Aussie fuel – and particularly diesel – prices are through the roof, and ute owners are among those hardest hit.

The timing seems fitting, then, for a new electrified option to arrive Down Under. Especially when that vehicle is the MG U9 EV, which, as the name suggests, is a fully electric vehicle (EV), meaning you can forget about servo stops altogether.

Now, that's all well and good, but there are quite a few reasons why EVs account for less than one per cent of Australian ute sales, and the number of examples available here so far can be counted on less than one hand.

Electric utes have traditionally been less capable and less versatile than their combustion-powered counterparts, unable to keep up with hard-working Aussies who play even harder. That aside, they've just been too damn expensive.

But at least on paper, the U9 EV changes the script somewhat. It'll travel further on a charge than any battery-powered ute before it, and can tow like the best of them – electric or otherwise. MG says it'll go off-road, too.

And all for the price of an arm, rather than an arm and a leg.

Is that enough for MG to spearhead a ute rEVolution? To find out, we headed to rural New South Wales for a curated first drive encompassing country roads, light off-roading, and towing.

How much does the MG U9 EV cost?

MG is targeting the upper end of the ute market with the U9 EV, priced at $78,990 before on-road costs.

Model	Price before on-road costs
2027 MG U9 EV	$78,990

That's around $22,000 more than the flagship diesel-powered U9 Explore Pro, putting it on par with some of the most expensive versions of Australia's top-selling diesel dual-cabs.

However, U9 EV buyers are more likely to cross-shop electrified dual-cab alternatives, including the fully electric Toyota HiLux BEV. It's priced at $76,490 plus on-roads for the SR, and $82,990 plus ORCs for the flagship SR5.

The smaller, car-based KGM Musso EV, meanwhile, undercuts both the MG and Toyota, with drive-away pricing ranging from $60,000 to $64,000.

For similar money, buyers can also consider plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab alternatives such as the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, both of which offer comparable performance, towing capacity and off-road capability to the U9 EV.

The Ford Ranger Hybrid (from $59,000 drive-away) is less impressive on paper, but has the advantage of a well-established nameplate.

To see how the MG U9 EV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the MG U9 EV like on the inside?

Much like the diesel version, which is to say the U9 EV is one of the most spacious and plush mainstream utes going around.

There's less room inside some studio apartments, such is the width of the cabin. Driver and passenger are separated by a comically large centre armrest seemingly plucked straight out of a full-size American pickup, and the same can be said of the front seats.

Trimmed in genuine leather, they're accommodating to broader Aussie body types and highly adjustable, with heating and ventilation functions that promote comfort through all four seasons. The driver can also call upon eight different massage settings, a luxury not afforded by the vast majority of dual-cabs.

Soft-touch finishes throughout the interior further set the U9 EV apart from its peers. Both the dashboard and upper door cards have some give to them, while other high-contact areas are trimmed in synthetic leather.

The result is an upmarket, lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of the Kia Tasman.

That said, the quality of the switchgear isn't as good as that of the Tasman. Still, the U9 presents and feels better than the likes of the HiLux, Ranger and other mainstays. And so it should, because the EV is among the most expensive utes in its class.

Of course, plush finishes are one thing, but long-term durability is another. A strong first impression means little if the interior falls apart after a few years of hard yakka.

Sure, the U9 EV has been designed for outdoor recreation and family transport rather than hardcore off-roading or heavy commercial use, but it's still likely to see more rough treatment than your average large SUV, and it needs to be able to withstand that. Whether it does, only time will tell.

At least the technology can evolve with the times, as the U9 EV supports over-the-air software updates.

A single dash-mounted panel houses the infotainment system and instrument display, both of which are visually sharp and packed with functionality. The central touchscreen is a little too packed in some respects, as the settings menu is overwhelmingly dense on first inspection. Otherwise it's not too difficult to navigate.

Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, as is a relatively slow 15W wireless phone charging pad, although you can still connect your device through a choice of USB-A or USB-C outlets.

And you don't need to go rummaging through the touchscreen to complete basic tasks like changing the cabin temperature, which is a relief.

There's no missing the aircraft-style gear lever either – a distinctive piece of design that dominates the centre console. It doesn't look out of place in a vehicle the size of a 747, but takes up valuable real estate that could've been dedicated to storage.

And that's a genuine gripe, because the U9 is surprisingly short on storage options given its enormous dimensions. Clever split-level door bins aside, the available cubbies are underwhelming, and while many modern utes offer a bonus tray above the glovebox, that’s absent here.

To be fair, the 'frunk' and tub more than make up for it.

As does the second row. Compared to the diesel U9, the U9 EV has a higher floor by virtue of the huge battery pack underneath, yet there's still ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, if not much room to slide your feet under the front seats. Regardless, three adults can sit abreast back there, no dramas at all.

They'll be comfortable, too, as the seating angle is natural and the bench thickly cushioned.

Rear amenities include both USB-A and USB-C outlets, rear-facing air vents, seatback pockets, door bins, and B-pillar grab handles.

But we failed to find a folding centre armrest, and by extension cupholders – a strange spec omission from the diesel model. The EV also loses heating for the outboard rear seats, undermining its credentials as a luxurious lifestyle ute.

And while we're on the subject of missing equipment, gone is the option of MG's Smart Hatch midgate system, which extends the rear cargo area into the cabin by allowing the bulkhead behind the rear seats to fold down.

Without it, the U9 EV features a standard 1200-litre tub that's capable of accommodating a standard Australian pallet. Or a comprehensive set of camping essentials, if you're that way inclined. It's a serviceable load area, although not quite as impressive as the spacious passenger cabin.

Tie-down points and sliding anchors help secure awkward loads, while tools and appliances can be powered via two 2.2kW outlets in the tub or an external CCS2 adapter offering up to 6.6kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) output.

Up front there's a 236-litre 'frunk' accessible via a power-operated bonnet – yes, you read that correctly. Inside you'll find a wide, plastic-lined compartment perfect for storing anything wet or dirty, such as fishing gear or hiking boots. Alternatively, you can hook up an esky to a third 2.2kW outlet.

A full-size spare wheel is mounted un...

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