A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Cannon starts ZAR 593200 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 593,200 · Cannon from ZAR 484,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Engine Power
125
110
Torque
400
480
Engine Size
1968
1996
Claimed Mileage
12.8
9.8
Ground Clearance
192
210
Boot Space
0
-
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
2095
2035
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Cannon
60
/ 100
+3
pts
#2
Amarok
57
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Amarok and Cannon are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cannon
+1 pts
Efficiency
Amarok
+7 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Cannon
+1 pts
Ownership
Cannon
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
Amarok
Performance
13/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
7/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Amarok
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Amarok
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Cannon
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Ground Clearance
192
210
Wheelbase
3097
3180
Length
5254
5380
Width
1944
1920
Height
1834
1835
Kerb Weight
2095
2035
Gross Vehicle Weight
3150
3000
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
-
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Number of Doors
5
4
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
0
Front Track Width
1550
1560
Rear Track Width
1540
1560
Turning Radius
Available
13.6
Load Bed Length
Available
1505
Load Bed Width
Available
1545
Front Legroom
Available
1070
Rear Legroom
Available
880
Front Headroom
Available
1020
Rear Headroom
Available
975
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1440
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1420
Max Payload
Available
900
Boot Volume
Available
0
Doors
Available
4
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
980
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
75
Rear Overhang
Available
1160
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Engine
2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement
1968
1996
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Power
125
110
Torque
400
480
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Twin Turbo
Yes
Top Speed
180
172
0-100 km/h
10.5
110
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
GW4D20
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
16.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
84
Piston Stroke
92.0
90
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Diesel
Power @ RPM
150
3,400-3,600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
1,600-2,600 rpm
Engine Position
Available
Front Longitudinal
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
8.0
Power
150
148
Variable Valve Timing
Available
No
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
4,000
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
0–100 km/h
Available
13.5
Battery Capacity
Available
-
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
1996
EV Range
Available
-
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4Motion AWD
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Selectable 4WD
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Electronic Rear Differential Lock
No
Transfer Case
High and Low Range
Yes
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Paddle Shifters
Available
No
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.54
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
16.5:1
Clutch Type
Available
-
Drivetrain
Available
4x4 AWD
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
5
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Claimed Mileage
12.8
9.8
City Mileage
9
11.5
Highway Mileage
13
9.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
75
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
No
Auto Start Stop
Available
No
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
10.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
9.8
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Moderate
Real-world Mileage
Available
10.5
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
CO2 Emissions
225
258
Start Stop System
Yes
No
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
258
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Diesel
Noise Level
Available
Moderate
Particulate Filter
Available
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
3/5
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
EVAP Canister
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
-
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
No
EV Mode
Available
No
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
-
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Seat Material
Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Yes
Heated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
No
Interior Colour Options
Black
1
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
-
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Yes
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Electric
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Yes
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Climate Control
Automatic
Yes
Power Windows
Front and Rear
Yes
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Payload Capacity
1000
930
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Dual Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.42
Driver Display
Available
Multi-Information Display
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
No
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
-
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
9.8
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
215
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
No
Rear Wing
Available
No
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Mast Antenna
Seat Type
Available
Bucket Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
Yes
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
-
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
USB Ports
Front and Rear
2
Number of Speakers
6
9
Navigation System
Optional
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
12
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
LED Headlamps
Halogen Projector
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Front
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
5
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Available
No
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Electric Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Available
No
Body Type
Available
Pickup
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Approach Angle
29
30
Departure Angle
24
26
Wading Depth
500
800
Terrain Modes
Offroad Mode
Yes
Locking Differential
Electronic Rear Lock
Yes
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Underbody Protection
Available
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
22
Recovery Hooks
Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
Available
24
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Tyre Size
255/65 R17
265/60R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
320
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Steel
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
300
Parking Brake Type
Available
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
Available
112
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
S
Wheel Rim Size
Available
18
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Drum
Spare Tyre
Available
Yes
Tyre Type
Available
All-Terrain Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
265
Rear Tyre Width
Available
265
Wheel Diameter
Available
18
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Bar
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Available
Adjustable
Rear Spring Type
Available
Leaf Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10000
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
24 Months
-
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km
Service Plan Duration
Available
5
Service Plan Distance
Available
75000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Alternator
Available
120A
Battery Type
Available
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
Amarok
Cannon
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
10.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
13.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
8.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
11.0
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Cannon
wins with 60 pts
vs 57 pts for Amarok
In structured scoring, Cannon emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Amarok may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Cannon edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Amarok 7 vs Cannon 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Amarok 18, Cannon 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Amarok 12, Cannon 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Amarok 7, Cannon 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Amarok 13, Cannon 14. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Cannon edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Cannon scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Amarok and Cannon in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 14.
Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 0.
Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 8.
Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Cannon
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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