Volkswagen Amarok vs Isuzu D-Max in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

D-Max

67

🏆 Winner

10 Point Difference

Moderate difference between the two models.

Amarok

57

Executive Summary

D-Max has a slight advantage, but Amarok remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Amarok (+1)

Efficiency D-Max (+1)

Safety Equal

Practicality D-Max (+2)

Ownership D-Max (+8)

Pros & Cons

Amarok

Pros

More powerful engine output

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Highway Driving

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Cons

Less powerful engine setup

Best For: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

Amarok

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

D-Max

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Category Breakdown

D-Max

Performance – 12/20

Efficiency – 8/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 9/20

Ownership – 20/20

Amarok

Performance – 13/20

Efficiency – 7/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 7/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Ground Clearance	192	235
Wheelbase	3097	3125
Length	5254	5310
Width	1944	1870
Height	1834	1810
Kerb Weight	2095	1950
Gross Vehicle Weight	3150	3050
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	0
Towing Capacity	3500	3000

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Engine	2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled	Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement	1968	1898
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	125	110
Torque	400	350
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Twin Turbo	-
Top Speed	180	175
0-100 km/h	10.5	12.3

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual
Drive Type	4Motion AWD	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Selectable 4WD	Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Electronic Rear Differential Lock	Mechanical Limited Slip
Transfer Case	High and Low Range	None

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Airbags	6	6
ABS	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Standard	Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Standard	-
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Not Available

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Claimed Mileage	12.8	13.8
City Mileage	9	10
Highway Mileage	13	14
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	76
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
CO2 Emissions	225	210
Start Stop System	Yes	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Standard

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Seat Material	Fabric	Premium Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Power Assisted	Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Climate Control	Automatic	Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows	Front and Rear	All Windows
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Remote Key
Push Button Start	Not Available	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
USB Ports	Front and Rear	-
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Optional	Smartphone Based
Digital Instrument Cluster	Not Available	-

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
LED Headlamps	Halogen Projector	LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Front	Standard
Roof Rails	Not Available	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Approach Angle	29	29
Departure Angle	24	25
Wading Depth	500	600
Terrain Modes	Offroad Mode	None
Locking Differential	Electronic Rear Lock	Rear Differential Lock

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	255/65 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Leaf Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Ladder Frame

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Low to Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	24 Months

Spec	Amarok	D-Max
Warranty Years	3	5
Warranty Kilometers	120000	120000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	5 Years

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Amarok may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, D-Max performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

Amarok scores 7 while D-Max scores 8 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, Amarok scores 18 and D-Max scores 18. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

Amarok scores 12 versus D-Max scoring 20. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Amarok 7 and D-Max 9, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Amarok scoring 13 compared to D-Max scoring 12, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest D-Max may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. D-Max performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives D-Max the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between Amarok and D-Max in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 12.

Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 8.

Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 18.

Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 9.

Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives D-Max the advantage in this comparison.