HSV Maloo 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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 22 Jul 2026
HSV Maloo
$58,990 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Ute
Petrol
—
317kW
—
ANCAP: no data
—
MG U9
From $52,990
Ute
Diesel
2.5L Turbo Diesel
160kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
HSV Maloo: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 8 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The HSV Maloo starts from $58,990 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 opens at $52,990. That makes the MG U9 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $64,889 and $58,289 respectively.
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 HSV Maloo features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the MG U9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
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 HSV Maloo gets cloth upholstery while the MG U9 offers artificial leather.
Drivetrain
The HSV Maloo lines up producing 317kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a tr6060 tremec 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
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 HSV Maloo has the clear power advantage at 317kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.3m diameter
Large
Based on 13.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the HSV Maloo if: You prioritise performance, or prefer HSV's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG U9 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (69 vs 38), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (MG U9 ahead by 44), practicality (MG U9 ahead by 36), fuel economy (MG U9 ahead by 35). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, HSV Maloo and MG U9?
The MG U9 is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the HSV Maloo by $6,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG U9 uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
MG U9 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for HSV Maloo, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The MG U9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The HSV Maloo makes the most power at 317kW.
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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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