Kia Tasman vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?

Kia Tasman

$38,010 - $74,990

2026 price

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Volkswagen T-Cross

$19,990 - $39,990

2024 price

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Summary

2026 Kia Tasman

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

By Mark Oastler

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid engineering, build quality
One-tonne-plus payload & 3500kg towing
Refined drivetrain

Lots of features for not much money
Easy and fun to drive
Spacious and practical for the class

Dislikes

Love it or loathe it styling
Deep front spoiler/shallow approach angle
Climate control screen placement, no rear USB ports

A hybrid version is needed
Some rivals start at a lower price
Some turbo lag in stop-start traffic

2026 Kia Tasman Summary

Kia expects its all-new Tasman to be a key player in Australia’s highly competitive ute segment. And to its credit, the Korean manufacturer has created its contender from scratch, rather than taking the easier platform-sharing route favoured by some rivals.

However, judging by feedback from numerous locals during our test, the jury is out on whether Aussies will warm 'en masse' to its bold styling and confronting appearance, which tends to distract from the capable vehicle beneath.

So, given our tradie focus, we recently spent a week in the lowest-priced entry point for Tasman dual-cab ute ownership, to see how it measures up as a tool-of-trade for tradies, farmers or fleets wanting a back-to-basics workhorse.

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2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the brand’s entire range, but it’s incredibly practical, great to drive and has an excellent level of safety.

It’s just been updated with some new features and it’s probably more affordable than you think.

So if you are thinking of a Mazda CX-3 or a Toyota Yaris Cross, then put the T-Cross on your list to check out, too.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Kia Tasman 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

Verdict

Ute buyers prepared to look beyond the Tasman’s polarising appearance will discover a competent all-rounder. It has its faults like any ute but boasts high standards of engineering, build quality, interior design and performance that make it a worthy new competitor in this space.

Verdict

There are so many new little SUVs out there and it might be easy to think they’re all the same - a tiny cheap SUV is just a tiny cheap SUV. But I’m convinced the Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t like the others.

Yes, it’s tiny and relatively cheap, but it can do more than most of the others from the storage and space it offers to the value-for-money and its level of refinement. Then there’s the way it drives - which can’t in my books be matched by any of its rivals.

The sweet spot in the range is the entry grade Life. At $35K drive-away the value is best and with no difference in engines between the grades there are no huge reasons to step up higher in the range unless you have the money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Kia Tasman vs Volkswagen T-Cross What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Tasman vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?