VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
450 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2999 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 140 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.1 l/100km while the Amarok uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R844 470 for the D-Max and R931 600 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
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
450 Nm
405 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
10
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
212 g/km
202 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5350 mm
Width
1880 mm
1910 mm
Height
1805 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
2060 Kg
2132 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
980 l
1148 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
D-Max
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Lower starting price (R844 470)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Volkswagen Amarok
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Amarok?
The D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km and the Amarok uses 7.7 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 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Amarok?
The D-Max starts from R844 470 and the Amarok from R931 600. The D-Max is cheaper by R87 130 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 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 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.