MG U9 vs Kia Tasman
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.
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Price Breakdown
The MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $42,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $47,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG U9 and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the MG U9 and 87% for the Kia Tasman.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG U9 and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
Feature Showdown
The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Tasman counters with 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 Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman responds with a Diesel making 154kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 154kW. 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, 90mm longer than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG U9 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Kia Tasman 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.
12.3m to 13.3m
Based on 13.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the MG U9 and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Warranty: 5 years (MG U9) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG U9 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. The Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG U9 by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: MG U9 and Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG U9 makes the most power at 160kW.
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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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