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.
Amarok starts ZAR 72,190 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · D-Max X-Rider from ZAR 668,990
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Maximum Power
184 kW
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
350 Nm
Engine Size
2993 cc
1900 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
14.5 km/l
13.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
237 mm
227 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
-
Airbags
6
2
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1845 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Amarok has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over D-Max X-Rider.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Amarok
+36 pts
Efficiency
Amarok
+4 pts
Safety
Amarok
+42 pts
Practicality
Amarok
+10 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
Amarok
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
D-Max X-Rider
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Amarok
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
D-Max X-Rider
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Model Introduced Year
2010
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current South African D-Max X-Rider listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
Double Cab pickup
Body Type Cab
Pickup
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
Color Note
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue, Red
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.9 DDi Double Cab X-Rider 4x2 AT
Model Year
Current
MY26
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Pickup
Pickup
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
1845 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Pickup
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
5000 kg
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Length
5350 mm
5265 mm
Width
1910 mm
1870 mm
Height
1884 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
227 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
76 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1845 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
3000 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
1095 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
2100 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
12.5 m
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Not Available
High Mounting
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Leaf Spring Overslung
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Front Spring Type
-
High Mounting
Rear Spring Type
-
Leaf Spring Overslung
Shock Absorber Type
-
Twintube Gas Pressurised
Front Suspension Type
Not Available
High Mounting
Gross Axle Mass Front Kg
-
1450 kg
Gross Axle Mass Rear Kg
-
1910 kg
Rear Axle Type
-
Leaf Spring Overslung
Rear Suspension Type
Not Available
Leaf Spring Overslung
Shock Absorbers
-
Twintube Gas Pressurised
Suspension
-
High Mounting
Suspension Height
-
High Ride
Track Front Rear Mm
-
1570 / 1570
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
1495 mm
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
1530 mm
Climate Control
Not Available
Manual
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Manual
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
7.4
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Speed Alert System
Adjustable speed limiter
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Centre Console
Standard
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Length Mm
1624 mm
1495 mm
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Width Mm
1227 mm
1530 mm
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
Standard
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Step Bumper
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
amarok
1.9 DDI X-RIDER 4X2 A/T
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tie Down Hooks
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tow Bar Type
Bakkie towing support
Bakkie towing support
Towbar
Bakkie towing support
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Hitch
Bakkie towing support
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Trim Level
flagship
top
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Off-road or adventure derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
LED
Climate Zones
-
Manual
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Seat Type
-
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Side Steps
-
Std, Black
Spare Wheel
Not Available
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33 Diamond Cut
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Manual
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Bumper
-
High Appearance
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
490 mm
Manual Aircon
-
Manual
Oil Pan Guard
-
Standard
Rear Bumper
-
Body Colour
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Final Drive Ratio
-
4.100
Rim Size
Not Available
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33 Diamond Cut
Sonar
-
Rear
Sound System
Not Available
6
Sports Bar
-
Std, Black
Water Depth Protection Mm
-
800 mm
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
RZ4E-MID
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1900 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
16.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
184 kW
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
350 Nm
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91 kW/tonne
59.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
296.6 Nm/tonne
189.7 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
D-Max X-Rider
Gearbox
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
10
2
Transmission Type
Automatic
6 Speed Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
4x4
4x2
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
Standard
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
2.482
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Standard
Transmission Speeds
10
2
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Gear Ratio 1st
-
3.600
Gear Ratio 2nd
-
2.090
Gear Ratio 3rd
-
1.488
Gear Ratio 4th
-
1.000
Gear Ratio 5th
-
0.687
Gear Ratio 6th
-
0.580
Gear Ratio Reverse
-
3.732
Transfer Case Guard
-
Standard
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
13.5 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
15.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
76 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
13.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
76
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
D-Max X-Rider
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Not Available
Front Side Airbags
-
Standard
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
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
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
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
LED
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Rear
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Amarok
D-Max X-Rider
Seat Material
Cloth
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather with red Isuzu badge/stitching
Interior Colour Options
Black
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Armrest Front
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium interior layout, large infotainment screen, digital cockpit, advanced driver assistance systems
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen D-Max X-Rider grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
3
Seat Trim
Cloth
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Amarok
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
87/100
D-Max X-Rider
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
40/100
Practicality
77/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Volkswagen Amarok
leads the catalogue index with 81 pts
vs 56 pts for D-Max X-Rider
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Amarok leads. However, D-Max X-Rider may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Amarok and D-Max X-Rider comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. 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 D-Max X-Rider 55.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs D-Max X-Rider 53.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs D-Max X-Rider 40.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs D-Max X-Rider 77.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs D-Max X-Rider 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.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.