Kia Tasman 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 7 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 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.
$42,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$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 Kia Tasman & Volkswagen Amarok
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Tasman starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $13,000.
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 $47,289 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman, 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 7 in the Kia Tasman and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Recalls on our record
Kia Tasman
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
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 Kia Tasman features a 12.3-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 Kia Tasman stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate — 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 Kia Tasman uses a Diesel producing 154kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Tasman measures 5,410mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 60mm longer than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 352L in the Kia Tasman and 543L in the Volkswagen Amarok, giving the Volkswagen Amarok a 191L advantage.
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.
12.3m to 12.8m
Based on 12.3m 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 $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Tasman: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 76
The Kia Tasman comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 76), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: reliability (Kia Tasman ahead by 12), value (Kia Tasman ahead by 9), practicality (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 9). The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Amarok has a clear edge. The Kia Tasman 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, Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $13,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Tasman has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Tasman has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW.
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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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