Isuzu D-Max Vs Volkswagen Amarok Comparison

VW Amarok
Volkswagen Amarok
VS

Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max

Welcome to the Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok comparison for 2020. The latest Amarok is an evolution of the model released in 2010 and it still has features to commend it 10 years later. Of course it’s still tough for VW to overcome it’s tarnished image but the Amarok does seem to be a decent ute. The D-Max is claimed to be a completely new model but it is hard to tell. So how do they compare?

Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok exterior comparison: The Amarok is still a good looking ute for it’s age and in that regard it’s aged will. It’s conservative lines are a design feature that most of it’s competitors use as well. That’s said it is looking a little tired compared to newer models like the D-Max which have on trend sharper creases. The new D-Max looks like the old model but with sharper lines and it’s beaver front end no longer stands out in the class.

Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok interior comparison: The D-Max has an up to date interior design compared to the last model but that’s not saying much! It is not a luxurious or upmarket interior and best described as a nice place. An obvious plastic looking stereo screen is the most obvious short fall along with lower quality looking hard plastic and gaps. The Amarok has an interior more in line with a Golf at least 2 generations ago. It’s a nice place to be in but it is clear that the design is poorly thought out especially in terms of space utilisation. Underseat storage on one side does not make up for poor design in the first place. Even the much smaller Toyota Yaris has more useful storage space

Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok engine and technology comparison: The Amarok has a 6 cylinder turbo diesel that over powers it’s competitors and that includes price. Apart from that the Amarok’s safety systems are class average but 2018 not 2020 which is not good it’s asking price. It also lacks a proper low range gear box which doesn’t help sales and what we would consider another cheat in the spec sheet. However the Amarok has AWD which is a bonus and by all accounts the system works well. In comparison the D-Max has class leading safety systems on most model grades and a decent transmission and engine package but only a part time $WD system.

Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok drive comparison: N/A

The winner of the Isuzu D-Max Vs VW Amarok comparison is the D-Max. Simply put the D-Max wins due to value for money. It’s hard to justify buying the Amarok generally, except for the V6 diesel version – which is the only version that beats the competition, including the Ford Ranger Raptor in the engine power department. The rest of the Amarok package is quite ordinary which only brand loyalists and agnostic buyers may consider that desirable. Since the Amarok has turbo tuning trickery it doesn’t have the street cred or desirability of it’s competitors only driving both will you be able to decide which one is for you.

Volkswagen Amarok Isuzu D-Max (2021)
Engines
IL4 Cylinder Diesel
Twin Turbo DI CR
2.0 Litre (1968cc) Diesel
Claimed 132Kw @ 4000 RPM
Claimed 400Nm @ 1500 RPM
IL4 Cylinder Diesel
3 Litre (2999cc)
Turbo DOHC EFI DI CR
Claimed 140Kw @ 3600RPM
Claimed 450Nm @ 1600-2600RPM
IL4 Cylinder Diesel
Twin Turbo DI CR
2.0 Litre (1968cc) Diesel
Claimed 132Kw @ 4000 RPM
Claimed 420Nm @ 1750 RPM
3.0 Litre (2967cc) Diesel
Turbo DOHC EFI DI CR
Claimed 165Kw @ 4500 RPM
Claimed 550Nm @ 1500 RPM
3.0 Litre (2967cc) Diesel
Turbo DOHC EFI DI CR
Claimed 190Kw @ 4500 RPM
Claimed 580Nm @ 1500 RPM
Weight
FROM 2007 Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000kg
FROM 2000Kg
Towing capacity up to 3500kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 80 litres
Diesel 2.0 lt 8.4 lts per 100km
Diesel 2.0 lt V2 8.9 lts per 100km
Diesel 3.0 lt 9.2 lt per 100km
Diesel 3.0 lt V2 8.9 lt per 100km
Up to 76 litres
IL4 Diesel 8.0 lts per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications
6 speed manual or 8 speed Auto
10 speed automatic – 2L twin turbo only
Overall height/width 1834/1954
Overall length/wheelbase 5254/3095
Tray Lxxx x Wxxxx x Dxxx mm
Total payload capability 1033kg (Approx)
NCAP safety rating 5/5
6 speed Auto or Manual
Overall height/width 1800/1870
Overall length/wheelbase 5285/3125
Tray size: L1495 x W1570 x D490 mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (Approx)
NCAP safety rating 5/5
*Subject to change based on configuration
Capability
Varies dependent on configuration.
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 28′ Departure 23.6′ Breakover 23′
Minimum ground clearance 192 – 226 mm
Water Fording depth 500 mm Max
4WD system:  AWD or 2WD
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 30′ Departure 24′ Breakover 23.9′
Minimum ground clearance 235mm
Water Fording depth xxxmm Max
4WD system: Part time 4WD High & Low range
*Subject to change based on configuration
Performance
Pricing
2019 From $43,090 – 72,790 AUD
2018 From $50,000 AUD
Dual Cab 4WD
*Dual Cab Auto 4×4 – Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
2020 From 43,700 – 62,900 AUD
*Dual Cab – 4×4 – Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
*Subject to change based on configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…