Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger
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 Volkswagen Amarok starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Ranger opens at $37,130. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $18,860.
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 $40,843 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $1,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 84% for the Ford Ranger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Ford Ranger 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 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 9 in the Ford Ranger.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Amarok features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Ranger gets a 12-inch display and 8-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 Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger responds with a Diesel Turbo making 125kW and 405Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Amarok is 2.0s 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, 125mm longer than the Ford Ranger at 5,225mm (3,270mm wheelbase).
0For towing, the Ford Ranger 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.
12.9m 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 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 $2,280/year for the Volkswagen Amarok and $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $1,967 (Ford Ranger). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $313 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 (Ford Ranger). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. 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 Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Amarok by $18,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger 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.
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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