JAC T9 vs Kia Tasman
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The JAC T9 starts from $42,662 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $38,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $3,672.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $46,928 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the JAC T9 and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Tasman packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the JAC T9.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the JAC T9 and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
Feature Showdown
The JAC T9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The JAC T9 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Tasman. The Kia Tasman counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The JAC T9 uses a Turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman responds with a Diesel making 154kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the JAC T9 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the Kia Tasman leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 13.8m
Based on 13.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the JAC T9 and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (JAC T9) vs $2,109 (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years (JAC T9) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (JAC T9)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the JAC T9 if: You or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, JAC T9 and Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the JAC T9 by $3,672.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — JAC T9 and Kia Tasman all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Tasman has the largest boot at 352L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Tasman has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The JAC T9 is quickest to 100km/h in 11.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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