Volkswagen Amarok vs Volkswagen T-Cross

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

Volkswagen Amarok

3.0 V6 TDI Double Cab Aventura 4Motion AT Diesel Automatic

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Change Car A

ZAR 1,252,200 ex-showroom

⚡ 125 kW (168 hp)

🔧 400 Nm

⛽ 12.8 km/l

Volkswagen T-Cross

1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line DSG Petrol Automatic

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Change Car B

ZAR 543,800 ex-showroom

⚡ 70 kW (94 hp)

🔧 160 Nm

⛽ 15.9 km/l

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance Amarok

⛽ Mileage T-Cross

🔑 Ownership Tie

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

T-Cross

/ 100

pts

Amarok

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Executive Summary

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

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Amarok +7 pts

Efficiency T-Cross +2 pts

Safety T-Cross +2 pts

Practicality T-Cross +5 pts

Ownership Equal

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

T-Cross

Performance 6/20

Efficiency 9/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 12/20

Ownership 12/20

Amarok

Performance 13/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 7/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

Amarok

Pros

More powerful engine output

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Highway Driving

🏆 Overall Winner

T-Cross

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

Less powerful engine setup

Best For: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Who Should Buy Which?

Amarok

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

T-Cross

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Ground Clearance	192	175
Wheelbase	3097	2563
Length	5254	4108
Width	1944	1760
Height	1834	1572
Kerb Weight	2095	1200
Gross Vehicle Weight	3150	1635
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	385
Towing Capacity	3500	900
Front Track Width	-	1524
Rear Track Width	-	1500
Turning Radius	-	5.2

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Engine	2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel	1.0L TSI Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled	Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement	1968	999
Cylinders	4	3
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	125	70
Torque	400	160
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Twin Turbo	Single Turbo
Top Speed	180	181
0-100 km/h	10.5	11.5
Power @ RPM	-	5000-5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM	-	2000-3500 rpm
Compression Ratio	-	10.5:1
Engine Position	-	Front Transverse

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed DSG Automatic
Drive Type	4Motion AWD	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Selectable 4WD	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Electronic Rear Differential Lock	Not Available
Transfer Case	High and Low Range	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	-	Standard
Differential Lock	-	Not Applicable

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
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	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	-	Standard
Central Locking	-	Standard
Side Impact Beams	-	Standard

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Claimed Mileage	12.8	15.9
City Mileage	9	12
Highway Mileage	13	17
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	40
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity	-	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	-	Standard

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
CO2 Emissions	225	118
Start Stop System	Yes	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	Not Applicable
Noise Level	-	67

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Cruise Control	Standard	Not Available
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
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	-	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	-	Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	-	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Seat Material	Fabric	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Power Assisted	Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Height Adjustable
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	-	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	-	Not Available
Rear Armrest	-	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Climate Control	Automatic	Manual AC
Power Windows	Front and Rear	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Smart Entry
Push Button Start	Not Available	Standard
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	-	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	-	Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	-	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
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	2
Number of Speakers	6	4
Navigation System	Optional	Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster	Not Available	Digital Cockpit
Wireless Apple CarPlay	-	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
LED Headlamps	Halogen Projector	LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Front	Not Available
Roof Rails	Not Available	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	16-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish	-	Not Available
Body Cladding	-	Standard
Rear Spoiler	-	Not Available

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Approach Angle	29	-
Departure Angle	24	-
Wading Depth	500	-
Terrain Modes	Offroad Mode	-
Locking Differential	Electronic Rear Lock	-

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	205/60 R16
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum
Spare Wheel Type	-	Full Size Steel

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Monocoque
Power Steering	-	Electric
Steering Column	-	Height Adjustable

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Approx R4,800
Battery Warranty	24 Months	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	-	Optional

Specification	Amarok	T-Cross
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	100000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	-	6 Years

Final Verdict

🏆 Volkswagen T-Cross wins with 59 pts vs 57 pts for Amarok

In structured scoring, T-Cross 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, T-Cross performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

Amarok scores 7 while T-Cross scores 9 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

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

Amarok scores 12 versus T-Cross scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Amarok 7 and T-Cross 12, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Amarok scoring 13 compared to T-Cross scoring 6, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest T-Cross 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. T-Cross performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

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

Detailed Comparison Analysis

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

Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 6.

Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 9.

Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 12.

Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives T-Cross the advantage in this comparison.

Volkswagen Amarok vs Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen T-Cross

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

T-Cross

Amarok

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

T-Cross

Amarok

Pros & Cons

Amarok

T-Cross

Who Should Buy Which?

Amarok

T-Cross

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis