2026 MG U9 Explore Pro Review

TL;DR: The MG U9 Explore Pro drives more like an SUV than a traditional ute, offering great comfort, strong low‑speed torque, and a premium interior. Its large size can make its driver assists a bit jumpy, and the payload is lower than some rivals; but for daily driving and weekend duties, it’s a highly refined and capable option.

MG launched the U9 late last year – its first entry into the one-tonne ute segment – and has set its sights on the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Measuring 5.5 metres long and tipping the scales at 2.5 tonnes, it’s already physically larger than both.

MG has taken a refreshingly non-traditional approach with the U9 that makes it more equipped for on road comfort and daily usability; and while we got to test the off-road credentials last year, we took the top spec Explore Pro on a quick road trip from Auckland to Hamilton to see how it behaves in everyday driving.

While most New Zealand utes utilise a ladder-frame chassis and leaf-spring rear suspension for durability and better weight management, MG have gone with a monocoque design (unibody) with multi-link rear suspension for the U9.

This means that the payload for the rear tray is only 770-870kg – significantly lower than other one-tonne ute options. The trade-off, however, is that the U9 drives more like an SUV than a conventional ute.

MG’s reasoning is that most ute owners spend more time commuting to and from work or running errands than hauling heavy loads in the tray, and an empty leaf-spring ute can produce a bumpy ride on New Zealand roads.

On the open road, MG’s engineering choices start making sense. Where traditional utes with leaf-springs can bounce and shuffle around, the U9 feels composed and stable at motorway speeds. It’s a real advantage in New Zealand, where our rough chipseal and patchy surfaces can be unforgiving to ride quality.

The unibody construction brings extra refinement to the ride quality, making the U9 handle more like a large SUV than commercial vehicle. It flows smoothly along the motorway with predictable ease.

The steering has been tuned to provide a good balance – stable at high speeds but still surprisingly manoeuvrable around town, especially for its size. However, the physical enormity of the U9 and eager driver-assist system does cause havoc, with alerts warning you almost constantly.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel producing 160kW and 520Nm. Power is fed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent 4WD system with low-range transfer case. The powertrain and chassis combined gives the U9 a tow rating of 3500kg.

The engine feels the strongest when initially taking off and at low-speed torque delivery, where hills, towing, and pulling away feels effortless. At higher speeds, the diesel settles into a more relaxed state, meaning any overtaking manoeuvres need more planning than usual.

Inside space is generous – as expected from a double cab ute – and the seats are both comfortable and feature heating and ventilation. Aside from the throttle-styled gear lever and a few industrial inspired touches, the interior could easily be mistaken for a modern SUV.

A panoramic display spreads across the dashboard, combining the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, and adds a touch of refinement. Climate control is managed through physical buttons – a welcomed touch – everything else is managed through the touchscreen.

The rear-view mirror has been replaced with a digital screen that sends a video from a camera on the back of the ute. This makes depth perception challenging, meaning you’ll need to check your blind spot for longer, which inevitably brings up a warning on the dash to keep your eyes on the road.

The MG U9 Explore Pro takes a distinctly different approach to the ute formula, trading traditional workhorse underpinnings for SUV‑like comfort and daily usability. Its monocoque chassis and multi‑link suspension deliver a noticeably smoother and are more refined than most ladder‑frame options.

Though its sheer size and eager driver assists can be a handful in tight spaces, and its high‑speed performance isn’t as lively as it is on the low‑end, the U9’s interior quality, comfort, and everyday refinement make it a compelling option for buyers who value such refinement over ruggedness.