Volkswagen Amarok vs Toyota HiLux
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 Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. 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 $61,589 and $37,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 84% for the Toyota HiLux.
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 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 8 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Amarok features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota HiLux gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Amarok stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. The Toyota HiLux counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel making 150kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 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 Volkswagen Amarok measures 5,350mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm 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 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). 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 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota HiLux 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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