Foton Tunland vs MG U9
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Foton Tunland
From $39,990
Ute
Diesel
Turbo-diesel mild hybrid
120kW
8.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
MG U9
From $52,990
Ute
Diesel
2.5L Turbo Diesel
160kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
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Price Breakdown
The Foton Tunland starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 opens at $52,990. That makes the Foton Tunland the more affordable entry point by $13,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Foton Tunland features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the MG U9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Foton Tunland stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the MG U9. The MG U9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Foton Tunland gets leatherette upholstery while the MG U9 offers artificial leather.
Drivetrain
The Foton Tunland uses a Turbo-diesel mild hybrid producing 120kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 seconds.
The MG U9 responds with a 2.5L Turbo Diesel making 160kW and 520Nm, paired to a zf 8 speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Foton Tunland measures 5,617mm long on a 3,355mm wheelbase, 117mm longer than the MG U9 at 5,500mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Foton Tunland generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the MG U9 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.3m to 13.5m
Based on 13.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Foton Tunland and $2,252/year for the MG U9. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the MG U9.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Foton Tunland) vs $2,252 (MG U9). The MG U9 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years (Foton Tunland) vs 5 years (MG U9). The Foton Tunland has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (Foton Tunland)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Foton Tunland if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Foton's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG U9 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Foton Tunland and MG U9 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The MG U9 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The Foton Tunland adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Foton Tunland and MG U9?
The Foton Tunland is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG U9 by $13,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG U9 uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG U9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Foton Tunland has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Foton Tunland has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG U9 makes the most power at 160kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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