VS
At a Glance
Power
120 kW
125 kW
Torque
403 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2488 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Nissan Navara and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Nissan Navara delivers 120 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Navara returns 7.6 l/100km while the Amarok uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R678 000 for the Navara and R669 700 for the Amarok. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
120 kW
125 kW
Torque
403 Nm
405 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2488 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
201 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5260 mm
5350 mm
Width
1850 mm
1910 mm
Height
1825 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3150 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
221 mm
237 mm
Kerb Weight
1977 Kg
1935 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
981 l
1125 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
6
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Amarok
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Amarok
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
Amarok
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Navara
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 125 kW)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Amarok
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R669 700)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Navara or Amarok?
The Navara uses 7.6 l/100km and the Amarok uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Amarok is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Navara or Amarok?
The Navara produces 120 kW and 403 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. The Amarok is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Navara and Amarok?
The Navara starts from R678 000 and the Amarok from R669 700. The Amarok is cheaper by R8 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Navara or Amarok?
The Navara has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Amarok can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Navara or the Amarok?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.