Kia Tasman vs Isuzu D-Max
$47,990 vs $58,700. Kia's first ute undercuts the proven Isuzu by nearly $11k. Value and warranty vs payload and a bulletproof reputation.
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.
Kia Tasman SX 4x4
From $47,990
Ute
2.2L Turbo-Diesel
154kW
7.6L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2024)
Tray
Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab 4x4
From $58,700
Ute
3.0L Turbo-Diesel
140kW
7.1L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2022)
Tray
Price Breakdown
The Tasman SX 4x4 is $47,990 against the D-Max SX 4x4's $58,700, a $10,710 saving for the Kia, both well-equipped 4x4 dual-cabs that tow 3.5 tonnes.
Fuel costs slightly favour the Isuzu, its 3.0-litre uses 7.1L/100km versus the Tasman's 7.6, worth roughly $145 a year over 15,000km. Warranty edges to Kia at 7 years/unlimited versus Isuzu's 6-year/150,000km. The D-Max's ace is resale: Isuzu utes hold value strongly thanks to their reliability reputation, which narrows the real-world cost gap; the brand-new Tasman's residuals are still establishing.
Safety Rundown
Both are 5-star ANCAP, the Tasman dated 2024 and the D-Max 2022, with the full active-safety suite standard, the D-Max in particular praised for the breadth of its standard safety tech. Both are heavy utes that carry a mass advantage in a crash, and both seat five with ISOFIX points. There's little to separate them on everyday safety.
Feature Showdown
The Tasman SX is the more modern and generously equipped of the two, with a big touchscreen, digital instruments and one of the roomiest dual-cab rear seats in the class thanks to its long 3,270mm wheelbase. It feels like the newer design it is.
The D-Max is the established workhorse: a tough, sensible cabin, proven Isuzu switchgear, and the deep dealer and aftermarket support that work and touring buyers rely on. It also carries slightly more payload (1,065kg vs 1,025kg) and clears more ground (235mm vs 206mm). Both have genuine low-range 4WD; the Tasman is the more refined daily driver, the D-Max the more proven tool.
Drivetrain
The Tasman's 2.2-litre makes 154kW and 440Nm; the D-Max's larger 3.0-litre makes 140kW but a slightly higher 450Nm. The Tasman has a touch more peak power, but the D-Max's extra torque, and notably its quicker 0–100 (10.5s versus 12.5), make it feel the stronger, more relaxed truck when loaded or towing.
Both tow the full 3,500kg braked and both use proper 4WD systems. The D-Max's larger, proven 3.0-litre is the more effortless towing engine and slightly more economical; the Tasman backs its competitive four-cylinder with more payload than most rivals and a far lower price. So the choice is value, warranty and a modern cabin (Tasman) versus payload, capability and proven durability (D-Max).
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the Kia Tasman's 1,025kg payload and 3,500kg tow rating put it right among the established work utes, while undercutting them on price. The Isuzu D-Max's combination of payload, capability and resale remains a benchmark the value brands are chasing.
The Verdict
Buy the Kia Tasman if: value, a modern cabin and a long warranty matter most, and you don't need the absolute maximum payload.
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: you want more payload, more capability and Isuzu's proven reliability and resale.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: Tasman vs Ranger | D-Max vs HiLux.
The Verdict
Kia's first ute lands an aggressive blow on value. The Tasman SX 4x4 undercuts the D-Max SX 4x4 by $10,710, has a touch more power, adds a year of warranty, and matches the full 3,500kg tow rating. The Isuzu D-Max answers with more torque, more payload, better fuel economy, more ground clearance, and Isuzu's rock-solid reliability and resale, a benchmark in the work-ute world. Buy the Tasman to save big and get a modern, well-equipped ute; buy the D-Max for payload, capability and the proven durability that fleets and tradies trust.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 21 June 2026
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