MG U9 EV priced to take on Toyota HiLux BEV
Australia-first electric ute lands between Toyota HiLux BEV variants as MG targets lifestyle buyers with 430km range and 3.5-tonne towingThe News
MG has priced its U9 EV at $78,990 plus on-road costs, with the battery-electric dual-cab due to reach Australian customers from Q4 2026.
The Key Details
- Single U9 EV variant priced at $78,990 plus ORCs, at least $18,000 above diesel U9
- Australian deliveries commence from Q4 2026
- Costs $2500 more than HiLux SR BEV pick-up, $4000 less than SR5 BEV
- 102.2kWh battery delivers claimed 430km WLTP range
- 3500kg towing, 685kg payload and 325kW/700Nm outputs
The Finer Details
MG Motor Australia has filled in the biggest blank left from its U9 EV specification announcement earlier this week, confirming a $78,990 plus on-road costs price for its first battery-electric dual-cab ute.
The U9 EV carries a substantial premium over its diesel-powered stablemates, which are priced from $52,990 drive-away for the Explore, $55,990 drive-away for the Explore X and $60,990 drive-away for the flagship Explore Pro.
That puts the EV $18,000 above even the most expensive diesel U9 before its on-road costs are added.
The price also places the electric MG directly into Toyota HiLux BEV territory, albeit with the two manufacturers targeting notably different buyers.
The U9 EV costs $2500 more than the $76,490 plus ORCs HiLux SR BEV pick-up but is $4000 cheaper than the $82,990 SR5 BEV.
The other electric ute currently on sale in Australia is the 4x2 KGM Musso EV, priced from $60,000.
The expensive LDV eT60 has dropped out, and its replacement, the eTerron9 – essentially the MG U9 by another name – is yet to be confirmed.
Australia will be the first market globally to receive the U9 EV. MG has announced only one EV variant locally at this stage.
Toyota has pitched its first electric HiLux primarily at business and fleet customers, whereas MG is explicitly describing the U9 EV as a lifestyle model for private buyers, including those towing caravans and boats.
That positioning is reflected in some significant specification differences.
As previously reported, the MG combines a 102.2kWh LFP battery with dual electric motors producing 325kW and 700Nm, compared with the HiLux BEV’s 59.2kWh battery and 144kW output.
MG claims 430km of WLTP range and a 3500kg braked towing capacity, versus 2000kg towing for the HiLux BEV. Its 685kg payload is less work-focused than the diesel U9 and reflects the compromises associated with the large battery.
The U9 EV can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds and comes standard with four-wheel electronic air suspension.
DC charging peaks at a relatively modest 115kW, with MG claiming a 20-80 per cent charge takes about 42 minutes. There is also 11kW AC charging and 6.6kW external vehicle-to-load capability.
The U9 EV will be covered by MG's seven-year warranty when serviced within its dealer network. The battery will be covered for seven years and 150,000km.
MG Motor Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis said the electric version was intended to combine traditional ute versatility with SUV-like comfort.
“For a lifestyle ute, that combination makes a lot of sense. You have the range to cover everyday driving and longer trips, the towing capacity for a caravan or boat, and the performance of an electric vehicle, without changing the way you use your ute,” he said.
The Road Ahead
The MG U9 EV offers a very different proposition to both the diesel U9 and the commercially focused HiLux BEV.
Its $78,990 price puts the focus firmly on whether private ute buyers are ready to make the jump to battery-electric power.
Related: MG U9 ute makes global debut in Melbourne
Related: MG U9 ute begins Australian testing
Related: MG U9 priced for Australia
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