ladder chassis ute with equally traditional ute looks, the U9 is something quite different.
The most surprising thing about the U9 (apart from the fact that it even exists) isn't its size - it’s the way it behaves on the road, thanks to the fact it sits on a unibody (monocoque) chassis.
The biggest visual clue that the U9 isn’t a ladder chassis ute is the fact that the tray is a fully integrated part of the body, as opposed to being separate like your traditional one-tonne utes. This means no possibility for a flat deck on the U9, but it also brings a more cohesive, less truck-like look, similar to the smaller half tonne pick ups that dominate the likes of the South American and South African markets.
Under the U9’s big squared-off bonnet sits a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel four-cylinder engine pumping out 160kW and 520Nm, making the U9 one of the more powerful options in the segment.
Because of its monocoque underpinnings, the MG U9 features independent multi-link suspension with coil springs all round, as opposed to the leaf spring rear suspension of most traditional one-tonners. The big surprise here, however, is that it also manages to maintain a full three and a half tonne towing capability (and close to 800kg on the tray) that ute buyers demand, but with a significant advantage in comfort - and by that I mean it's easily the best-riding ute in its class.
We motoring journalists often like to claim that a new ute rides like an SUV, but the U9 is truly convincing in this regard. It is remarkably comfortable, offering a superb ride that sets it apart from the jiggly, unladen feel of many competitors.
This also translates into handling, although it is nowhere near as decisive. The U9 feels like a big, comfortable SUV on the road, so a degree of body roll is expected, albeit mitigated by the suspension’s more heavy duty nature.
This means it turns in like a large SUV, but then sits surprisingly flat through corners, with its plushly absorbent ride keeping things incredibly consistent and utterly unflustered by mid-corner bumps of imperfections in the road.
Under the U9’s big squared-off bonnet sits a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel four-cylinder engine pumping out 160kW and 520Nm, making the U9 one of the more powerful options in the segment.
Stepping inside, the cabin is absolutely enormous. Because the exterior is so large, the interior follows suit, offering a cavernous space that feels modern and attractive.
However, it is also a rather big lad with a two and a half tonne kerb weight, so don’t go expecting a traffic light warrior. It doesn’t have a massive amount of punch off the line, but once you are up and running, the powertrain is remarkably refined, smooth, and quiet and offers good mid-range punch, further enhancing that SUV-like quality that permeates the driving experience.
Stepping inside, the cabin is absolutely enormous. Because the exterior is so large, the interior follows suit, offering a cavernous space that feels modern and attractive. The layout is nice, the materials appear to be of good quality, and the touchscreen is surprisingly responsive, which hasn't always been the case with MG models in the past.
The top-spec Explore Pro model we drive here is utterly loaded with standard equipment, with features like artificial (but convincingly good) leather seats that are both heated and ventilated, and a massive, full-length sunroof. You also get wireless phone charging and a host of driver assists.
When it comes to technology, the U9 is a bit of a mixed bag. On the open road or wide motorways, the driver assists are surprisingly good - they are quiet, unobtrusive, and don't even mute your stereo when they engage.
But take the U9 onto a narrow country road, and the lane assist becomes an absolute nightmare, with a tendency to panic and jerk the wheel right when you don't want it to. Part of the problem is the sheer size of the vehicle; it’s so wide that it’s almost always close to the white lines, which keeps the system in a constant freak out.
It’s a cool, capable, and slightly eccentric entry into the world of utes that proves MG can do more than just small cars.
The saving grace is that MG has made these systems super easy to turn off via a quick-access drive profile menu on the touchscreen. You have to do it every time you start the car, but it’s a simple flick and a touch to get it sorted.
Another disappointment is the JBL stereo system. You’d expect high quality from a brand like JBL, but in the U9, the audio lacks warmth and bass. It suffers further when using Android Auto, which somehow makes it sound even worse.
One of the weirdest irritations about the U9 come in the form of its door handles. Yes, you read that right.
On the inside, you push a button to open them, which is fine, but the outside handle is something of a puzzle. If you touch the lock button, it rather counter-intuitively opens the door; you need to push and hold it to actually lock it.
This makes it incredibly easy to accidentally pop the door open when you’re actually trying to secure the vehicle, and even walk away without noticing it, which is a bit of a design head-scratcher.
The U9 is exceptionally good to drive if comfort is the priority, as it has arguably the best ride of any ute in its class, genuinely feeling more like a large SUV on the road.
Despite these niggles, the MG U9 is a very impressive package. It is well-made, offers good value for money, and provides a level of refinement and ride comfort that is rare in the utility segment.
Sure, it’s something of an inconvenience in terms of its sheer size, but if you need a big ute that doesn't punish your spine, this is likely the most comfortable option on the market today. It’s a cool, capable, and slightly eccentric entry into the world of utes that proves MG can do more than just small cars and SUVs.
How much is the MG U9 Explore Pro?
While the MG U9 range starts at $60,990 for the entry model, the Explore Pro tops it at $68,990, but packs an enormous amount of extra standard kit for that money. On top of this, the Explore Pro is the sole model that can be optioned with the clever $6190 Smart Hatch that allows the rear wall of the cab to fold down, opening the interior up to the tray.
What are the key statistics for the MG U9 Explore Pro?
The U9 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a BorgWarner 4WD system. Uniquely in the ute segment it features a monocoque unibody platform and coil springs all around, however, despite its car-like construction, it is fully capable of towing 3500kg and carrying a 779kg payload in the tray.
Is the MG U9 Explore Pro efficient?
While the U9 is powerful for the segment, it is also quite big and heavy. MG claims a combined average fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km, but these are ADR 81/02 figures that are wildly outdated, with RightCar listing a figure of 9.1L/100km. However, even this is optimistic, with a week of real world motoring seeing the U9 sit in the usual range for a diesel ute of between 10 and 12L/100km.
Is the MG U9 Explore Pro good to drive?
The U9 is exceptionally good to drive if comfort is the priority, as it has arguably the best ride of any ute in its class, genuinely feeling more like a large SUV on the road. The engine and transmission work together in a silky smooth fashion to further enhance this SUV-like quality.
Is the MG U9 Explore Pro practical?
For anyone wanting space and sheer capability the U9 is a thoroughly convincing package, as it maintains full towing and payload capacities while offering an absolutely enormous and cavernous interior. However, its sheer size can also be a something of an inconvenience around town.
What do we like about the MG U9 Explore Pro?
The fantastic ride quality and the refined, silky smooth powertrain are absolute highlights here, while the interior is another highlight, being modern, attractive, and nicely laid out with a touchscreen that is nicely responsive. The Explore Pro also represents fantastic value for money, being fully loaded with features. And, yeah, we kinda dig its utterly enormous grille proudly displaying that MG badge.
What don’t we like about the MG U9 Explore Pro?
The weird and confusing exterior door handles are an irritation, however you do get used to them over time. Sort of. The sound quality of the JBL stereo is surprisingly poor, while the lane assist system is inconsistent and intrusive on narrow roads. And, of course, it is utterly enormous…
What kind of person would the MG U9 Explore Pro suit?
The MG U9 would perfectly suit someone who is after the most comfortable ute on the market, but who still requires the heavy-duty 3.5-ton towing capability of a traditional utility vehicle. It would also appeal to those who want something that is distinctively different to a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, with a badge that raises a few eyebrows as well.
