VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
125 kW
Torque
350 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1898 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 110 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the D-Max 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 R668 990 for the D-Max and R665 800 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
110 kW
125 kW
Torque
350 Nm
405 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1898 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
193 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5350 mm
Width
1870 mm
1910 mm
Height
1805 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
237 mm
Kerb Weight
1885 Kg
1947 Kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1055 l
1243 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Volkswagen Amarok
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Amarok
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
Amarok
Practicality
Amarok
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 125 kW)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Amarok
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R665 800)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Amarok?
The D-Max 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 D-Max or Amarok?
The D-Max produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. The Amarok is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Amarok?
The D-Max starts from R668 990 and the Amarok from R665 800. The Amarok is cheaper by R3 190 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Amarok?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 2100 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 D-Max 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.