MG U9 vs BYD Shark 6
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Shark 6 opens at $55,900. That makes the MG U9 the more affordable entry point by $2,910.
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 $58,289 and $61,490 respectively.
The BYD Shark 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MG U9, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $9,365 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG U9 and BYD Shark 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG U9 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BYD Shark 6.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
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
29.6kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Shark 6 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG U9 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the BYD Shark 6. The BYD Shark 6 counters with Apple CarPlay and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the BYD Shark 6 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The MG U9 uses a 2.5L Turbo Diesel producing 160kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The BYD Shark 6 responds with a Hybrid making 321kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG U9 measures 5,500mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 43mm longer than the BYD Shark 6 at 5,457mm (3,260mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG U9 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the MG U9 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg 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 13.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.5m 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 $2,252/year for the MG U9 and $379/year for the BYD Shark 6. That is a $1,873 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (MG U9) vs $379 (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 saves you roughly $1,873 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years (MG U9) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6). The MG U9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG U9 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Shark 6 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Shark 6 will save you roughly $1,873 a year in fuel. The MG U9 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, MG U9 and BYD Shark 6?
The MG U9 is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by $2,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Shark 6 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG U9 and BYD Shark 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The MG U9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG U9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Shark 6 makes the most power at 321kW.
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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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