2026 KGM Musso EV: Australia's First AWD Electric Ute From $60,000

South Korea's KGM has beaten Toyota, LDV, BYD and Tesla to launch Australia's first conventionally-styled, factory-built electric ute with all-wheel drive. The 2026 KGM Musso EV goes on sale next month, priced from $60,000 drive-away.

The Musso EV is a car-derived lifestyle ute similar to the Ford Maverick sold overseas. It's based on the KGM Torres mid-size family SUV rather than a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis.

Three variants are available. The base model costs $60,000 drive-away with front-wheel drive and a 420km claimed driving range in WLTP testing. The mid-spec Black Edge edition is priced at $62,000 drive-away with front-wheel drive. The top AWD model costs $64,000 drive-away with dual-motor all-wheel drive and a 380km range.

Pricing and Competition

The Musso EV undercuts the only other normally-styled electric ute ever sold new in Australia by a major car maker. The LDV eT60 was listed at $92,990 plus on-road costs with rear-wheel drive and a 330km WLTP range.

The Deepal E07 is considered a ute by its maker, but it's more of an SUV that can open up its rear section to reveal a ute tray. Ford F-150 Lightning pick-ups are also available locally, but they are independently converted from left to right-hand-drive and are not sold through factory showrooms.

An electric version of the new Toyota HiLux is due in showrooms next year with a 240km range and expected price around $80,000. An electric Isuzu D-Max is also anticipated for Australia, with a 263km range and forecast $100,000 price.

Design and Dimensions

While it shares its name with the diesel-engined, ladder-frame Musso ute, the EV is related to the KGM Torres light-duty family SUV. It features similar boxy styling, LED headlights, and KGM debossing on the tailgate.

An electric version of the KGM Torres is due in showrooms in the coming months with similar mechanical specifications to the ute. These will be the brand's first two electric cars in Australia.

At 5,160mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,750mm tall, on a 3,150mm wheelbase, the Musso EV is longer between the front and rear wheels than a Toyota HiLux. However, it's shorter nose to tail due to shorter overhangs. Ground clearance sits at 181.4mm, about 50mm less than a HiLux.

Battery and Charging

Powering all Musso EV variants is an 80.6kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack supplied by BYD. The battery can be fast charged from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 36 minutes.

KGM claims 300kW DC fast charging capability, but overseas specifications point to peak charging power closer to 150kW. On a 100kW charger, 10 to 80 per cent takes a claimed 45 minutes.

AC charging at up to 10.5kW is offered, for a 10-hour 20-minute full charge. Vehicle-to-load technology allows the battery pack to power external electrical devices. Three regenerative braking modes are available.

Performance and Drivetrain

Front-wheel-drive versions use a single 152kW/339Nm electric motor. All-wheel-drive models add a second example of the same motor, for combined outputs of 266kW and 630Nm.

The dual-motor AWD setup delivers strong performance for a lifestyle ute. The front-wheel-drive model offers adequate power for daily driving and light towing duties.

Tray and Payload

At 1,345mm long, 1,515mm wide and 510mm deep, the tub is said to share its dimensions with the diesel Musso. It features eight tie-down hooks, a standard-fit tub liner, lighting, and rear bumper corner steps for easier access.

Self-levelling rear suspension is claimed to reduce sagging with a load. This helps maintain ride quality and handling when carrying cargo or towing.

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Tow ratings sit at 1,800kg braked and 750kg unbraked in both models, with a 180kg maximum towball downweight. Kerb weights range from 2,165kg to 2,285kg. Payload capacity is 905kg in the front-wheel drive and 805kg in the all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

The base 2WD model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime-running lights, and self-levelling rear suspension.

Inside, you get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A 360-degree camera with 3D view is standard.

Front seats are eight-way power-adjustable with electric driver lumbar support. Synthetic leather-look upholstery is fitted as standard. Heated and ventilated front seats are included, along with heated outboard rear seats with 60:40 split fold, recline and slide functions.

Other features include ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated leather steering wheel, power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors with heating, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing wipers.

Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, safe distance warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

Black Edge Edition

The Black Edge edition adds leather and suede seat upholstery, suede seat headrests and door trim, and black 17-inch alloy wheels. Black styling touches include bonnet garnish, door mirror caps, tailgate badge, steering wheel bezel, rear pillar emblem, and front bumper trim. A black sail plane and dark woodgrain dashboard trim complete the package.

AWD Model Upgrades

The AWD model adds the dual-motor all-wheel drive system over the regular 2WD. The trade-off is a reduced range of 380km WLTP compared to 420km in the 2WD models. The AWD also has a lower payload capacity due to the additional weight of the second motor.

Pricing Summary

The 2026 KGM Musso EV is due in showrooms next month. All prices are drive-away.

Range and Efficiency

The front-wheel-drive models offer a claimed 420km combined range under WLTP testing. Electric energy consumption is rated at 230Wh/km. The all-wheel-drive model has a claimed 380km combined range with energy consumption of 260Wh/km.

Real-world driving results will vary depending on driving style, type of journey, vehicle configuration, battery age and condition, use of vehicle features such as heating and air conditioning, as well as operating, environmental and climate conditions.

Tray Dimensions

The Musso EV's tray offers practical dimensions for a lifestyle ute. The 1,345mm length provides enough space for camping gear, tools, or building materials. The 1,515mm width between the wheel arches allows for standard pallets or sheets of plywood.

The 510mm depth is adequate for most loads, though not as deep as some heavy-duty utes. Eight tie-down hooks provide multiple securing points for cargo.

Market Position

The Musso EV enters the Australian market at a competitive price point. At $60,000 drive-away for the base model, it significantly undercuts expected pricing for the Toyota HiLux EV and Isuzu D-Max EV.

The dual-motor AWD model at $64,000 drive-away offers strong value for buyers wanting all-wheel-drive capability. The $4,000 premium over the base 2WD model brings substantial performance gains with the second motor.