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HomeComparisonsHyundai iMax vs Volkswagen Caddy
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Hyundai iMax vs Volkswagen Caddy

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers 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.

SpecHyundaiVolkswagen
Price (RRP)TBC$57,600
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Power129kW84kW
Fuel Economy10.6 L/100km6.7 L/100km
Boot Space842L446L
Towing1,500kg1,500kg
Warranty5yr / 160k km5yr / 0k km
ANCAP Safety4 Stars5 Stars

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Price Breakdown

Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.

Safety Rundown

The Volkswagen Caddy holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai iMax.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Caddy packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai iMax.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 2 in the Hyundai iMax and 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy.

Feature Showdown

Both come with modern infotainment systems.

The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that the Hyundai iMax does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai iMax gets tricot suede cloth upholstery while the Volkswagen Caddy offers cloth (double grid).

Drivetrain

The Hyundai iMax lines up producing 129kW and 228Nm of torque, sent through a 4-speed automatic to a RWD layout.

The Volkswagen Caddy responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo TSI making 84kW and 220Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch (dsg) driving the front wheels.

The Hyundai iMax has the clear power advantage at 129kW vs 84kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai iMax measures 5,125mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 272mm longer than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai iMax generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 842L in the Hyundai iMax and 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy, giving the Hyundai iMax a 396L advantage. The Hyundai iMax seats 8 vs 7.

For towing, the Volkswagen Caddy leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

11.2m to 12.1m

TightestHyundai iMax 2.4 CVVT Petrol AutomaticTightest turn at 11.2m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Hyundai iMax 2.4 CVVT Petrol Automatic
11.2mTighter
Best
Volkswagen Caddy Caddy TSI220 DSG
12.1m
Worst
Hyundai iMax 2.4 CVVT Petrol Automatic
11.2m · Average

Based on 11.2m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Volkswagen Caddy TSI220 DSG
12.1m · Large

Based on 12.1m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestHyundai iMaxTightest turn at 11.2m, needs the least road to swing around
Hyundai iMaxTightest11.2 m
Average△ 3-point
Volkswagen Caddy12.1 m
Large△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 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.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

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 $3,021/year for the Hyundai iMax and $1,910/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $1,111 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.

Estimated annual total: $3,021 (Hyundai iMax) vs $1,910 (Volkswagen Caddy). The Volkswagen Caddy saves you roughly $1,111 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai iMax) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Hyundai iMax if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

This is genuinely close. The Hyundai iMax and Volkswagen Caddy trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $1,111 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai iMax has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Hyundai iMax and Volkswagen Caddy?

The Volkswagen Caddy is the cheapest at $57,600 before on-road costs.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Volkswagen Caddy uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

Which is safest?

The Volkswagen Caddy has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.

Which has the most boot space?

The Hyundai iMax has the largest boot at 842L.

Which can tow the most?

The Hyundai iMax has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Hyundai iMax makes the most power at 129kW.

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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

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