Kia Tasman vs Mazda BT-50
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 Mazda BT-50 opens at $36,400. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $2,590.
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 $40,040 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and Mazda BT-50 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Tasman and 86% for the Mazda BT-50.
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 4 in the Mazda BT-50.
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 6 in the Mazda BT-50.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Tasman features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda BT-50 gets a 7-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 that you will not find on the Mazda BT-50. The Mazda BT-50 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 Mazda BT-50 responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda BT-50 is 1.6s 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, 90mm longer than the Mazda BT-50 at 5,320mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Tasman generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 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 12.5m
Based on 11.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman and $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Kia Tasman) vs $2,024 (Mazda BT-50). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $85 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 (Mazda BT-50). 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 Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $85 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 Mazda BT-50?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Tasman by $2,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Tasman and Mazda BT-50 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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The Mazda BT-50 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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!
