Volkswagen Amarok vs Jeep Gladiator
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 Jeep Gladiator opens at $84,990. That makes the Volkswagen Amarok the more affordable entry point by $29,000.
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 $93,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Amarok by roughly $6,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Amarok holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Jeep Gladiator. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Volkswagen Amarok and 60% for the Jeep Gladiator.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jeep Gladiator packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Volkswagen Amarok.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Volkswagen Amarok and 6 in the Jeep Gladiator.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Amarok features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Jeep Gladiator gets a 8.4-inch display and 7-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 Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and Alpine audio. 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 Jeep Gladiator responds with a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS making 209kW and 347Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Jeep Gladiator has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jeep Gladiator is 0.5s 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, 241mm shorter than the Jeep Gladiator at 5,591mm (3,488mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Gladiator generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Volkswagen Amarok leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,721kg. That 779kg 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 13.6m
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.6m 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 $3,534/year for the Jeep Gladiator. That is a $1,254 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Amarok.
Estimated annual total: $2,280 (Volkswagen Amarok) vs $3,534 (Jeep Gladiator). The Volkswagen Amarok saves you roughly $1,254 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 / 100,000km (Jeep Gladiator). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Jeep Gladiator).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Amarok if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jeep Gladiator if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Amarok takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Amarok will save you roughly $1,254 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 Jeep Gladiator?
The Volkswagen Amarok is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jeep Gladiator by $29,000.
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 Jeep Gladiator makes the most power at 209kW. The Jeep Gladiator is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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