RAM 1500 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 RAM 1500 starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Volkswagen Amarok the more affordable entry point by $63,960.
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 $131,945 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Amarok by roughly $7,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Amarok holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the RAM 1500.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The RAM 1500 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in 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 RAM 1500 and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The RAM 1500 features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 RAM 1500 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Volkswagen Amarok. The Volkswagen Amarok counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The RAM 1500 uses a Petrol V8 producing 291kW and 556Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The RAM 1500 has the clear power advantage at 291kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the RAM 1500 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The RAM 1500 measures 5,916mm long on a 3,672mm wheelbase, 566mm longer than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 1500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 900L in the RAM 1500 and 543L in the Volkswagen Amarok, giving the RAM 1500 a 357L advantage.
For towing, the RAM 1500 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 1,000kg 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 14.4m
Based on 14.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,734/year for the RAM 1500 and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $1,454 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Amarok.
Estimated annual total: $3,734 (RAM 1500) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Volkswagen Amarok saves you roughly $1,454 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 1500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The Volkswagen Amarok has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAM 1500 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The RAM 1500 and Volkswagen Amarok trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen Amarok will save you roughly $1,454 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the RAM 1500 has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Amarok adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, RAM 1500 and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Volkswagen Amarok is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 1500 by $63,960.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Amarok uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The RAM 1500 has the largest boot at 900L.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 1500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The RAM 1500 makes the most power at 291kW. The RAM 1500 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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