2026 KGM Musso EV AWD review (video)

It’s hard to believe this is the first fully electric dual-cab ute to hit Australia. And no, it’s not a Toyota or a Ford, or any of the common ute contenders. This is the KGM Musso EV.

While other manufacturers have announced electric utes for the near future (or the recently-added HiLux EV), KGM has beaten them to actual local showrooms, giving it an early opportunity to establish itself in what is likely to become an interesting segment over the next few years.

Rather than trying to directly replace heavy-duty diesel workhorses, including the regular Musso, the Musso EV takes a different approach. It’s aimed more towards lifestyle buyers wanting the versatility of a ute with the refinement and driving manners of an SUV. Viewed through that lens, it does make a certain amount of sense.

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Specifications

Electrical: 80.6kWh battery, 2x electric motors
Output: 266kW / 630Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed reduction gear auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 245/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2285kg
Power-to-weight: 8.59:1 (kg:kW)
Official average range: 379km

Max charging AC/DC: 10.5kW/300kW
0-60km/h: 2.86 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.99 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.58 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.20 seconds at 144.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.786g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.23m in 3.31 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.399g*
Starting price: $64,000

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: How much does it cost?

This is where things go pear-shaped. Prices start from $60,000 for the front-wheel drive model, and from $64,000 for the top-spec AWD as tested here. Although these prices are drive-away, they are much higher than the regular diesel Musso, which starts from $42,500. And it includes proper four-wheel drive, a 3500kg towing capacity, and is larger overall.

To put it another way, using a diesel price of $2/litre and a consumption average of 10L/100km (the Musso 4×4 diesel is officially stamped at 8.6L/100km), that $20,000 difference could buy you around 100,000km of driving in the Musso diesel. KGM needs to figure out a way to bring the price down.

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Interior & packaging

The cabin immediately feels more SUV than commercial vehicle. The driving position is natural, visibility is good, and there’s a welcoming warmth to the interior that makes it feel pleasant and approachable. It’s refreshing because most rivals instantly go for a macho, workhorse-inspired theme.

Storage is well considered, with plenty of spaces for everyday items throughout the cabin. Rear passengers are also well catered for, thanks to generous legroom and climate vents, with charging options. The rear bench also offers a unique 60/40 split-fold function and reclining, with up to 80mm slide-adjustment forward and back. This adds flexibility over most other dual-cab utes.

Dominating the dashboard is a pair of 12.3-inch displays, with the infotainment system handling almost everything. The menus are comprehensive without feeling overly complicated, while the standard surround-view camera proves particularly useful when manoeuvring in tight parking spaces or around obstacles off road.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come as standard, although it’s slightly disappointing they still require a cable rather than offering wireless connectivity. With most functions accessible within screen menus, there is some level of distraction over the old-school buttons and knobs, in our opinion.

Going for this top-spec AWD version doesn’t add anything in terms of features or luxury. All feature dual-zone climate, a wireless phone charger, heated front and rear seats with cooling for the front, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-look upholstery, and power-folding side mirrors.

As for the hardware and other ute things, the Musso comes with a full tub-liner, tub lighting, and steps in the rear corners of the bumper bar to provide easy access. There’s even self-levelling independent rear suspension – not something you’d typically see on the common rivals. However, the braked towing capacity is only 1800kg.

With a 180kg download at max towing, along with the 3090kg GVM and 2285kg kerb weight, it means you have 625kg of GVM leftover for passengers and cargo at max towing. That’s actually relatively impressive. But keep in mind you’re only towing a maximum of 1800kg, compared with 3500kg in most diesel rivals. A payload capacity of 805kg is respectable.

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Powertrain & handling

In flagship AWD form, the Musso EV uses an 80.6kWh battery that facilitates an ADR-rated range of 379km. Opting for the FWD version increases the range to 420km, with the same battery. Combined, the twin motor system delivers 266kW and 630Nm. These are serious numbers on paper but the real-world performance is slightly more subdued than expected.

