Kia Tasman VS BYD Shark 6 Quick Read Comparison

Kia Tasman Review: Surprising Drive, Polarising Looks

Like most of the civilised world, I gasped when the Kia Tasman had its covers ripped off — and not in a fun Saturday-night sort of way. Tasman is one of those rare vehicles that should come with blackout glasses and a discreet parking veil. Those over-arch lumps? Surgical removal, please. The froggy rear lamps? Straight out of a Muppets reboot. And that grille–headlight arrangement looks like the designer sneezed mid-pen stroke. Just join the damn things together and be done with it.

And why, for the love of Kylie, put every light on the most exposed corners where Australia’s carparks can bash the bejeezus out of them?

From arch to arch it looks reasonably handsome, though the short rear doors hint at the truth: rear legroom so tight you’ll need to know the safe word. That’s common for the segment, but still disappointing. Our Pro-X sits 252mm off the deck, meaning without side steps you’ll be clambering in like Patsy and Eddy mid-bender, face-plant optional.

The tub is sorted though. Spray liner, excellent lighting, tie-downs for days, and that wraparound rear glass is properly cool.

Inside is where Tasman redeems itself. The cabin is a triumph — premium materials, heated/cooled fronts, heated rear outers, and Hyundai Group’s brilliant three-screen spread. But no HUD at this price? I nearly clutched my pearls. At least the steampunk door handles add theatre, and the centre console has the vehicle’s dimensions printed on it so you’ll always know whether that yellow bar in the carpark is friend or foe.

The interior is like a cosy hug, a great place to be while the climate-change induced mania lashes the exterior with the fury of a senator in question time.

Sound from Harman Kardon on the Pro-X is utter perfection.

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ABOVE: Kia Tasman inside and out

After an hour behind the wheel, my perfectly padded derrière did notice the seat turning to granite. Hmmm.

The 154kW/440Nm diesel and auto are economical-ish at 8.1L/100km, and you get auto 4×4 plus terrain modes. Double wishbones up front are sublime, but rear leaf springs feel stingy. Kia will say “3.5-tonne towing”, but leisure buyers want… leisure. Disc brakes all-round are a nice apology.

The ride? Shockingly good for the class. Almost as comfy as our current darling, the BYD Shark 6 — though missing Shark’s polish. Performance is leisurely, and in the city the transmission upshifts like it’s fleeing wildlife.

See BYD Shark 6 HERE and HERE.

Ute land is bursting with new arrivals, but Hilux and Ranger still rule. Hilux’s update is more of the same, Ranger is better and now has a PHEV, but both feel prehistoric next to Shark 6. Why? Because Shark has twice the power, way more torque, runs mostly on electricity, has six onboard power outlets, 100km EV range, no gearbox and more space everywhere.

It’s bigger, more comfortable, quicker, and $15k cheaper drive-away. Leisure-seekers will flock to it. Our fuel figures for the BYD were 0.4L/100km, unfair? Sure, a diesel can’t hope to compare. But that is what buyers currently have the choice of, right? Kia Tasman has a mountain to climb but is it aimed at the wrong market?

See our comparo chart.

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