MG has priced its new U9 EV at $78,990 plus on-road costs, putting the electric ute directly up against the Toyota HiLux BEV, but with a dramatically different set of priorities.
The U9 EV costs just $2500 more than the $76,490 plus ORCs HiLux SR BEV pick-up and $4000 less than the $82,990 HiLux SR5 BEV, making the comparison between Australia’s two new electric utes difficult to avoid.
At $78,990 plus on-road costs, the U9 EV also carries a substantial premium over its diesel-powered stablemates, which are priced from $52,990 to $60,990 drive-away. That puts the EV $18,000 above even the most expensive diesel U9 before its on-road costs are added.
Beyond price and their dual-cab bodies, MG and Toyota have taken markedly different approaches.
READ MORE: Why the MG U9 could be the first electric dual cab ute Aussie buyers will take seriously
READ MORE: Global debut: Chinese PHEV ute avalanche continues with MG U9 dual cab 4×4 rival for BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV
READ MORE: Fightback: Huge campaign rolled out for MG and IM as struggling Chinese giant stakes its Aussie future on EVs
While Australia’s number-one new-car brand is targeting its first electric ute primarily at business and fleet customers, MG openly describes the U9 EV as a “lifestyle ute”, aimed at buyers towing caravans and boats, carrying recreational equipment and using their ute as a family vehicle.
And the specifications underline that difference. The $78,990 MG packs a 102.2kWh battery, 430km WLTP range, 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 325kW/700Nm dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain.
The HiLux BEV uses a much smaller 59.2kWh battery, produces 144kW and is rated to tow 2000kg braked, reflecting Toyota’s emphasis on commercial and back-to-base use rather than long-distance recreational driving.
That bigger battery and towing capacity come with compromises. The MG has a relatively modest 685kg payload, while its maximum 115kW DC charging rate is actually lower than the Toyota’s 150kW peak.
Four-wheel electronic air suspension is also standard, further underlining the U9’s comfort-oriented positioning.
One area where the Toyota has a clear specification advantage is DC charging. The HiLux can accept up to 150kW and Toyota claims approximately 30 minutes for a 10-80 per cent recharge. Despite its much larger battery, the MG is limited to 115kW and requires a claimed 42 minutes to charge from 20-80 per cent.
The U9 EV supports 11kW AC charging and also offers substantial vehicle-to-load capability, with up to 6.6kW available through the external CCS2 outlet and three additional 2.2kW outlets inside the cabin.
Storage includes a sizeable 236-litre front boot, while MG says the rear tub can accommodate a standard pallet. A hands-free powered tailgate is also fitted.
The lifestyle theme continues inside with dual 12.3-inch screens, leather front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15W wireless phone charging and an eight-speaker JBL sound system.
The driver’s seat is heated and ventilated and includes massage functionality, while the front passenger seat and steering wheel are also heated.
A 360-degree camera system is included and MG says the U9 EV has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
MG Motor Australia says the vehicle has been designed and tested with Australian usage in mind.
“The MGU9 EV brings together the capability and utility people expect from a ute with the comfort and benefits of an electric powertrain,” said MG Motor Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis.
“It’s designed to be used every day, whether that’s for work during the week, the school run or getting away on the weekend.”
MG U9 EV v Toyota HiLux BEV specifications
| Specification | MG U9 EV | Toyota HiLux SR5 BEV |
|---|---|---|
| Price +ORC | $78,990 | $82,990 |
| Battery | 102.2kWh LFP | 59.2kWh |
| Power | 325kW | 144kW |
| Torque | 700Nm | 205Nm front/268Nm rear |
| Range | 430km WLTP | Toyota quotes NEDC |
| Braked towing | 3500kg | 2000kg |
| Payload | 685kg | Higher, variant dependent |
| DC charging | 115kW | 150kW |
| V2L | 6.6kW external | — |
| Frunk | 236L | — |
The post Is this the anti-Toyota HiLux EV dual-cab ute? MG U9 electric ute priced from $78,990 with 430km range and 3.5-tonne towing appeared first on EV Central.
