Volkswagen Amarok vs Kia Tasman
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 Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Tasman opens at $38,990. That makes the Kia Tasman the more affordable entry point by $17,000.
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 $61,589 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Amarok and Kia Tasman hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 85% for the Kia Tasman.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Tasman packs more ADAS features with 6 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 9 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 7 in the Kia Tasman.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Amarok features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Kia Tasman gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Amarok stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Tasman. The Kia Tasman counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Amarok uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a 4WD layout.
The Kia Tasman responds with a Diesel making 154kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Amarok measures 5,350mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 60mm shorter than the Kia Tasman at 5,410mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 543L in the Volkswagen Amarok and 352L in the Kia Tasman, giving the Volkswagen Amarok a 191L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Tasman leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.3m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.3m 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok and $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $2,109 (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman saves you roughly $171 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Tasman if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Tasman will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Amarok has a clear edge. The Kia Tasman adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Amarok and Kia Tasman?
The Kia Tasman is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $17,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Tasman uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Amarok and Kia Tasman all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Tasman has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW.
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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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