MG MGU9 ANCAP Safety Rating

A note on how this rating was determined: the MG U9's rating is based on testing of the closely related Maxus eTerron9, conducted in 2024. MG supplied ANCAP with technical data to confirm the results also apply to the diesel U9 sold in Australia, rather than the U9 itself being separately crash-tested. ANCAP's report notes the diesel variant carries a moderately higher compatibility risk and somewhat weaker lower leg protection than the tested eTerron9, though both remain well within 5 star requirements.

Also worth knowing: ANCAP's report states that installing a child restraint in the second row centre seating position is not recommended, as there's no top tether anchorage there.

Yes, the U9 holds ANCAP's maximum 5 star rating, with strong results across occupant protection and safety assist. Its weakest pillar is Vulnerable Road User Protection at 84%, driven mainly by mixed pedestrian pelvis protection rather than its autonomous braking performance, which tested well. The two extrapolation notes above are worth understanding specifically, since they mean part of this result reflects engineering data rather than a from-scratch crash test of the exact vehicle you'd be buying.

Vehicle type: Utility, dual-cab, 2.5-litre diesel, 4WD

Built from: July 2024   

On sale from: September 2025

Rating criteria: 2023 to 2025   

Rating expires: December 2031

Applies to: Diesel variants only

Standard airbags: Dual frontal, side chest, side head, centre. No driver knee airbag is fitted.

The driver scored ADEQUATE for chest and lower leg protection in the frontal offset test, with GOOD protection everywhere else for both the driver and front passenger. Full width frontal and side impact both scored close to or at full marks. The U9's front structure drew a 3.29 point compatibility penalty out of a possible 8, and ANCAP notes the diesel variant presents a moderately higher risk here than the electric eTerron9 originally tested, while still sitting comfortably within 5 star requirements. Whiplash protection scored strongly, and both doors and windows remained functional after the submergence test.

Both the 6 year old and 10 year old test dummies scored full marks in the frontal offset and side impact tests. Every selected child restraint installed correctly in the rear outboard positions. As noted above, the second row centre position has no top tether anchorage, and ANCAP recommends against fitting a child restraint there. An indirect child presence detection system is fitted as standard, scoring a small 1.00 out of 4 points.

Pedestrian head protection was GOOD or ADEQUATE over most of the bonnet and windscreen, with the usual MARGINAL and POOR results on the stiffer areas. Pelvis protection was mixed, with some GOOD and some POOR results across the tested area. ANCAP's report also notes that the diesel U9's lower leg protection is somewhat inferior to the originally tested eTerron9, though still within 5 star bounds. Autonomous braking performance was a strength for the MGU9, forward pedestrian and cyclist detection both scored GOOD, and motorcyclist detection, including lane keeping scenarios, scored full marks.

One specific detail worth knowing: the cyclist anti-dooring warning to occupants was provided but not early enough to be credited by ANCAP.

Car-to-car AEB scored GOOD in most scenarios, dipping to ADEQUATE in the heavily-braking scenario. Junction and crossing performance scored close to full marks, and head-on AEB scored strongly too. Lane support functionality, including the more demanding emergency lane keeping tests, scored full marks. The direct driver monitoring system detects both distraction and fatigue and provides a warning, scoring 1.00 out of 2 points.

Every diesel U9 variant comes standard with autonomous emergency braking covering cars, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, direct driver monitoring, and a speed assistance system with speed limit information and intelligent adaptive cruise control.

For buyers across Melbourne and regional Victoria using the U9 as a work or family ute, the strong safety assist and occupant protection results are relevant to both city and longer regional driving. If you regularly carry a child restraint, plan around the second row centre tether restriction specifically, and if pedestrian and cyclist-heavy routes are part of daily driving, the U9's active detection performance is a genuine positive even though the overall VRU pillar score is its weakest result.

Booran Motors operates three MG dealerships across Melbourne, including Dandenong MG, all stocking the MG range including the U9.

Berwick MG: 34 Kangan Dr, Berwick, VIC, 3806

(03) 9707 1212

Cranbourne MG: 215 Sth Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne, VIC, 3977

(03) 5907 7414

Dandenong MG: 55 Lonsdale St, Dandenong, VIC, 3175

(03) 8764 0044

Contact your nearest location to check current U9 availability or book a test drive.

Rating data sourced from ANCAP's published assessment for the MG U9.

Article last verified July 2026.

Find the full report here.