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MG U9 Explore 2026 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.5

Likes

Very competitive pricing
Spacious cabin
Imposing looks

Dislikes

Unknown on-road manners
Limited payload
Unproven brand in the ute market
Stephen Ottley

Contributing Journalist

1 min read

The MG U9 is the newest ute to hit the market and the U9 Explore is the entry-level model in the range.

While imposing in size - measuring 5.5m long - the U9 is looking to compete with conventionally-sized utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux on price. 

The U9 Explore is priced from $52,990, drive-away, and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, a painted tub liner, synthetic leather seats, keyless entry and ignition and a six-speaker stereo with digital radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

It’s powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine, which makes 160kW and 520Nm, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.9L/100km on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle.

The U9 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, not MG’s usual 10-year plan for its passenger vehicles. And that requires you to service with the brand in order to extend past five years' of warranty coverage.

Read the full 2026 MG U9 review

MG U9 2026: Explore

Engine Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency
Seating 0
Price From $52,990
Stephen Ottley

Contributing Journalist

Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he's worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing. These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before... that's a long story).
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$52,990
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 MG U9
See Pricing & Specs

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