Kia Tasman vs Toyota HiLux

The price gap is the headline: $47,990 for the Kia Tasman SX 4x4 versus $65,990 for the HiLux SR5 4x4 V-Active, a staggering $18,000 before on-road costs. Even allowing for the HiLux's SR5 trim level, the Tasman delivers a comparable spec for far less money.

Fuel costs are close, the HiLux's new 48V V-Active mild-hybrid system helps it to 7.2L/100km versus the Tasman's 7.6, a difference of around $115 a year over 15,000km in Toyota's favour. Trivial against the purchase-price gap. Both run 15,000km service intervals, though the HiLux's headline servicing is among the cheapest in the class.

Warranty favours Kia at 7 years/unlimited kilometres versus Toyota's 5 years. But the HiLux's ace is resale: it has the strongest residual values of any vehicle in Australia. Over a 3–5 year hold the HiLux gives back a higher percentage of its purchase price, narrowing the real-world cost gap; over a longer hold, the Tasman's far lower entry price and longer warranty win comfortably.

The Tasman holds a current 5-star ANCAP rating (2024) with the full active-safety suite as standard. The all-new HiLux is so fresh that its rating was still pending in our data at the time of writing, so confirm the current rating before you buy.

Toyota's safety hardware is comprehensive and battle-tested across millions of vehicles, but if a confirmed 5-star rating today is non-negotiable, the Tasman currently has it. Both seat five with ISOFIX points and both carry their substantial mass as an advantage in a multi-vehicle crash.

The Tasman SX sits in the heart of Kia's range and feels modern and generously equipped, 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. Its standout practical figure is a class-leading 1,025kg payload, useful if you carry heavy tools, stock or a slide-on.

The HiLux is the establishment benchmark: a tough, work-ready cabin, proven switchgear, and the deepest accessory and aftermarket ecosystem in the country. Whatever you want to bolt to a HiLux, canopy, bull bar, drawers, suspension, someone makes it and the dealer can fit it.

On capability the HiLux edges ahead with 225mm of ground clearance versus the Tasman's 206mm, plus decades of refinement to its 4WD systems. The Tasman is genuinely capable for work and weekend touring; the HiLux just has the harder-earned reputation for the rough stuff.

The HiLux's 2.8-litre turbo-diesel makes 150kW and 500Nm with the help of its 48V V-Active system, against the Tasman's 2.2-litre with 154kW and 440Nm. The Tasman actually has a touch more peak power, but the HiLux's 60Nm torque advantage tells when towing or climbing, and it's the quicker of the two at 10.2 seconds to 100km/h versus 12.5. Both drive through smooth automatics and selectable 4WD.

Both tow the full 3,500kg braked, so on paper they're matched, but the HiLux's extra torque makes heavy towing feel more relaxed. The Tasman does the job and backs it with more payload, so the choice comes down to whether you tow heavy (HiLux) or carry heavy (Tasman). Around town and unladen, both four-cylinder diesels are quiet and easy, and the Tasman's newer cabin refinement is a pleasant surprise.