Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. 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 $42,889 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Tasman and 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok.
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 7 in the Kia Tasman and 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Tasman 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 Kia Tasman stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 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 Kia Tasman uses a Diesel producing 154kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 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 Kia Tasman has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Amarok is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Tasman measures 5,410mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 60mm longer than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 352L in the Kia Tasman and 543L in the Volkswagen Amarok, giving the Volkswagen Amarok a 191L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok 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.
11.0m to 12.9m
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Kia Tasman and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Kia Tasman.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Kia Tasman) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Tasman) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). The Kia Tasman has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Tasman takes 4 of 6 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, Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok?
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 — Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Amarok 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 Kia Tasman has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Tasman has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Tasman makes the most power at 154kW. The Volkswagen Amarok is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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