KGM Musso vs JAC T9
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.
Price Breakdown
The KGM Musso starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the JAC T9 opens at $42,662. That makes the KGM Musso the more affordable entry point by $2,162.
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 $44,550 and $46,928 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the JAC T9 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the KGM Musso and JAC T9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the KGM Musso and 6 in the JAC T9.
Feature Showdown
The KGM Musso features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the JAC T9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Musso stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the JAC T9. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The KGM Musso uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 133kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The JAC T9 responds with a Turbo-diesel making 125kW and 410Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The KGM Musso has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the KGM Musso is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the KGM Musso leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.2m to 13.8m
Based on 12.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the KGM Musso and $2,166/year for the JAC T9. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the JAC T9.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (KGM Musso) vs $2,166 (JAC T9). The JAC T9 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso) vs 7 years (JAC T9). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (JAC T9).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Musso if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the JAC T9 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The KGM Musso takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The JAC T9 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, KGM Musso and JAC T9?
The KGM Musso is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the JAC T9 by $2,162.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The JAC T9 uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — KGM Musso and JAC T9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Musso has the largest boot at 532L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Musso has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Musso makes the most power at 133kW. The KGM Musso is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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