Kia Tasman vs JAC T9
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 Kia Tasman starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the JAC T9 opens at $42,662. 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 $42,889 and $46,928 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and JAC T9 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 7 in the Kia Tasman and 6 in the JAC T9.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Tasman features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the JAC T9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-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 that you will not find on the JAC T9. The JAC T9 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 JAC T9 responds with a Turbo-diesel making 125kW and 410Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.8m 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 $2,166/year for the JAC T9. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Kia Tasman) vs $2,166 (JAC T9). 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 / 999,999km (Kia Tasman) vs 7 years (JAC T9). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (JAC T9).
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the JAC T9 if: You or prefer JAC'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, Kia Tasman and JAC T9?
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 — Kia Tasman and JAC T9 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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
