Isuzu D-Max 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Isuzu D-Max starts from $41,243 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Isuzu D-Max the more affordable entry point by $14,747.
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 $45,367 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu D-Max by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Isuzu D-Max and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 4 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Isuzu D-Max, 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 8 in the Isuzu D-Max and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu D-Max features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu D-Max uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels.
The Volkswagen Amarok has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu D-Max measures 5,340mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 10mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Amarok generally means more rear legroom.
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.
12.5m to 12.8m
Based on 12.5m 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 Isuzu D-Max and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Isuzu D-Max) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Isuzu D-Max saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The Isuzu D-Max has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu D-Max takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Isuzu D-Max will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. The Isuzu D-Max adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $14,747.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu D-Max 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 Isuzu D-Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu D-Max has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Amarok makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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