Kia Tasman vs Ford Ranger
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Kia Tasman starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Ranger opens at $37,130. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $1,860.
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 $42,889 and $40,843 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Tasman and 84% for the Ford Ranger.
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 5 in the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Tasman and 9 in the Ford Ranger.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Tasman features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Ranger gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Tasman stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Ford Ranger. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Tasman uses a Diesel producing 154kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 seconds.
The Ford Ranger responds with a Diesel Turbo making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Ford Ranger is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Tasman measures 5,410mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 185mm longer than the Ford Ranger at 5,225mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
0For towing, the Ford Ranger 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 12.9m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.9m 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 $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman and $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Kia Tasman) vs $1,967 (Ford Ranger). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. The Kia Tasman adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Tasman by $1,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger 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 has the best warranty?
The Kia Tasman has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The Ford Ranger is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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