Chinese brand’s plan to beat Mazda and Kia: 2025 MG U9 ute coming to Australia to steal Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux’s thunder

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We’e known it’s coming for a while, but MG has finally confirmed it’s bringing a ute to market to rival the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, called the MG U9. 

Thing is, the U9 was already coming here badged as the LDV Terron 9. MG Australia has promised its ute will be true to the brand, but exactly what this means right now is unclear. 

The ute demonstrates MG’s determination to be a top-three brand in Australia, which would see the Chinese-owned nameplate jump Kia and Mazda for yearly sales. That would surely be an upset. 

“If we want to be a top-three brand in this country, we need a ute that punches above its weight—and the U9 does exactly that. It’s tough, capable, and built for the way Australians drive,” said MG Motor Australia’s CEO Peter Ciao.

“We know the demand is there, and we’re ready for it,” Ciao added. 

The MG U9 — known as the Maxus Interstellar in its home market — has potential on paper, with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder punching out 164kW and 520Nm. 

The diesel is hooked up to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels. It’s not yet clear whether locking differentials will be offered as seen in the GWM Cannon Alpha range. 

Also not certain is whether the MG ute will be diesel only. It is for now, but LDV is bringing the electric version — badged e-Terron 9 — Down Under with up to 325kW and 430km WLTP driving range. 

The U9 will be larger than many key rivals; its Maxus Interstellar relation is 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and rides on a 3300mm wheelbase. A Ford Ranger, for example, is 130mm shorter with 70mm less distance between its axles.

Though not confirmed, the MG U9 will almost certainly boast a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. 

As the MG brand is more on-road focused, expect to see the U9 chasing the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura and Ranger Platinum customers, rather than Nissan Navara Warrior buyers. 

That will mean a luxurious interior fit-out with two 12.3-inch screens, a sunroof, rear step, 360-degree camera, adaptive suspension, and heated front and rear seats. Expect MG to offer the U9 only in higher trim variants. 

Pricing for the 2025 MG U9 is yet to be announced. With value at the core of MG’s offerings, we’d be surprised to see an entry-level U9 priced above $55,000 when it arrives in Australia in late 2025. 

For now, interested parties will be able to see the U9 on MG’s stand at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show.