VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
184 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Towing
2750 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2755 cc
2993 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Hilux and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota Hilux delivers 150 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 184 kW. On fuel, the Hilux returns 7.4 l/100km while the Amarok uses 8.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R793 300 for the Hilux and R1 190 900 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
150 kW
184 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
Top Speed
175 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2755 cc
2993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
10
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
195 g/km
222 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5325 mm
5350 mm
Width
1855 mm
1910 mm
Height
1815 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3085 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
286 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1879 Kg
2236 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2750 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
850 l
1114 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
9 services
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Amarok
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
Hilux
Practicality
Amarok
Pros & Cons
Toyota Hilux
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R793 300)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (150 kW vs 184 kW)
Volkswagen Amarok
More powerful engine (184 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Hilux or Amarok?
The Hilux uses 7.4 l/100km and the Amarok uses 8.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hilux 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 Hilux or Amarok?
The Hilux produces 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The Amarok is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Hilux and Amarok?
The Hilux starts from R793 300 and the Amarok from R1 190 900. The Hilux is cheaper by R397 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Hilux or Amarok?
The Hilux has a braked towing capacity of 2750 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 Hilux 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.