Isuzu D-Max vs Volkswagen Amarok
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 75% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| D-Max | Amarok | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 433 860 | R 596 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 583/m | R 10 431/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 87% | 87% |
| Retained after 3 years | 75% | 75% |
| Value after 3 years | R 327 503 | R 450 499 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 106 357 | R 146 301 |
| Value after 5 years | R 277 709 | R 382 006 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Isuzu D-Max →
Locally built in Gqeberha, the D-Max name replaced the long-running KB badge in 2018 and an all-new generation followed in 2022. It sits alongside the Hilux and Ranger among SA's top-selling bakkies and holds value well thanks to its fleet and farming following. The 3.0 diesel in particular has a reputation for going huge mileages without drama.
Known for: unbreakable workhorse reputation and strong resale
Volkswagen Amarok →
The second-generation Amarok is built by Ford in Silverton alongside the Ranger, sharing its platform and engines. The first generation earned a reputation for car-like road manners and a strong 3.0 V6 TDI. Resale is solid even though it trails the Hilux and Ranger in outright sales volume.
Known for: car-like refinement in a bakkie
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Isuzu D-Max or the Volkswagen Amarok?
They are close to inseparable: 75% vs 75% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Isuzu D-Max loses about R 106 357 over three years and the Volkswagen Amarok loses about R 146 301. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Isuzu D-Max runs about R 7 583 per month and the Volkswagen Amarok about R 10 431, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.