MG U9 Explore Pro vs Kia Tasman X-Pro: Spec battle

The two newest members of Australia’s ever-expanding dual-cab ute segment – the MG U9 and Kia Tasman – have created lots of headlines this year.

In high-spec guise at least, both are pitched at the lifestyle end of the spectrum, aimed at adventure-seeking families as rugged go-anywhere alternatives to an SUV, rather than the hi-viz tradie crowd that desires a traditional load-lugger.

But which one does what best? Let’s find out…

How much?

The MG U9 is the newest arrival, landing in showrooms a couple of months behind the Kia Tasman, and is offered in three model variants: entry-level Explore, mid-spec Explore X, and range-topping Explore Pro.

As with all MG models, prices are ultra-competitive, with the base model priced from just $52,990 drive-away, increasing to $55,990 drive-away for the Explore X, and topping out at $60,990 drive-away for the fully loaded Explore Pro.

Kia offers a much broader model range with its Tasman, which is available in two-door and four-door cab/chassis and pickup configurations with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains in base-level S trim, plus mid-spec SX dual-cab pickup and cab-chassis 4×4 models, and X-Line and flagship X-Line Pro dual-cab 4×4 dual-cabs.

Eleven individual variants are on offer at the moment, with potentially more still to come. However, comparing apples with apples, there are five Tasman dual-cab 4×4 pickup variants, starting at $53,890 drive-away for the entry-level S and topping out at $77,990 drive-away for the top-shelf X-Pro.

For the rest of this bench-test comparison, we’re going to line up the range-topping MG U9 Explore Pro ($60,990 drive-away) against the similarly named but second-from-the-top Kia Tasman X-Line, which costs $70,990 drive-away.

That immediately gives the MG a $10,000 price advantage, but let’s see if it stays ahead.

What do you get?

The MG U9 Explore Pro is fully loaded with a generous list of standard equipment, some extra mechanical goodies and a bunch of convenient features that make it ideal for four-wheel drive enthusiasts.

For the same level of specialist off-road equipment, you have to step up even higher to the flagship Kia Tasman X-Pro, which commands a $7000 premium over the X-Line.

Both the MG U9 Explore Pro and Kia Tasman X-Line share the following features:

• LED headlights and tail-lights
• Full-size spare tyre
• Roof rails
• Privacy glass
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather seat trim
• Heated front 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 navigation
• Ambient interior lighting
• Wireless phone charger
• Connected services
• Over-the-air software updates

However, the MG U9 offers even more for less, with larger 20-inch alloy wheels (compared to 18s on the Tasman), full leather trim rather than synthetic material, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats with ventilation and a massage function for the driver, heated outboard rear seats, a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Are they safe?

Both the MG U9 and Kia Tasman are at the forefront of safety, setting new benchmarks for the dual-cab ute segment and attracting maximum five-star ANCAP ratings under the latest – and most stringent – testing protocols.

However, Kia’s rating excludes the X-Line and X-Pro models due to the absence of a pedestrian protection scoop on the lower edge of the front bumper to improve their off-road capabilities.

The U9 and Tasman both come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and crash-avoidance systems, including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Speed-limit assist with traffic sign recognition
• Blind-spot detection
• Driver attention monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Doo- opening warning
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree parking display
• Seven airbags

What are they like inside?

Here’s where both utes really stand out from their peers, with more modern and car-like cabins that feature the latest in digital conveniences and creature comforts.

The MG U9 is half a size bigger than most mainstream competitors, which is most evident when you clamber into the spacious cockpit.

There’s a generous amount of space across both rows of seats, with wide and accommodating front seats and room for three across the rear bench.

The standard panoramic sunroof – a rare feature in this class – further adds to the feeling of space, while the twin 12.3-inch digital displays across the dash and 64-colour ambient interior lighting lend a sense of modern tech to the cabin.

There’s decent but not class-leading storage space throughout, but the Explore Pro can be equipped with the clever (but optional) MG Smart Hatch for an extra $5490, which allows the rear window to be retracted into the fold-down divider between the cabin and the tub to extend the tray’s load capacity for extra-long items.

Similarly, the Tasman’s interior design sets a new standard in design with a thoroughly modern aesthetic and top-quality materials.

The Kia isn’t quite as big as the MG in terms of overall space and doesn’t offer options like the MG’s Smart Hatch cabin-to-tub folding mid-gate, but there’s enough room for five and more thoughtful small-item cubbies including additional under-seat storage in the rear.

What’s under the bonnet?

All three variants of the MG U9 share the same mechanical setup – a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder linked to a part-time four-wheel drive transmission including a low-range transfer case and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The engine produces 160kW of power and 520Nm of torque, and consumes a claimed average of 7.9L/100km – figures that are all on par with its key competitors including the Tasman, which has a smaller-capacity 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. The Tasman produces 154kW and 440Nm, and consumes a claimed average of 8.1L/100km.

Both vehicles ride on rugged ladder-frame chassis with double-wishbone front suspension. But the Tasman has a more traditional leaf-sprung rear-end with a live axle, while the U9 has an SUV-style multi-link independent configuration that’s tuned more for comfort.

The U9 Explore Pro also comes with both front and rear differential locks for added traction in hardcore off-road conditions.

Towing capacity for both utes is rated at 3500kg with a braked trailer. However, the Tasman can carry more in the tray, with a higher payload of 1027kg compared to the U9’s 770kg.

Cost of ownership

MG backs the U9 with a five-year warranty, with unlimited kilometres for private buyers and a 160,000km distance limit for commercial customers.

This is bumped up to seven years or 200,000km when owners service their U9 within the Chinese brand’s dealer network.

Like all other Kia models, the Tasman is covered by the Korean brand’s seven-year unlimited-km warranty.

Both brands offer roadside assistance packages and capped-price servicing schemes – Kia for up to eight years and MG for the first five. The Tasman is slightly more expensive to maintain, with a yearly average cost of $585 compared to $507 for the U9.

CarExpert’s Pick

The MG U9 and Kia Tasman are both excellent newcomers to the dual-cab segment, and worthy of consideration alongside established players like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton.

But in this comparison, the U9 is a standout winner on the strength of its considerable price and equipment advantage, its more flexible cabin and storage solutions, and its less polarising appearance.

MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom

MORE: Explore the Kia showroom