Ford Ranger vs Volkswagen Amarok
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 25 Oct 2026, price 22 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$37,130RRP
- cannot be matched: LED Headlights, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Keyless Entry and 3 more not offered
$55,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Ford Ranger & Volkswagen Amarok
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $18,860.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,843 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Ford Ranger, against 3 on the Volkswagen Amarok.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Recalls on our record
Ford Ranger
- REC-006705 · published 18 Aug 2026Ranger dual-cab: side curtain airbag may not deploy as intended down the B-pillarYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006683 · published 28 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-006659 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- 23 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Amarok
- REC-006441 · published 30 Sep 2025Due to a software issue, the electromechanical brake servo control unit may switch off.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006190 · published 26 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver's seat belt may have been incorrectly anchored.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005838 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear driveshaft bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production and could become loose and detach.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Ranger features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Ranger stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Amarok. The Volkswagen Amarok counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 125mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m to 12.9m
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Amarok: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 68, but the Ford Ranger is $18,860 cheaper
The Volkswagen Amarok comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 68), taking 0 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 19), safety (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 18), fuel economy (Ford Ranger ahead by 10). The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $18,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Ranger has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
