Mazda BT-50 vs MG U9 EV
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 19 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Mazda BT-50
From $38,400
Ute
Diesel
Diesel
120kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
MG U9 EV
$78,990 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Ute
Electric
Electric Motor
—
—
ANCAP: no data
—
MG U9 EV: not on sale yet, so MG hasn't published 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 Mazda BT-50 starts from $38,400 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 EV opens at $78,990. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $40,590.
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 $42,240 and $86,889 respectively.
The MG U9 EV currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda BT-50 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
102.2kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the MG U9 EV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda BT-50 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the MG U9 EV. The MG U9 EV counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, V2L and JBL audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda BT-50 gets cloth upholstery while the MG U9 EV offers leather.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the MG U9 EV 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.
12.5m diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m 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 10.9 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
1.9 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 Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG U9 EV if: You or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 46), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 41), reliability (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 24), value (Mazda BT-50 ahead by 22). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda BT-50 and MG U9 EV?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $38,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG U9 EV by $40,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mazda BT-50 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for MG U9 EV, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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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