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 203,100 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · P500 from ZAR 799,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Amarok
P500
Maximum Power
184 kW
255 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
648 Nm
Engine Size
2993 cc
2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
14.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
237 mm
224 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
-
Airbags
6
Front dual, front side, curtain and front centre airbags
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
2810 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Amarok and P500 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
P500
+7 pts
Efficiency
Amarok
+7 pts
Safety
P500
+6 pts
Practicality
Amarok
+8 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
Amarok
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
P500
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Amarok
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
P500
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Amarok
P500
Model Introduced Year
2010
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current South African P500 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
Pickup
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
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4x4 9HAT
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Pickup
Pickup
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
2761 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Pickup
Spec
Amarok
P500
Length
5350 mm
5445 mm
Width
1910 mm
1991 mm
Height
1884 mm
1924 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3350 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
224 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
2810 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
3495 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
685 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
-
Spec
Amarok
P500
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
P500
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
9.8
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
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
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Length Mm
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
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
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
amarok
p500
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
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
flagship
flagship
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
-
5
Voice Command
-
Standard
Diff Lock
-
Rear differential lock
Difflock
-
Rear differential lock
Sound System
Not Available
10-speaker premium audio
Spec
Amarok
P500
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
184 kW
255 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
648 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
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
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
Lithium-ion
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Amarok
P500
Gearbox
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
4WD / AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
10
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
4x4
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Available
Available
4WD Hi Range
Available
Available
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
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
Standard
Axle Layout
4x4
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
10
9
Spec
Amarok
P500
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
10.2 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
8.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
11.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 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
10.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
80
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
P500
Airbags
6
Front dual, front side, curtain and front centre airbags
ABS
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
P500
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
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
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Not Available
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
Spec
Amarok
P500
Seat Material
Cloth
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
Black
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
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 P500 grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
3
Seat Trim
Cloth
Not Applicable
Spec
Amarok
P500
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Not Available
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
10-speaker premium audio
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Navigation System
-
Standard
Voice Recognition
-
Standard
Audio Speakers
Not Available
10-speaker premium audio
Audio System
-
10-speaker premium audio
Voice Control
-
Standard
Spec
Amarok
P500
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
3
Body Type
Pickup
Pickup
Exterior Colour Options
6
3
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
P500
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
237 mm
224 mm
Ground Clearance Min
237 mm
224 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
P500
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Spec
Amarok
P500
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Hybrid
Idle CO2 Output
182
0
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
0
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
P500
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Years
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
Yes
Spec
Amarok
P500
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Interval
-
10000
Approx Service Cost
-
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
-
8 Years / 160,000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10,000 km
First Service At
-
5000
Service Plan Duration
Not Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Plan Distance
Not Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Yes
Alternator
-
110A
Service Intervals
-
10000
Spec
Amarok
P500
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Flagship
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
999900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current listed price
Starting Price
1259700
999900
Starting Price Zar
1259700
999900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Amarok leads by 2 points
Amarok and P500 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Amarok
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
87/100
P500
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
79/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Volkswagen Amarok
leads the catalogue index with 81 pts
vs 79 pts for P500
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Amarok leads. However, P500 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 P500 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 P500 98.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs P500 50.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs P500 88.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs P500 79.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs P500 65.
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.
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