Volkswagen Amarok vs BYD Shark 6

The Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Shark 6 opens at $55,900. That makes the BYD Shark 6 the more affordable entry point by $90.

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 $61,589 and $61,490 respectively.

The BYD Shark 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Amarok, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $9,505 in fuel alone.

Both the Volkswagen Amarok and BYD Shark 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 85% for the BYD Shark 6.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Shark 6 packs more ADAS features with 4 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.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Volkswagen Amarok features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the BYD Shark 6 gets a 12.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Shark 6 counters with V2L that the Volkswagen Amarok does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Amarok gets cloth upholstery while the BYD Shark 6 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Volkswagen Amarok and 2-zone in the BYD Shark 6.

The Volkswagen Amarok uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout.

The BYD Shark 6 responds with a Hybrid making 321kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volkswagen Amarok measures 5,350mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 107mm shorter than the BYD Shark 6 at 5,457mm (3,260mm 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 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok and $379/year for the BYD Shark 6. That is a $1,901 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.

Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $379 (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 saves you roughly $1,901 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 has longer coverage.