VS
At a Glance
Power
144 kW
125 kW
Torque
487 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1999 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the JAC T9 and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The JAC T9 delivers 144 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the T9 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Amarok uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R689 900 for the T9 and R689 700 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
144 kW
125 kW
Torque
487 Nm
405 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 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
8
10
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
224 g/km
202 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5330 mm
5350 mm
Width
1965 mm
1910 mm
Height
1920 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3110 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
237 mm
Kerb Weight
2055 Kg
1935 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1000 l
1125 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
100000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Amarok
2 / 4 categories
Performance
T9
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
Amarok
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
JAC T9
More powerful engine (144 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Amarok
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R689 700)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 144 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the T9 or Amarok?
The T9 uses 7.8 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 T9 or Amarok?
The T9 produces 144 kW and 487 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. The T9 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the T9 and Amarok?
The T9 starts from R689 900 and the Amarok from R689 700. The Amarok is cheaper by R200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the T9 or Amarok?
The T9 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 T9 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.