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.
Volkswagen Amarok vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: the short answer
Amarok has a modest catalogue-index lead, while GLA remains close.
Amarok starts ZAR 305,087 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · GLA from ZAR 901,887
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Amarok
GLA
Maximum Power
Amarok184 kW
GLA120 kW
Maximum Torque
Amarok600 Nm
GLA270 Nm
Engine Size
Amarok2993 cc
GLA1332 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Amarok14.5 km/l
GLA15.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Amarok237 mm
GLA143 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
GLA
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
GLA
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
GLA
Model Introduced Year
2010
2026
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current South African GLA generation represented by derivative GLA 200
Facelift History
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Current South African model cycle
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
Current South African retail range
Segment
Pickup
Premium SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Pickup
SUV
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Length
5350 mm
4412 mm
Width
1910 mm
1834 mm
Height
1884 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
143 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
43 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1650 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
550 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
5.7 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
220 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
435 l
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Front Legroom
-
900 mm
Rear Legroom
-
900 mm
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
-
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic climate control
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
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Loadbox Width Mm
1227 mm
-
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
GLA
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1332/L4
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M282
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1332 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
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.6:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
72.2 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
81.4 mm
Maximum Power
184 kW
120 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
270 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
120 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
270 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
8-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
8.9 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
296.6 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Gearbox
Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
10
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
4x4
FWD
4WD Engagement
Available
No
4WD Hi Range
Available
0
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
0
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-Speed DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
0
Axle Layout
4x4
Driven axle configuration: FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
10
8
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
15.2 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
15.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
15.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Seat Material
Cloth
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Model/option dependent
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
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
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Infotainment System
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Amarok
GLA
LED Headlamps
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
6
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Body Type
Pickup
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Headlights
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
No
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
237 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
237 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
GLA
Tyre Size
Not Available
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
20
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Ventilated disc brakes
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Spec
Amarok
GLA
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
165 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Idle CO2 Output
182
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
-
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Amarok
GLA
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
901887 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
1259700
1050000
Starting Price Zar
1259700
1050000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Amarok and GLA 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 GLA 54.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs GLA 63.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs GLA 99.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs GLA 62.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs GLA 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 GLA 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 11 points
Amarok has a modest catalogue-index lead, while GLA remains close.
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
GLA
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 70 pts for GLA
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, GLA 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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