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 Ford Transit Custom: the short answer
Amarok has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Transit Custom remains close.
Amarok starts ZAR 173,200 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · Transit Custom from ZAR 770,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Amarok
Transit Custom
Maximum Power
Amarok184 kW
Transit Custom100 kW
Maximum Torque
Amarok600 Nm
Transit Custom360 Nm
Engine Size
Amarok2993 cc
Transit Custom1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Amarok14.5 km/l
Transit Custom12.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Amarok237 mm
Transit Custom130 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
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Transit Custom
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
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 stronger published space and capacity figures
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
Model Introduced Year
2010
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current South African Transit Custom 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
Van
Body Type Cab
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
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
Pickup
Commercial van
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
1756 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Van
Wheelbase Type
-
Long wheelbase
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Length
5350 mm
5450 mm
Width
1910 mm
2032 mm
Height
1884 mm
1979 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
50 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1756 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
3025 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
1269 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
3 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
5.6 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
125 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
484 l
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
984 mm
Rear Headroom
-
947 mm
Front Legroom
-
1047 mm
Rear Legroom
-
881 mm
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
2602 mm
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
1392 mm
Climate Control
Not Available
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
No
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
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 air conditioning
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
-
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
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
1624 mm
2602 mm
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
1227 mm
1392 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
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
amarok
transit-custom
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Tie Down Hooks
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Tow Bar Type
Bakkie towing support
Not Available
Towbar
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Hitch
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trim Level
flagship
base
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
184 kW
100 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
360 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
RWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91 kW/tonne
56.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
296.6 Nm/tonne
205 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
Transit Custom
Gearbox
Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
RWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
10
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual gear lever
Drivetrain
4x4
RWD
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
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
10
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.2 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
Not Applicable
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
12.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
Not Applicable
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
Transit Custom
Airbags
6
Front passenger and side airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
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
Yes
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
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
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
Transit Custom
Seat Material
Cloth
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
No
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
Urethane
Interior Colour Options
Black
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual adjustment
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual adjustment
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 Transit Custom grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
3
Seat Trim
Cloth
Fabric upholstery
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Multi-information instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
8
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
8
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Touchscreen
SYNC
8
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Exterior Colour Options
6
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Body Type
Pickup
Van
Exterior Colour Options
6
3
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
No
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
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 Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
237 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
237 mm
130 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
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
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
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Diesel
Idle CO2 Output
182
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
-
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
3 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Service Plan
Not Available
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
Not Available
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
Not Available
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
Amarok
Transit Custom
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Base
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
770000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current listed price
Starting Price
1259700
770000
Starting Price Zar
1259700
770000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Amarok and Transit Custom 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 Transit Custom 60.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs Transit Custom 53.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs Transit Custom 90.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs Transit Custom 61.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs Transit Custom 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 Transit Custom 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 14 points
Amarok has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Transit Custom 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
Transit Custom
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 67 pts for Transit Custom
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, Transit Custom 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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