MG U9 vs HSV Maloo
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: 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 MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the HSV Maloo opens at $58,990. 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 $58,289 and $64,889 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.
Recalls on our record
MG U9
None open on our record
HSV Maloo
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the HSV Maloo gets a 8-inch display.
The MG U9 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the HSV Maloo. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the HSV Maloo offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The MG U9 uses a 2.5L Turbo Diesel producing 160kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a zf 8 speed automatic to a 4x4 layout.
The HSV Maloo lines up making 317kW and 550Nm, paired to a tr6060 tremec 6-speed manual 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 MG U9 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the HSV Maloo if: You prioritise performance, or prefer HSV's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
MG U9: Top CarSorted Score, 69 vs 38
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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG U9 and HSV Maloo?
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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