Mazda BT-50 vs Kia Tasman

The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $38,990. 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 $40,040 and $42,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Mazda BT-50 and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 87% for the Kia Tasman.

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 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 7 in the Kia Tasman.

The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Mazda BT-50 stands out with Apple CarPlay 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.

The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD 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 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.

The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 90mm shorter than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Tasman generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Kia Tasman leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,109 (Kia Tasman). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.