MG made some serious noise at the Melbourne Motor Show earlier this year, with the global debut of its U9 pickup. From the get-go, it showed potential as a competitive truck, packing a 2.5-liter turbodiesel powertrain and a larger-than-average frame—but still within midsize pickup boundaries. Since then, it has earned a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program.
And now, MG offices in Australia have opened the reservation books for the U9 and revealed its full specifications and dimensions. Slated for an October 2025 release Down Under, three variants will be available upon release: Explore, Explore X, and Explore Pro. The top-spec’d U9 will receive 20-inch wheels and the full transfer case system. Lower variants will have 18- and 19-inch alloys onboard, with just a rear differential lock.
The U9 will still utilize the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel as shown in Melbourne, making 215hp and 520Nm of torque. The 4x4 drive system will make use of a BorgWarner Intelligent Transfer Case System, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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The U9’s suspension system gets a double-wishbone setup on the front and an independent multi-link on the rear. This U9’s eight drive modes are expected to make full use of this expansive suspension, along with the 4x4 system. Those drive modes include specific configurations for driving on sand, mud, snow, and for towing. There is also a crawl control mode, as well as a wading sensor for more precise overland driving.
While the U9 sounds like a capable off-roader, its carrying and towing capacity also advertise it as a traditional workhorse. Gross vehicle mass is measured at 6,500kg across all variants, as well as braked and unbraked towing capacity at 3,500kg and 750kg, respectively. Maximum payload capacities, however, vary throughout each variant. The base or Explore trim can carry up to 870kg, while the Explore X is rated at 835kg and the Pro at 770kg.
The tailgate has then been outfitted with a lot of niceties, including electronic folding and a rear step for easier loading and boarding.
Inside, the rear bench seat can fold flat and open into the bed for more cargo space. The rest of the cabin has been decked out with other luxuries that aren’t commonly seen in utilitarian vehicles. For starters, the driver and front passenger get heating, ventilation, and massage functions, which could make a bumpy road just a bit more comfortable. The steering is wrapped in a mix of microfiber and leather, and also has a built-in heater. The sideview mirrors are also heated to melt away any condensation. Or snow, but not that it matters to our market.
This entire package is built into a 5,500mm long, 2,265mm wide, and 1,874mm tall frame. Unlanded ground clearance is listed at 220mm, but with a full load, it drops down to 180mm. MG has also supplied every variant of the U9 with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, only the higher two variants get a 360-degree camera setup.
So far, the MG U9 is shaping up to be a promising truck, and Australia is the perfect proving ground for it. The question now is this: Will it ever make its way to the Philippines? Tell us what you think in the comments.
