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 BAIC X55 Plus: the short answer
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over X55 Plus.
X55 Plus starts ZAR 166,900 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · X55 Plus from ZAR 429,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Amarok
X55 Plus
Maximum Power
Amarok184 kW
X55 Plus138 kW
Maximum Torque
Amarok600 Nm
X55 Plus305 Nm
Engine Size
Amarok2993 cc
X55 Plus1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Amarok14.5 km/l
X55 Plus12.99 km/l
Ground Clearance
Amarok237 mm
X55 PlusNot Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
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
X55 Plus
Model Introduced Year
2010
2024
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Current upgraded X55 Plus generation for South Africa, mechanically based around BAIC's Magic Core 1.5T engine, DCT380 seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Facelift History
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
The original X55 arrived locally in 2022. BAIC launched the upgraded X55 Plus in August 2024 with revised exterior details, a full-black interior, updated wheel and exhaust treatment, and additional connectivity features.
Facelift Launched Since
2023
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
Five-door compact 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
2024
Production Status
published
active
Segment
Pickup
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Pickup
SUV
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Length
5350 mm
4620 mm
Width
1910 mm
1886 mm
Height
1884 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
53 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1480 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
1970 kg
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
160 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
350 l
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson independent suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link independent suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
-
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Air conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Air conditioning
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
X55 Plus
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
A156T2H
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
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
138 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
305 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
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart
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 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
X55 Plus
Gearbox
Automatic
7DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
10
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
4x4
Front-wheel drive
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 Officially Disclosed
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Dual-clutch
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
10
7
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.99 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
53 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.99 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
80
53
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
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 Officially Disclosed
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Seat Material
Cloth
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
6-way manual
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
6-way manual
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
Leather
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Infotainment System
SYNC
BAIC DA head unit with radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connection
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
10.25-inch LCD instrument screen
USB Ports
Not Available
Front USB, rear USB and Type-C charging
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
10.1-inch central touchscreen
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red, Krypton Grey, Polar White, Turquoise Blue
Body Type
Pickup
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
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
X55 Plus
Tyre Size
Not Available
225/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Space-saver spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
18-inch
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electric parking brake
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Officially Disclosed
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Idle CO2 Output
182
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
-
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 150 000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 150 000 km
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years / 60 000 km
Spec
Amarok
X55 Plus
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
429900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current ex-showroom price
Starting Price
1259700
429900
Starting Price Zar
1259700
429900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Amarok and X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 62.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs X55 Plus 53.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs X55 Plus 88.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs X55 Plus 55.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs X55 Plus 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 X55 Plus 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 16 points
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over X55 Plus.
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
X55 Plus
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 65 pts for X55 Plus
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, X55 Plus 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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