Isuzu NLR 45-150 vs Volkswagen Amarok
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Isuzu NLR 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $3,090.
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 $58,190 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Amarok by roughly $3,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout.
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 Volkswagen Amarok has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,490mm wheelbase, 615mm shorter 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150 leads with a 4,000kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 12.9m
Based on 9.8m 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 $2,993/year for the Isuzu NLR 45-150 and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $713 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Amarok.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Volkswagen Amarok saves you roughly $713 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 250,000km (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu NLR 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Amarok will save you roughly $713 a year in fuel. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu NLR 45-150 and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $3,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Amarok uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Amarok all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Amarok makes the most power at 125kW.
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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