KGM Musso 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 KGM Musso starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $38,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
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 $44,550 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Tasman by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the KGM Musso 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 2 in the KGM Musso.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the KGM Musso and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
Feature Showdown
The KGM Musso features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Musso stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting 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.
Interior trim differs: the KGM Musso gets leather upholstery while the Kia Tasman offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the KGM Musso and 2-zone in the Kia Tasman.
Drivetrain
The KGM Musso uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 133kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the KGM Musso is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Musso measures 5,105mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 305mm shorter than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Tasman generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 532L in the KGM Musso and 352L in the Kia Tasman, giving the KGM Musso a 180L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Tasman leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg 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 12.2m
Based on 12.2m 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 $2,451/year for the KGM Musso and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (KGM Musso) vs $2,109 (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Musso if: You need more boot space, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Musso has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, KGM Musso and Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Musso by $1,510.
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 — KGM Musso 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 KGM Musso has the largest boot at 532L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Musso has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The KGM Musso is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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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