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The two latest members of Australia’s ever-expanding dual-cab ute phase – the MG U9 and Kia Tasman – have created a number of headlines this 12 months.
In high-spec guise no less than, each are pitched on the way of life finish of the spectrum, aimed toward adventure-seeking households as rugged go-anywhere alternate options to an SUV, reasonably than the hi-viz tradie crowd that wishes a conventional load-lugger.
But which one does what greatest? Let’s discover out…
How a lot?
The MG U9 is the latest arrival, touchdown in showrooms a few months behind the Kia Tasman, and is obtainable in three mannequin variants: entry-level Explore, mid-spec Explore X, and range-topping Explore Pro.
As with all MG fashions, costs are ultra-competitive, with the bottom mannequin priced from simply $52,990 drive-away, rising to $55,990 drive-away for the Explore X, and topping out at $60,990 drive-away for the absolutely loaded Explore Pro.
| Model | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| 2026 MG U9 Explore | $52,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore X | $55,990 |
| 2026 MG U9 Explore Pro | $60,990 |
Kia gives a wider mannequin vary with its Tasman, which is out there in two-door and four-door cab/chassis and pickup configurations with each 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains in base-level S trim, plus mid-spec SX dual-cab pickup and cab-chassis 4×4 fashions, and X-Line and flagship X-Line Pro dual-cab 4×4 dual-cabs.
Eleven particular person variants are on provide in the meanwhile, with probably extra nonetheless to come back. However, evaluating apples with apples, there are 5 Tasman dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants, beginning at $53,890 drive-away for the entry-level S and topping out at $77,990 drive-away for the top-shelf X-Pro.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×2 single-cab/chassis | $38,010 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×2 dual-cab pickup | $42,990 | $46,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 single-cab/chassis | $45,010 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 dual-cab/chassis | $48,240 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 single-cab/chassis | $49,520 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman S 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $49,990 | $53,890 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 dual-cab/chassis | $52,740 | TBC |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $54,490 | $58,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman SX+ 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $62,390 | $66,490 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman X-Line 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $67,990 | $70,990 |
| 2025 Kia Tasman X-Pro 4×4 dual-cab pickup | $74,990 | $77,990 |
For the remainder of this bench-test comparability, we’re going to line up the range-topping MG U9 Explore Pro ($60,990 drive-away) towards the equally named however second-from-the-top Kia Tasman X-Line, which prices $70,990 drive-away.
That instantly provides the MG a $10,000 value benefit, however let’s see if it stays forward.
What do you get?
The MG U9 Explore Pro is absolutely loaded with a beneficiant checklist of ordinary tools, some additional mechanical goodies and a bunch of handy options that make it excellent for four-wheel drive fans.
For the identical stage of specialist off-road tools, you must step up even greater to the flagship Kia Tasman X-Pro, which instructions a $7000 premium over the X-Line.
Both the MG U9 Explore Pro and Kia Tasman X-Line share the next options:
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Full-size spare tyre
- Roof rails
- Privacy glass
- Keyless entry with push-button begin
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Leather seat trim
- Heated entrance seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- Ambient inside lighting
- Wireless cellphone charger
- Connected companies
- Over-the-air software program updates
However, the MG U9 gives much more for much less, with bigger 20-inch alloy wheels (in comparison with 18s on the Tasman), full leather-based trim reasonably than artificial materials, a heated steering wheel, heated entrance seats with air flow and a therapeutic massage perform for the driving force, heated outboard rear seats, a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Are they secure?
Both the MG U9 and Kia Tasman are on the forefront of security, setting new benchmarks for the dual-cab ute phase and attracting most five-star ANCAP rankings beneath the most recent – and most stringent – testing protocols.
However, Kia’s ranking excludes the X-Line and X-Pro fashions as a result of absence of a pedestrian safety scoop on the decrease fringe of the entrance bumper to enhance their off-road capabilities.
The U9 and Tasman each come geared up with a complete suite of superior driver aids and crash-avoidance methods, together with:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane-keeping help
- Speed-limit help with site visitors signal recognition
- Blind-spot detection
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Doo- opening warning
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree parking show
- Seven airbags
What are they like inside?
Here’s the place each utes actually stand out from their friends, with extra fashionable and car-like cabins that characteristic the most recent in digital conveniences and creature comforts.
The MG U9 is half a dimension greater than most mainstream opponents, which is most evident once you clamber into the spacious cockpit.
There’s a beneficiant quantity of area throughout each rows of seats, with large and accommodating entrance seats and room for 3 throughout the rear bench.
The normal panoramic sunroof – a uncommon characteristic on this class – additional provides to the sensation of area, whereas the dual 12.3-inch digital shows throughout the sprint and 64-colour ambient inside lighting lend a way of recent tech to the cabin.
There’s respectable however not class-leading space for storing all through, however the Explore Pro will be geared up with the intelligent (however optionally available) MG Smart Hatch for an additional $5490, which permits the rear window to be retracted into the fold-down divider between the cabin and the bathtub to increase the tray’s load capability for extra-long objects.
Similarly, the Tasman’s inside design units a brand new normal in design with a totally fashionable aesthetic and top-quality supplies.
The Kia isn’t fairly as massive because the MG by way of total area and doesn’t provide choices just like the MG’s Smart Hatch cabin-to-tub folding mid-gate, however there’s sufficient room for 5 and extra considerate small-item cubbies together with extra under-seat storage within the rear.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
All three variants of the MG U9 share the identical mechanical setup – a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder linked to a part-time four-wheel drive transmission together with a low-range switch case and an eight-speed automated gearbox.
The engine produces 160kW of energy and 520Nm of torque, and consumes a claimed common of seven.9L/100km – figures which might be all on par with its key opponents together with the Tasman, which has a smaller-capacity 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. The Tasman produces 154kW and 440Nm, and consumes a claimed common of 8.1L/100km.
Both autos journey on rugged ladder-frame chassis with double-wishbone entrance suspension. But the Tasman has a extra conventional leaf-sprung rear-end with a dwell axle, whereas the U9 has an SUV-style multi-link impartial configuration that’s tuned extra for consolation.
The U9 Explore Pro additionally comes with each entrance and rear differential locks for added traction in hardcore off-road situations.
Towing capability for each utes is rated at 3500kg with a braked trailer. However, the Tasman can carry extra within the tray, with a better payload of 1027kg in comparison with the U9’s 770kg.
Cost of possession
MG backs the U9 with a five-year guarantee, with limitless kilometres for personal consumers and a 160,000km distance restrict for industrial clients.
This is bumped as much as seven years or 200,000km when homeowners service their U9 inside the Chinese model’s supplier community.
Like all different Kia fashions, the Tasman is roofed by the Korean model’s seven-year unlimited-km guarantee.
Both manufacturers provide roadside help packages and capped-price servicing schemes – Kia for as much as eight years and MG for the primary 5. The Tasman is barely costlier to keep up, with a yearly common price of $585 in comparison with $507 for the U9.
CarExpert’s Pick
The MG U9 and Kia Tasman are each glorious newcomers to the dual-cab phase, and worthy of consideration alongside established gamers just like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton.
But on this comparability, the U9 is a standout winner on the power of its appreciable value and tools benefit, its extra versatile cabin and storage options, and its much less polarising look.
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
MORE: Explore the Kia showroom
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