Volkswagen Amarok vs MG U9
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 Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the MG U9 opens at $52,990. That makes the MG U9 the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $61,589 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Amarok and MG U9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 91% for the MG U9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the MG U9, against 3 on the Volkswagen Amarok.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 6 in the MG U9.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Amarok features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the MG U9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Amarok stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the MG U9. The MG U9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Amarok gets cloth upholstery while the MG U9 offers artificial leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Volkswagen Amarok and 2-zone in the MG U9.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Amarok uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout.
The MG U9 responds with a 2.5L Turbo Diesel making 160kW and 520Nm, paired to a zf 8 speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The MG U9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Amarok measures 5,350mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 150mm shorter than the MG U9 at 5,500mm (3,300mm 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 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.
12.8m to 13.3m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.3m 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok and $2,252/year for the MG U9. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the MG U9.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $2,252 (MG U9). The MG U9 saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok) vs 5 years (MG U9). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG U9 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG U9 takes 3 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG U9 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Amarok and MG U9?
The MG U9 is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $3,000.
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 — Volkswagen Amarok and MG U9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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