Volkswagen Amarok vs Toyota Hilux

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Volkswagen Amarok

Change Car A

ZAR 690,000 – 980,000

⚡ 125 hp

🔧 400 Nm

⛽ 12.8 km/l

Toyota Hilux

Change Car B

ZAR 480,000 – 890,000

⚡ 110 hp

🔧 400 Nm

⛽ 13.2 km/l

Quick Winners

⚡ Performance Tie

⛽ Mileage Tie

🔑 Ownership Tie

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

Hilux

out of 100

point lead

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Amarok

out of 100

Executive Summary

Both Amarok and Hilux are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Equal

Efficiency Equal

Safety Hilux +2 pts

Practicality Hilux +4 pts

Ownership Equal

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

Hilux

Performance 13/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 11/20

Ownership 12/20

Amarok

Performance 13/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 7/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

Amarok

Pros

No major strengths identified

Cons

Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: General Use

🏆 Overall Winner

Hilux

Pros

Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

No major weaknesses identified

Best For: Family Usage

Who Should Buy Which?

Amarok

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round SUV

Hilux

Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Ground Clearance	192	286
Wheelbase	3097	3085
Length	5254	5325
Width	1944	1855
Height	1834	1815
Kerb Weight	2095	1980
Gross Vehicle Weight	3150	3050
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	0
Towing Capacity	3500	2800

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Engine	2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel	2.4L Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled	Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement	1968	2393
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	125	110
Torque	400	400
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Twin Turbo	-
Top Speed	180	170
0-100 km/h	10.5	12.8

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	4Motion AWD	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Selectable 4WD	Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Electronic Rear Differential Lock	Mechanical Differential
Transfer Case	High and Low Range	None

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Airbags	6	7
ABS	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Standard	Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Standard	-
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Claimed Mileage	12.8	13.2
City Mileage	9	9
Highway Mileage	13	13
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	80
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
CO2 Emissions	225	220
Start Stop System	Yes	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Rear Only
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Seat Material	Fabric	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Power Assisted	Hydraulic Power Steering
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Climate Control	Automatic	Manual
Power Windows	Front and Rear	All Windows
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Standard
Push Button Start	Not Available	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
USB Ports	Front and Rear	-
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Optional	Optional
Digital Instrument Cluster	Not Available	-

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
LED Headlamps	Halogen Projector	Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	Standard
Fog Lamps	Front	Front Only
Roof Rails	Not Available	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Approach Angle	29	29
Departure Angle	24	26
Wading Depth	500	700
Terrain Modes	Offroad Mode	None
Locking Differential	Electronic Rear Lock	Rear Differential Lock

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	265/65 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Leaf Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Ladder Frame

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	24 Months

Specification	Amarok	Hilux
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	100000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years

Final Verdict

🏆 Toyota Hilux wins this comparison with 63 points vs 57 points for Amarok.

In structured scoring, Hilux 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, Hilux performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

Amarok scores 7 while Hilux scores 7 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, Amarok scores 18 and Hilux scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

Amarok scores 12 versus Hilux scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Amarok 7 and Hilux 11, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Amarok scoring 13 compared to Hilux scoring 13, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest Hilux may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. Hilux performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives Hilux the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between Amarok and Hilux in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 13.

Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 7.

Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 11.

Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives Hilux the advantage in this comparison.

Volkswagen Amarok vs Toyota Hilux

Volkswagen Amarok

Toyota Hilux

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

Hilux

Amarok

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

Hilux

Amarok

Pros & Cons

Amarok

Hilux

Who Should Buy Which?

Amarok

Hilux

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis