The ute that thinks it’s an SUV

MG delivers a refined looking ute for adventurous families.

Story Peter Pap  Photo MG

In a market overflowing with dual‑cab utes that promise to be everything to everyone, the new MGU9 arrives with a refreshingly clear brief: build a large, lifestyle‑focused family adventure ute that still holds its own when the bitumen ends. What’s surprising isn’t that it meets that brief, but how convincingly it exceeds it.

From the first corner, it’s obvious the MGU9 isn’t a typical ladder‑frame ute. The steering is beautifully weighted, offering a level of feel and precision rarely found in the segment. There’s no lumbering body roll or awkward pitching; instead, it corners with flat, composed confidence that makes it feel lighter and more athletic than its large size suggests.

That composure carries across a wide range of surfaces. On dirt, the suspension tune is impressive, absorbing ruts and corrugations without skipping or unsettling the rear. It behaves more like a well‑sorted SUV than a ute. The front double‑wishbone and rear multi‑link independent suspension setup is one of the MGU9’s greatest strengths. Over corrugations, the rear end stays tied down, avoiding the sideways shudder common in leaf‑spring rivals. The chassis feels cohesive and confidence‑inspiring on and off the road. One dynamic quirk stands out: a lack of self‑centring at highway speeds, noticeable, but easy to adapt to.

Under the bonnet, the MGU9 doesn’t chase headline numbers. The 2.5L turbo‑diesel produces 160kW and 520Nm, delivering smooth, effortless performance that suits its character. It’s not the most powerful ute in the class, but it’s more than adequate for daily driving, touring and light off‑road work. Only those towing very heavy loads will want more grunt. With a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, it matches most rivals, and when towing a 2,660kg caravan at low speeds, it felt composed and capable.

Refinement is exceptional. The engine is so quiet the air‑conditioning fan is sometimes louder. The ZF eight‑speed automatic is a great match, offering crisp shifts and smart downhill gear-holding without the hunting behaviour common in lesser transmissions. The BorgWarner Super Select 4WD system, paired with locking differentials on both axles, gives the MGU9 impressive traction. Driving modes are easily selectable via clear on‑screen graphics. It grips well on loose surfaces and the suspension continues to shine as the terrain gets rougher. The only limiting factor is the front rubber chin spoiler, which scrapes more often than expected, despite a respectable approach angle. For the target market, capability is more than sufficient.

Inside, the MGU9 presents a well‑designed and surprisingly luxurious cabin. Main controls fall naturally to hand and the drive‑mode dial is intuitive enough to operate without looking. The aircraft‑inspired gear selector adds flair. Climate controls benefit from dedicated physical buttons, a welcome decision when many brands bury basics in touchscreen menus. Less‑used settings sit in the infotainment system, but these are typically set‑and‑forget items. Voice‑activated commands help keep hands on the wheel. The seats are electrically adjustable and ventilated, and a 360‑degree camera helps place the vehicle on tight tracks.

The biggest flaw is the rearview mirror – a hybrid design combining a reflective surface with a central LCD fed by a rear camera. In theory it offers the best of both worlds; in practice, the differing magnifications create a constant focal conflict that’s distracting and potentially unsafe. A basic mirror is the smarter choice.

The Explore Pro variant introduces the MG Smart Hatch, a standout feature. The rear cabin window and wall retract fully when the rear seats are folded, transforming the interior into a loading area for long items. Also exclusive to the Pro is an electric tailgate with a drop‑down step for easier access to the tub. Both are brilliant ideas that would have been even stronger selling points if standard across the range.

The MGU9 feels well assembled, though a few early production quirks were noticeable, including a creaking tailgate and some low‑speed engine‑bay rattles. These are likely minor adjustment issues rather than structural concerns. One practical omission is the lack of low tie‑down points in the tray.

The MGU9 is a good‑looking ute in the flesh, more balanced than photos suggest. It looks genuinely premium and is clearly designed for families who want comfort without sacrificing adventure. It’s capable off‑road, impressively refined on‑road, effortless on long journeys, and packed with thoughtful features that make it easy to live with. It isn’t trying to be the most powerful or the toughest ute; instead, it focuses on delivering a polished, confidence‑inspiring driving experience with genuine off‑road ability and SUV‑like refinement and great value – and on that front, it succeeds brilliantly.