JAC T9 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 6 Aug 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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.
$42,662RRP
- with the Volkswagen Amarok's standard kit: $42,662 (nothing to add)
$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.
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Price Breakdown
The JAC T9 starts from $42,662 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the JAC T9 the more affordable entry point by $13,328.
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 $46,928 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the JAC T9 and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the JAC T9 and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the JAC T9, 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 6 in the JAC T9 and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Recalls on our record
JAC T9
- REC-006377 · published 8 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the retaining bolts on the left and right-side curtain airbags may not have been fastened with sufficient torque.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006211 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to the failure of the turbo actuator module, the vehicle may inadvertently activate limp-home mode resulting in a gradual reduction of motive power whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2024
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 JAC T9 features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 JAC T9 stands out with wireless charging and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Amarok. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the JAC T9 gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Amarok offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The JAC T9 uses a Turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a 8at to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 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 JAC T9 measures 5,330mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 20mm 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 3,200kg. That 300kg 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 13.0m
Based on 13.0m 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 $2,166/year for the JAC T9 and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the JAC T9.
Warranty: 7 years (JAC T9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The JAC T9 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (JAC T9)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the JAC T9 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Amarok: Level on the CarSorted Score at 76, ahead on the category wins, but the JAC T9 is $13,328 cheaper
The Volkswagen Amarok comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 76), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 15), performance (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 12), value (JAC T9 ahead by 8). The JAC T9 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The JAC T9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, JAC T9 and Volkswagen Amarok?
The JAC T9 is the cheapest at $42,662 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $13,328.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The JAC T9 uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: JAC T9 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 Volkswagen Amarok has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The JAC T9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / No data.
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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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