MG U9 vs Toyota HiLux

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.

Both the MG U9 and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the MG U9 and 84% for the Toyota HiLux.

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 8 in the Toyota HiLux.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

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 and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the Toyota HiLux offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the MG U9 and 1-zone in the Toyota HiLux.

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 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.

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.

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.

Warranty: 5 years (MG U9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). Both match on warranty length.