MG U9 vs GWM Cannon Alpha

The MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

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 $58,289 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG U9 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.

Both the MG U9 and GWM Cannon Alpha hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the MG U9 and 7 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.

The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the GWM Cannon Alpha gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-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 GWM Cannon Alpha. The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the GWM Cannon Alpha offers synthetic leather.

The MG U9 uses a 2.5L Turbo Diesel producing 160kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.

The GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 135kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The MG U9 measures 5,500mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 55mm longer than the GWM Cannon Alpha at 5,445mm (3,350mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the MG U9 and $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the MG U9.

Estimated annual total: $2,252 (MG U9) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The MG U9 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years (MG U9) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). Both match on warranty length.