Toyota HiLux vs Volkswagen Amarok
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 24 Jun 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.
$33,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Keyless Entry, Push-Button Start and Tyre Pressure Monitoring not offered
$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 Toyota HiLux starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $22,000.
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 $37,389 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Toyota HiLux 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 Toyota HiLux, 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 Toyota HiLux and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Recalls on our record
Toyota HiLux
- REC-005004 · published 30 Nov 2021Due to poor stiffness of the rear licence plate bracket around the single mounting point, there is a possibility this may lead to cracking as a result of metal fatigue caused by vibration when driving on a rough (corrugated) roads.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2021
- REC-001279 · published 30 Mar 2021The Australian Design Rule (ADR 61/02) requires a compliance label to be fitted to vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2021
- REC-001315 · published 16 Dec 2020The brake booster may have been incorrectly manufactured, causing an internal fault.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 4 more on the model page.
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 Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-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 Toyota HiLux stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — 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 Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen Amarok responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota HiLux measures 5,380mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 30mm longer 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 2,900kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota'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: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 71, but the Toyota HiLux is $22,000 cheaper
The Volkswagen Amarok comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 71), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 23), safety (Volkswagen Amarok ahead by 11), reliability (Toyota HiLux ahead by 10). The Toyota HiLux will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $22,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiLux uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Toyota HiLux 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 is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiLux makes the most power at 150kW.
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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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