Subaru WRX Sportswagon 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon starts from $52,290 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Amarok opens at $55,990. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $3,700.
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 $57,519 and $61,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Amarok holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon packs more ADAS features with 5 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 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Amarok gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses a Petrol producing 202kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon measures 4,670mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 680mm shorter than the Volkswagen Amarok at 5,350mm (3,270mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Amarok generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 543L in the Volkswagen Amarok, giving the Volkswagen Amarok a 102L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,500kg 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 $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Amarok.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok). The Volkswagen Amarok saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Amarok). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Amarok takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Amarok will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Amarok has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Volkswagen Amarok?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $3,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Amarok uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen Amarok has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
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 is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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