The 2025 Kia Tasman heats up the Australian ute market, rivalling the similarly specced Korean-made KGM Musso—the only non-Chinese budget alternative. Both offer 2.2L turbo-diesels, 4×4, and strong towing, but target different buyers.
Disclaimer
I’m Mick, technology advisor and writer. I’m a founding member and my role within the Kia Tasman Club is to host this website and help moderate the Facebook Group. I only point this out as I also own a KGM SsangYong Musso and run the KGM Musso Club Facebook Group, so this article will be as unbiased and well informed as I can make it. I will also update it further once I’ve thoroughly test driven the Tasman.
Join thousands of members!
The Kia Tasman Club is a supportive community that provides advice on modifications and accessories, organise events, and keep you up to date with the latest news and rumours. Best of all, it’s free to join!
Easy Comparison Table
| Feature / Spec | Kia Tasman | KGM Musso |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder | 2.2L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder |
| Power | 154kW | 133kW |
| Torque | 440Nm | 420Nm (with XLV pack) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 and 4×4 available | Part-time 4×4 with high/low range |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
| Payload | Over 1,000kg (variant dependent) | Approx. 790–1,020kg (variant dependent) |
| Tub dimensions | 1511 x 1572 x 540 mm | 1600 x 1570 x 570 mm (XLV) |
| Fuel economy (combined) | ~7.6L/100km (claimed) | ~8.6L/100km (claimed) |
| GVM | 3,250kg | 3,060kg (XLV) |
| GCM | 6,200kg | 6,000kg (XLV) |
| Length | 5,410mm | 5,405mm (XLV) |
| Width | 1,930mm | 1,950mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,270mm | 3,210mm |
| Infotainment | 12.3″ instrument cluster and separate touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 12.3″ touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| ANCAP | 5 Stars (Expected) | Unrated |
| Warranty | 7 years / unlimited km | 7 years / unlimited km (incl. commercial use) |
| Price (AUD) | From $42,390 to $74,990 + ORCs | From ~$40,000 to $51,200 drive-away |
Performance & Drivetrain
Kia Tasman
- Engine: 2.2L turbo-diesel four-cylinder
- Power: 154kW
- Torque: 440Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations
- Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
- Payload: Over 1,000kg across most variants
- Fuel Economy: Targeting ~7.6L/100km
KGM Musso
- Engine: 2.2L turbo-diesel four-cylinder
- Power: 133kW (standard), 420Nm torque with XLV pack
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Part-time 4×4 with low and high range
- Towing Capacity: 3,500kg (braked)
- Fuel Economy: 8.6L/100km (standard), 9.0L/100km (XLV pack)
Verdict: The Kia Tasman offers more power and a more advanced transmission, potentially providing smoother performance and better fuel efficiency, though it’s yet to be proven in the real world. The Musso, while less powerful, still delivers respectable torque, especially with the XLV pack.
Dimensions & Practicality
The first thing to note is that the KGM Musso only comes in dual-cab. The Tasman comes in dual-cab, single-cab, and cab-chassis. We will only compare the dual-cabs below.
Kia Tasman
- Length: 5,410mm
- Width: 1,930mm
- Height: 1870mm-1920mm
- GVM: 3,250kg
- GCM: 6,200kg
- Wheelbase: 3,270mm
KGM Musso XLV
- Length: 5,405mm
- Width: 1,950mm
- Height: 1,840mm
- GVM: 3,060kg
- GCM: 6,200kg
- Wheelbase: 3,210mm
Both utes are similar in size and are able to carry a standard euro pallet. With the Musso XLV offering a slightly longer wheelbase and tub, KGM is the clear winner in terms of volume.
While both vehicles can tow 3,500kg and carry about 1,000kg (depending on variant), the Tasman’s higher GVM and GCM provide a better combined load capacity, making the Tasman the better choice if you plan on towing (especially with the 8-speed auto).
Verdict: It depends on your needs. While the Musso XLV’s dual-cab tub has more volume, the Tasman has more cab options and better towing capability.
Warranty & Ownership
Kia Tasman
- Warranty: Details TBC; Kia typically offers a 7-year/unlimited km warranty in Australia.
- Dealerships: Over 160 in Australia with more being established in rural areas.
KGM Musso
- Warranty: 7-year/unlimited km warranty, including commercial use.
- Dealerships: 55 in Australia at time of writing, mostly within cities.
Both vehicles offer strong warranty coverage, with the Musso explicitly including commercial use, which may appeal to business owners. Where Kia shines is in delivering this warranty and ownership experience. Kia has one of the largest dealer and fleet networks in Australia, well over three times the size of KGM. Kia Australia HQ also holds their dealers accountable and has revoked dealer licences due to poor customer feedback in the past.
Parts availability, once of the largest complaints amongst KGM SsangYong owners in Australia, is also of little concern for Tasman owners. The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is the 3rd largest motor group in the world, and Hyundai-Kia collectively sell the second most vehicles in Australia. As the Tasman shares common parts with many HMG vehicles, parts availability is unlikely to be an issue.
Lastly, Kia customers consistently rank as some of the most satisfied in the country, with Kia ranking 2nd behind Subaru in Roy Morgan’s 2024’s Customer Satisfaction Awards for regular car manufacturers.
Verdict: Kia clearly comes out on top in Warranty & Ownership, especially outside of the cities.
Safety
Kia Tasman
- Safety: Details TBC; likely to feature advanced driver-assistance systems.
- ANCAP: 5-Stars expected for most models, while off-road models (X-Line & X-Pro) are unrated.
KGM Musso
- Safety: Includes features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- ANCAP: Unrated.
Verdict: The Tasman edges out the Musso.
Features & Technology
For a full list of Tasman features, click here. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that vary by variant, optional packages, and price.
Kia Tasman
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
KGM Musso
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Verdict: The Tasman edges out the Musso at a price.
Pricing & Value
Kia Tasman
- S RWD: $42,990
- S 4WD: $49,990
- SX: $54,490
- SX+: $62,390
- X-Line: $67,990
- X-Pro: $74,990
KGM Musso
- ELX: $39,500
- Adventure: $43,000
- Ultimate: $43,500
The Musso presents substantial features and capabilities at a lower price point. Kia intentionally leaves key features out of lower-priced models. For example, you’d need to fork out almost $25k more on Kia’s range-topping X-Pro to obtain ventilated seats and a sunroof over the Musso XLV’s Luxury Pack at $50,500.
That said, the Tasman definitely comes with a level of refinement that the Musso simply does not. Kia’s parts availability, dealer presence, and local customer service reputation also can’t be discounted. These are key considerations if you rely on your vehicle for your paycheque.
Verdict: It depends. The base model Tasman is a great deal, especially if you don’t require 4×4. It’s hard to see the Tasman X-Pro features as being worth roughly $25k more than a Musso XLV and Luxury Pack.
Final Thoughts
- Choose the Kia Tasman if: You prioritise a well-established brand with after-sales and after-market support, potentially more advanced features, and are willing to invest in a premium offering, or if you need a single-cab or cab-chassis.
- Choose the KGM Musso if: You seek a value option with solid capabilities; something with the price-tag of the Chinese newcomers, but with the quality approaching vehicles like the D-Max and Triton.
Both utes bring unique strengths to the table, catering to different segments of the market. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Alternatively, consider the KGM Rexton if what you need is 3.5t towing in an affordable package, and not necessarily a ute.
