Toyota HiLux 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.
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. 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 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 8-inch display. 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.
Drivetrain
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. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Amarok is 1.7s quicker. 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.
0For 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 12.9m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.9m 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 $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.
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
This is genuinely close. The Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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