MG is following in the footsteps of its British ancestors and heading Down Under—that’s Australia, mate. There was a time when MG could barely afford affordability, as the company was run into the ground by various managerial factions. Now, with fresh investment and a new lease on life, MG is quite literally venturing into unfamiliar territory—Australia, mate—with the affordable new MGU9 pickup truck.

Aussies love their SUVs and pickups. The Ford Ranger is a perennial best-seller in the land Down Under, while models like the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max also dominate the market. In other words, MG has plenty of groundwork to do if it wants buyers to believe the MGU9 can stand toe-to-toe with established favourites like the Ranger and Hilux.

The new MG U9 (MGU9) shares many of its chassis and mechanical components with the Chinese Maxus/LDV Terron 9. Visually, it retains the Terron 9’s bodywork, though key details give it a distinct MG identity.

Inside, MG has added an aviation-inspired gear selector as a unique flourish, while the rest of the cabin remains largely familiar from the Terron 9. The digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays comes standard, but the Explore Pro turns up the luxury with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear outboard seats, an eight-speaker JBL audio system, panoramic glass roof, and premium leather upholstery with a suede headliner.

Although it shares its ladder-frame platform with the LDV Terron 9, MG stresses the U9 has been developed and tested specifically for Australian conditions. Key to this claim is its multi-link independent rear suspension—a departure from the leaf springs common in this class.

Power comes from a SAIC-built 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, producing 215 hp (160 kW/218 PS) and 520 Nm (383.5 lb-ft) of torque—slightly down on its LDV twin, likely due to tuning differences. The engine is paired exclusively with a ZF eight-speed automatic and a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case.

Buyers can also specify electronically controlled locking differentials on both axles. Towing capacity stands at 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), while payload ranges from 770 to 870 kg (1,698–1,918 lbs), keeping it competitive in the midsize pickup segment.

The MG U9 is available to pre-order in Australia now, with deliveries beginning in late 2025. Pricing starts at AU$52,990 (US$34,900) for the entry-level Explore and rises to AU$60,990 (US$40,200) for the flagship Explore Pro.