Toyota HiLux vs Volkswagen Amarok

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.

Both the Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 3 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota HiLux and 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok.

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 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.

The Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a 4x2 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 the rear 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.

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.

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.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Toyota HiLux) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Toyota HiLux saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.