Kia Tasman vs Isuzu D-Max
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Tasman starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu D-Max opens at $41,243. That makes the Isuzu D-Max the more affordable entry point by $1,747.
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 $47,289 and $45,367 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Tasman and 86% for the Isuzu D-Max.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia Tasman, against 4 on the Isuzu D-Max.
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 8 in the Isuzu D-Max.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Tasman features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu D-Max gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Tasman stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Isuzu D-Max. The Isuzu D-Max counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Isuzu D-Max responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 120kW. 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, 70mm longer than the Isuzu D-Max at 5,340mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Tasman generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu D-Max 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.
12.3m to 12.5m
Based on 12.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 Isuzu D-Max. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max). 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 Isuzu D-Max if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Isuzu D-Max 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 Isuzu D-Max?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Tasman by $1,747.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW.
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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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