VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
125 kW
Torque
405 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Ranger delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 7.4 l/100km while the Amarok uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R590 000 for the Ranger and R593 200 for the Amarok. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
125 kW
Torque
405 Nm
405 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
10
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5320 mm
5350 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
1910 mm
Height
1883 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
234 mm
237 mm
Kerb Weight
1860 Kg
1859 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1200 l
1201 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3 (opt various extensions)
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000 (opt various extensions)
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
Ranger
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Lower starting price (R590 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Amarok
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Amarok?
The Ranger uses 7.4 l/100km and the Amarok uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Amarok is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or Amarok?
The Ranger produces 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Amarok?
The Ranger starts from R590 000 and the Amarok from R593 200. The Ranger is cheaper by R3 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Amarok?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Amarok can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger or the Amarok?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.