It certainly isn’t slow, yet it never quite delivers the punch you might anticipate from an electric setup producing this much power. An even more aggressive drive mode beyond the existing Sport setting would help better showcase the available performance. But as it is, flicking it into Sport mode provides a more natural throttle feel. Normal mode is sluggish, and Eco mode is lethargic, especially for an EV.

Traction is another area that could benefit from further calibration. Under hard acceleration, the AWD system can allow the front tyres to spin more readily than expected before the rear axle (and ESC) fully step in. It’s hardly a deal breaker, but there’s room for refinement here. We took on some dirt roads during our test and, again, it seemed to light up the front tyres a bit too easy before complete AWD control took over.

We also took on the usual off-road hill climb just to see how it would manage in more serious conditions. To be honest, we doubt many owners would expect a vehicle like this take on such steep and challenging conditions, but this made it to the top. That AWD system, while a bit slow to react on tarmac, does eventually sort out where the traction is, and apply individual wheel braking to optimise progress. And that’s with average 245/60 highway tyres set at road pressures.

Just don’t expect serious off-road capability like you’ll find in some of the common diesel 4×4 utes. This is more of a recreational vehicle than a heavy-duty machine. A ground clearance measurement of 181mm only just overshadows some mid-size SUVs, and the 20.2-degree approach angle and 15.1-degree break-over angle don’t bode well on rugged terrain, either. The departure angle is a more reasonable 24.3 degrees.

Ride and handling, however, are genuine highlights. Unlike most diesel dual-cab utes, which continue to rely on live rear axles and leaf springs, the Musso EV features fully independent suspension with coil springs at all four corners. The result is a level of composure that’s far closer to an SUV than a traditional ute.

Unladen, it absorbs bumps confidently while maintaining good body control through corners. It would be interesting to see how that balance changes when carrying maximum payload, but for everyday driving, it feels decent and reasonably enjoyable. Having almost instant throttle response makes it fun (in Sport mode), and zippier than a typical diesel ute in urban conditions. Personally, I really enjoyed driving this around for a week. It has that get-in-and-go quality to it, without the harshness and firmness of a 4×4 diesel.

In terms of driving range, it is only just good enough rather than anywhere near class-leading. The official 380km figure for the AWD variant should satisfy most day-to-day users, although our observed consumption of more than 25kWh/100km suggests the real-world touring range is more like 300km. The relatively high ride height, and ‘ute’ gearing and exterior design are likely contributors, trading outright efficiency for greater versatility.

Fast-charging is available at up to 300kW, which is excellent not just for an electric ute but for any EV. You also have 10.5kW AC charging, regenerative braking adjustment, and vehicle-to-load functionality. Aside from the range, all of the EV-related stats stack up well.

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• First electric dual-cab ute in Australia: The Musso EV breaks new ground by becoming the first fully electric dual-cab ute available locally, giving buyers a genuine EV alternative in a segment long dominated by diesel.
• SUV-like ride and handling: Its fully independent coil-spring suspension delivers good body control, stability and comfort for a ute, making it one of the best-riding utes on the market when unladen.
• Comfortable, well-equipped cabin: A spacious, SUV-like interior, intuitive infotainment system, surround-view camera and plenty of storage make it an easy vehicle to live with every day.
• Off-road traction management system: Although the ground clearance of 181mm and approach angle are not impressive, this climbed our steep hill climb without much hassle thanks to the smart traction management system (it’s strange that it lets away front-end wheelspin at higher speeds).

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Key considerations before you buy

• Real-world range could be better: Official range is okay, but our observed energy consumption suggests touring range may fall short of some expectations.
• Performance doesn’t match the numbers: Despite producing an impressive 266kW and 630Nm, the AWD variant feels more relaxed than outright quick, leaving some performance untapped in our view.
• AWD calibration needs refinement: The front tyres can break traction under hard acceleration before the rear axle fully contributes. Similar story on dirt roads.
• Towing and payload: Compared with the common diesel 4×4 utes, the 1800kg braked towing and 805kg payload offered here will deter some buyers.

2026 KGM Musso EV AWD: Video