Volkswagen Amarok vs Nissan Magnite in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

Amarok

57

🏆 Winner

8 Point Difference

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Magnite

49

Executive Summary

Amarok has a slight advantage, but Magnite remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Amarok (+9)

Efficiency Magnite (+8)

Safety Amarok (+12)

Practicality Magnite (+5)

Ownership Equal

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

Amarok

Pros

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Highway Driving

Magnite

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features

Best For: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

Amarok

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment

Magnite

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Category Breakdown

Amarok

Performance – 13/20

Efficiency – 7/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 7/20

Ownership – 12/20

Magnite

Performance – 4/20

Efficiency – 15/20

Safety – 6/20

Practicality – 12/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Ground Clearance	192	205
Wheelbase	3097	2500
Length	5254	3994
Width	1944	1758
Height	1834	1572
Kerb Weight	2095	1050
Gross Vehicle Weight	3150	1520
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	336
Towing Capacity	3500	500

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Engine	2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel	1.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled	Inline 3
Displacement	1968	999
Cylinders	4	3
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	125	53
Torque	400	96
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Multipoint Injection
Turbocharger	Twin Turbo	-
Top Speed	180	155
0-100 km/h	10.5	14.2

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual
Drive Type	4Motion AWD	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Selectable 4WD	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Electronic Rear Differential Lock	None
Transfer Case	High and Low Range	Not Applicable

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Yes
Airbags	6	2
ABS	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	Standard	No
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Alarm System	Standard	-
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Claimed Mileage	12.8	19
City Mileage	9	15
Highway Mileage	13	20
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	40
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
CO2 Emissions	225	125
Start Stop System	Yes	Yes
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	No
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	No
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	No
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	No
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	No

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Seat Material	Fabric	Premium Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	No
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	No
Steering Type	Power Assisted	Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Subtle White

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Climate Control	Automatic	Manual
Power Windows	Front and Rear	All
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Yes
Push Button Start	Not Available	Yes
Wireless Charging	Not Available	No
Sunroof	Not Available	No
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	No

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

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
LED Headlamps	Halogen Projector	LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Front	Front
Roof Rails	Not Available	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	Diamond Cut Alloy

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Approach Angle	29	20
Departure Angle	24	28
Wading Depth	500	300
Terrain Modes	Offroad Mode	None
Locking Differential	Electronic Rear Lock	None

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	195/60 R16
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Monocoque

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Low
Battery Warranty	24 Months	2 Years

Spec	Amarok	Magnite
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	90000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years

Final Verdict

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

Related Comparisons

People Also Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Amarok scores 7 while Magnite scores 15 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, Amarok scores 18 and Magnite scores 6. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

Amarok scores 12 versus Magnite scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Amarok 7 and Magnite 12, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Amarok scoring 13 compared to Magnite scoring 4, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest Amarok 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. Amarok performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

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

Detailed Comparison Analysis

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

Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 4.

Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 15.

Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 6.

Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 12.

Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives Amarok the advantage in this comparison.