2026 MGU9 EV review: Why new electric ute could convince Aussies to ditch diesel

While passenger cars and SUVs have rapidly embraced full electrification, utes have been much slower to make the switch. Aside from a handful of models such as the LDV eT60, KGM Musso EV and Toyota HiLux BEV, electric utes remain rare in Australia.

It’s not difficult to understand why. Utes tow heavy loads, tackle remote areas and travel long distances, all of which can present challenges for EVs. Isuzu has cancelled its plans to introduce an electric D-Max locally, citing a lack of customer demand. So if a company with Isuzu’s loyal customer base is struggling to make a case for an electric ute, what chance does MG have?

Enter the new MGU9 EV, an electric ute promising impressive performance, range and practicality. But is that enough to convince Australians to ditch their diesel-powered utes? I drove it at the local media launch to find out.

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The U9 isn’t a new nameplate in Australia, having launched locally in diesel form 12 months ago. Prices for that start at $52,990 driveaway and hit $60,990 driveaway. By contrast, the electric U9 is priced from $78,990 plus on-road costs, and for now, there’s only one model.

The standard equipment list is lengthy, however, and includes 20-inch wheels with a full-size alloy spare, height-adjustable air suspension, electric front seats with heating, ventilation and a massage function for the driver, dual 12.3-inch screens, connected services, wireless smartphone mirroring, JBL audio and a full suite of active safety equipment that can be adjusted to your liking and set each drive thanks to the genius MG Pilot mode.

The latter is particularly useful because it means you can defeat the speed limit buzzer and hyperactive driver attention monitoring – but otherwise, the active safety systems are fine and feel well tuned to our roads.

What else do you get for your $85k-ish once on-roads are included? Well, instead of the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel, eight-speed automatic transmission and dual-range gearing of the regular U9, the EV features a dual-motor electric drivetrain with a 125kW/250Nm front e-motor and a 200kW/450Nm rear e-motor. Total system outputs are a substantial 325kW of power and 700Nm of torque, enough for a claimed 5.8-second 0-100km/h run, or around as quick as a Ranger Raptor.

The e-motors are fed by a massive 102.2kWh LFP battery, which provides the U9 EV with up to 430km of WLTP-rated range. Charging speeds are below average in 2026, however, with a DC peak of just 115kW, meaning a slow 20 to 80 per cent time of 42 minutes. The energy consumption claim is a hungry 26.7kWh/100km, but at the launch, MG wouldn’t confirm how much consumption increases when towing, instead arguing that Australia’s growing charging network should alleviate range anxiety.

On our hilly test route, we saw consumption figures around 30kWh/100km without a trailer attached, suggesting real-world range could fall well short of the 430km claim in some conditions.

Unlike some electric ute rivals, the U9 EV offers a full 3500kg braked towing capacity, matching most diesel dual-cabs and exceeding the electric HiLux by 1500kg. It also demonstrated its credentials at the launch, pulling a 2800kg trailer with ease.

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However, its 685kg payload rating isn’t as impressive – the HiLux BEV can carry up to 715kg and the diesel U9 up to 870kg. Its gross combination mass (GCM) is 6500kg, which is 100kg more than a Ranger Wildtrak V6. That sounds impressive, but the MG weighs 431kg more than the Ranger before loading. As with many dual-cab utes, buyers towing at the maximum rating will need to pay close attention to their combined vehicle and trailer weights.

Other practicality highlights include the massive 236-litre front boot with an electric bonnet where the engine is in regular U9s, which really sets it apart from the competition. You can also lower the ride height to make loading the tray easier, while 6.6kW V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability allows owners to power external devices. Annoyingly, the tailgate step and optional opening rear window section of the diesel U9 weren’t transferred to the EV.

The U9 EV is definitely a quick ute. Plant your foot and you’re pushed back into your seat as it races towards the horizon. Its refinement is also impressive, with little in the way of drivetrain whine or road noise. It was somewhat surreal to tackle an off-road course without clattery diesel noise or having to wait for a turbo to spool up.

The instant torque delivery of the electric motors makes low-speed off-roading surprisingly effortless, despite the absence of a dual-range transfer case. Even a particularly steep climb proved little challenge. The height-adjustable air suspension also allows a higher ride height to be selected at the press of a button. It’s not a serious off-roader like some utes, but it tackles light off-roading quite easily.

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The U9 EV feels planted, but despite its keen performance, it’s certainly no sports car. Its huge 2815kg kerb weight can be felt through the corners, though in the torrential rain experienced on the launch, it remained grippy and mature. The ride can feel slightly unsettled over rougher pavement, but it’s definitely more comfortable and SUV-like than the majority of utes thanks to its multi-link rear suspension.

Inside, the U9 EV is almost identical to the regular U9, save for some EV-specific menus in the touchscreen, a ride-height adjustment button and the lack of a tachometer. That means it’s a modern, good-quality cabin, one I think shines above much of the competition. But there are some issues: the touchscreen feels a bit dated in its layout and relatively slow processing speed, and two of the cars on the launch featured squeaky driver’s seats.

The front seats are comfortable enough for long trips, though more side support would be welcome through corners. Rear-seat space is generous for three occupants thanks to the wide cabin, while large door bins and a massive centre console provide plenty of storage.

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Overall, I think the MGU9 EV represents a positive step forward for electric utes in Australia. It’s proof that battery power doesn’t necessarily have to come at the expense of capability, practicality or performance, delivering an impressive combination of all three in a package well suited to Australian buyers wanting the practicality of a ute without the tailpipe emissions or increasingly expensive fuel bills associated with diesel power.

Having said that, it’s certainly not cheap against most diesel rivals and its comparatively slow charging speeds limit its long-distance appeal. There’s also no escaping its considerable weight, which can make it feel heavy behind the wheel, and while its 3500kg towing capacity is impressive, just how much towing will affect its driving range remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, the MGU9 EV demonstrates just how far electric utes have come. It might not convince every ute owner to make the switch just yet, but it proves that electric power doesn’t have to come at the expense of capability. For those who once feared EVs would spell the end of the great Australian weekend, the U9 EV suggests there’s still plenty to look forward to.

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MGU9 EV standard equipment:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare
• Adjustable air suspension
• Electric front boot
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED lighting with auto high beam
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry and start
• Roof rails
• Tailgate with lift assistance
• Leather steering wheel and front seats (synthetic for rear seats)
• 12-way driver/6-way passenger electric front seat adjustment
• Heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s massaging
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• Dual 12.3-inch displays
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Live services, including complimentary data for 12 months and over-the-air updates
• Wireless phone charger
• 4x USB ports
• Normal, eco, sport, snow, tow, off-road and custom drive modes
• 3x 2.2kW V2L outlets
• 7x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitoring
• Door open warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• 360-degree camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tyre pressure monitoring

MGU9 EV specifications: