A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
2.0 Individual Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 551,600ex-showroom
⚡ 115 kW🔧 206 Nm⛽ 15.9 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Volkswagen Amarok vs Mazda CX-3: the short answer
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
CX-3 starts ZAR 156,800 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · CX-3 from ZAR 440,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Amarok
CX-3
Maximum Power
Amarok184 kW
CX-3115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Amarok600 Nm
CX-3206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Engine Size
Amarok2993 cc
CX-31998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Amarok14.5 km/l
CX-315.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Amarok237 mm
CX-3155 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Volkswagen Amarok
DC Aventura 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion 10AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Amarok
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Amarok
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Model Introduced Year
2010
2015
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Facelift History
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
Facelift Launched Since
2023
2015
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
SUV
Body Type Cab
Pickup
-
Color Note
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue, Red
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
Pickup
Compact crossover
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
1270 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
SUV
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Length
5350 mm
4275 mm
Width
1910 mm
1765 mm
Height
1884 mm
1542 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
155 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
48 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1270 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
1735 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
465 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
5.7 m
Boot/Cargo Space
-
230 l
Front Legroom
-
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
-
888 mm
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion beam axle
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic
Power Windows
Not Available
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Smart
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1140 l
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Speed Alert System
Adjustable speed limiter
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Centre Console
Standard
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Loadbox Length Mm
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Loadbox Width Mm
1227 mm
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
Standard
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rear Step Bumper
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
amarok
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Tie Down Hooks
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Tow Bar Type
Bakkie towing support
-
Towbar
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Hitch
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
13.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
184 kW
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
197 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91 kW/tonne
90.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
296.6 Nm/tonne
162.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Gearbox
Automatic
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.325
Number of Gears
10
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
4x4
FWD
4WD Engagement
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
10
6
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
15.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
18.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
15.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
48
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
-
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Seat Material
Cloth
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1360 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1281 mm
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Standard
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
(60:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Armrest Front
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium interior layout, large infotainment screen, digital cockpit, advanced driver assistance systems
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Black Leather
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Infotainment System
SYNC
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
7
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Available
USB Ports
Not Available
2
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
8-Inch
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
8-Inch
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
8-Inch
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
Body Type
Pickup
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic + Machining
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
25.7 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
237 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
237 mm
155 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Tyre Size
Not Available
215/50R18
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
18 X 7.0 J
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
146 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Idle CO2 Output
182
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
-
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Service Plan
Not Available
3 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Amarok
CX-3
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
551600 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
1259700
551600
Starting Price Zar
1259700
551600
In depth: how these cars differ
This Amarok and CX-3 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Amarok 91 vs CX-3 47.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs CX-3 61.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs CX-3 84.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs CX-3 48.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs CX-3 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Amarok and CX-3 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Amarok leads by 21 points
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Amarok
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
87/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, CX-3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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