KIA Tasman vs Foton Truckmate

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

KIA Tasman in South Africa

KIA Tasman

2.2D X-Pro 4x4 Double Cab Colour Coded Diesel 8-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 1,004,999 ex-showroom
⚡ 154 kW 🔧 440 Nm ⛽ 12.8 km/l
VS
Foton Truckmate in South Africa

Foton Truckmate

Box Body Petrol 5-Speed Manual Current
ZAR 239,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 82 kW 🔧 142 Nm ⛽ 12.66 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA Tasman vs Foton Truckmate: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Truckmate starts ZAR 480,095 cheaper Tasman from ZAR 679,995 · Truckmate from ZAR 199,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Tasman Truckmate
Maximum Power Tasman154 kW @ 3800 rpm Truckmate82 kW
Maximum Torque Tasman440 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm Truckmate142 Nm
Engine Size Tasman2151 cc Truckmate1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Tasman12.8 km/l Truckmate12.66 km/l
Ground Clearance Tasman252 mm TruckmateNot Officially Disclosed

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Independent editorial assessment

Hagalu editorial ratings

When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.

KIA Tasman

2.2D X-Pro 4x4 Double Cab Colour Coded

Hagalu editorial rating
4.4/5

Desk research · Exact variant

Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.

Read the review and score breakdown

Foton Truckmate

Box Body

Hagalu editorial rating
3.6/5

Desk research · Exact variant

Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.

Read the review and score breakdown

Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Tasman Truckmate
Model Introduced Year 2026 2025
Generation First-generation Kia Tasman; South African retail launch April 2026 Compact single-row cab platform with a 2,400 mm wheelbase and dropside or box-body factory configurations.
Facelift History First generation; no facelift Current South African Truckmate range, with no separate facelift identified.
Facelift Launched Since 2026 Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending Current Not Applicable
Body Style Pickup Light truck
Body Type Cab Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name -
Color Note Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Tasman Orange, X-Pro Matte Green -
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup -
Drivetrain Note Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.2D X-Pro 4x4 Double Cab Colour Coded -
Model Year 2026 2026
Production Status active active
Segment Pickup Compact business truck
Tare Mass Kg 2085 kg -
Vehicle Type Pickup Light commercial vehicle
Spec Tasman Truckmate
Length 5410 mm 4735 mm
Width 1930 mm 1695 mm
Height 1960 mm 2420 mm
Wheelbase 3270 mm 2400 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 252 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) 230 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 l Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space 1173 l Not Officially Disclosed
Kerb Weight 2317 kg 1310 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 3250 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity 1008 kg 1100 kg
Towing Capacity 3500 kg Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Rows 2 rows 1 rows
Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius 6.25 m Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom 1044 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom 1004 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom 1052 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom 940 mm Not Officially Disclosed

In depth: how these cars differ

This Tasman and Truckmate comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Tasman vs Truckmate questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.