MG U9 vs Toyota HiLux
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
MG U9
From $52,990
Ute
Diesel
2.5L Turbo Diesel
160kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Toyota HiLux
From $20,990
Cab Chassis
Petrol
Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
122kW
11.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Toyota HiLux: we're still completing length, width, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle.
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 Toyota HiLux opens at $20,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $32,000.
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 $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG U9 by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MG U9 and Toyota HiLux 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 0 in the Toyota HiLux.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the MG U9 and 4 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG U9 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Toyota HiLux 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 Toyota HiLux responds with a Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder making 122kW and 245Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the rear wheels.
The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 122kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the MG U9 and $3,164/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the MG U9.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (MG U9) vs $3,164 (Toyota HiLux). The MG U9 saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years (MG U9) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota HiLux). The MG U9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG U9 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The MG U9 will save you roughly $912 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 Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG U9 by $32,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG U9 uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG U9 and Toyota HiLux 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 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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