MG U9 vs Toyota HiLux
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.
Price Breakdown
The MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $19,000.
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 $37,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota HiLux gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Toyota HiLux offers fabric.
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 Toyota HiLux responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel making 150kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. 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, 120mm longer than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm 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 2,900kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (MG U9) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The Toyota HiLux saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG U9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). The MG U9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG U9 if: You prioritise performance, 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, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Toyota HiLux will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The MG U9 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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