A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
P Series starts ZAR 679995 cheaperP Series from ZAR 444,900 · Tasman from ZAR 679,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Engine Power
110
147 kW
Torque
480
440 Nm
Engine Size
1996
2151
Claimed Mileage
9.8
11.8
Ground Clearance
210
231
Boot Space
-
1115
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1985
2085
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tasman
73
/ 100
+13
pts
#2
P Series
60
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Tasman has a slight advantage, but P Series remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tasman
+1 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tasman
+12 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
20/20
Ownership
20/20
P Series
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
P Series
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
P Series
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Tasman
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Body Type
Pickup
Double Cab Bakkie
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
No
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Rear Wiper
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
No
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Colour
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Standard
Rear Spoiler
No
No
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Electric
Exterior Colour Options
5
Multiple
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Number of Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
5360
5335
Width
1900
1930
Height
1815
1895
Wheelbase
3220
3200
Ground Clearance
210
231
Kerb Weight
1985
2085
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
80
Load Bed Length
1520
1520
Load Bed Width
1560
1165
Doors
4
4
Front Overhang
980
940
Rear Overhang
1160
1195
Front Track Width
1560
1619
Rear Track Width
1560
1625
Front Headroom
1020
1010
Rear Headroom
975
955
Front Legroom
1070
1040
Rear Legroom
880
855
Front Shoulder Room
1440
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
1420
1350
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000
3250
Boot Volume
0
1115
Boot Space Seats Folded
0
1115
Turning Radius
13.6
12.6
Max Payload
900
1100
Boot Space
-
1115
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Payload Capacity
1000
1100
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
9.8
8.5
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Yes
Full-Size Spare
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Remote
Boot Opener
Yes
Remote
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Skid Plates
Yes
Yes
Side Steps
Yes
No
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
No
No
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
No
No
Engine Start Stop
No
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
215
231
Drag Coefficient
0.42
0.40
Rear Seat Split
No
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Progressive
Normal
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Multi-Information Display
Digital Cluster
Seat Type
Bucket Seat
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
No
No
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
No
Roof Antenna
Mast Antenna
Yes
Rear Wing
No
No
Aero Kit
No
No
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
No
No
Climate Zones
2
2
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
-
Yes
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Engine
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
Engine Code
GW4D20
D4HB
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Displacement
1996
2151
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
16.5:1
15.4:1
Cylinder Bore
84
85.4
Piston Stroke
90
94.0
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
B7 Diesel
Torque
480
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1,600-2,600 rpm
1,750 rpm
Power
110
147 kW
Power
148
197
Power @ RPM
3,400-3,600 rpm
3,800 rpm
0–100 km/h
13.2
9.8
Top Speed
175
185
0-100 km/h
110
9.8
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Transverse
Engine Displacement
1996
2151
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000
4,000 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
7.0
Variable Valve Timing
No
No
EV Range
-
N/A
Battery Capacity
-
N/A
Charging Port
-
N/A
AC Charging Time
-
N/A
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
B7 Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Particulate Filter
Yes
DPF
CO2 Emissions
258
224
Idle CO2 Output
258
235
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
No
Green NCAP Rating
3/5
5
Noise Level
Moderate
72
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
80
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
No
Claimed Mileage
9.8
11.8
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
11.5
9.5
Highway Mileage
9.5
14.1
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
8.5
Real-world Mileage
10.5
10.2
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.8
8.5
Fuel Efficiency
Moderate
8.5 L/100km
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Front Spring Type
Torsion Bar
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
No
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Body-on-Frame
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Front Tyre Width
265
265
Rear Tyre Width
265
265
Tyre Size
265/60R18
265/60 R18
Wheel Diameter
18
18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full-Size Spare
Spare Tyre
Yes
Full-Size Spare
Wheel Rim Size
18
265/60 R18
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
112
116
Tyre Speed Rating
S
T
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
320
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
300
295
Spec
P Series
Tasman
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
No
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Approach Angle
30
30
Departure Angle
26
26
Ramp-over Angle
24
19
Wading Depth
800
800
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Yes
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
4WD System Type
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-Time with Low Range
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Locking Differential
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
22
20
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Plan Duration
5
3
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Service Interval
10000
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
15000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Alternator
120A
Yes
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
R4,800 per service
Battery Type
-
N/A
Battery Warranty
-
N/A
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
2
2
AUX Input
Yes
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
12
12.3
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Yes
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital
Seat Adjustment
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
No
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
1
Black
Folding Rear Seats
No
No
Cooled Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear AC Vents
-
No
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
No
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Sport Mode
No
Yes
Eco Mode
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
No
360 Degree Camera
No
No
EV Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Yes
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
4WD
Transmission
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic Transmission
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain
4x4 AWD
4WD
Differential Lock
Yes
Yes
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Transfer Case
Yes
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
16.5:1
15.2:1
LSD Available
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.54
3.94
Clutch Type
-
Torque Converter
Spec
P Series
Tasman
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.5
8.1
Real-world City Mileage Max
13.0
10.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5
12.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.0
14.8
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Tasman
wins with 73 pts
vs 60 pts for P Series
In structured scoring, Tasman emerges as the stronger overall package. However, P Series may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Tasman edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: P Series 0 vs Tasman 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: P Series 18, Tasman 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: P Series 20, Tasman 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: P Series 8, Tasman 20. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: P Series 14, Tasman 15. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Tasman edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tasman scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between P Series and Tasman in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: P Series scores 14 vs 15.
Efficiency: P Series scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: P Series scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: P Series scores 8 vs 20.
Ownership: P Series scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tasman
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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