Volkswagen Amarok vs Nissan Navara vs Isuzu D-Max: which one has the best infotainment system?

By Chad Lückhoff

We compare the infotainment found in the Volkswagen Amarok against two unlikely contenders; the Nissan Navara and the Isuzu D-Max


Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Highline Plus - R647 400
4/5

The Volkswagen Amarok is available with several different infotainment combinations depending on which trim package you opt for. In the Highline Plus models, you receive the Discover Media Plus system, alternatively known as MIB-2.

It employs a 6.3-inch touch screen interface which is rather small when compared to the offerings from the competitors. What it lacks in size it makes up for in familiarity – anyone who has used a modern Volkswagen infotainment system will be comfortable navigating their way through the assortment of menus.

This menu hierarchy can initially feel rather complex and one may struggle to find certain settings and functions in a respectable time. It is bolstered by a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use, tactile interface. A row of shortcut buttons flanks either side of the screen while two rotary knobs sit in the lower corners of the fascia plate.

This system accepts CD, AUX, USB and has BlueTooth functionality. It is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-equipped, providing seamless mirroring of smartphone apps.



Nissan Navara 2.3D double cab 4x4 LE auto - R647 500
3/5

The Nissan Navara infotainment is plagued by small screen size and poor menu design. While the fascia plate suggests that a larger screen could possibly fit, this diminutive unit rests in place instead.

It's a system familiar to Nissan owners with its ranks of buttons down the sides and two rotary dials on the lower corners. Further interaction can take place with the multifunction steering wheel and touch screen.

It caters for CD/DVD, AUX and USB input with Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and audio streaming functions. This unit comes standard with navigation replete with real-time traffic updates.

Sound quality, however, is impressive with a 6-speaker setup plumbing audio into the cabin but users will have to do without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in this unit.



Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD double cab 4x4 LX auto - R 615 500
4/5

With the name change from KB to D-Max, the latest Isuzu offering brings with it a new, optional infotainment system.

A 9-inch Alpine-derived infotainment system allows for a variety of inputs including USB, AUX and HDMI, but not CD/DVD, while navigation is standard fitment. The high output USB slots with 2.1A ratings allow for faster charging of mobile devices.

As is to be expected from an infotainment system of this lineage, audio reproduction is accurate and impressive at low to moderate volumes, only being let down by the quality of the speakers installed. Multiple settings and configurations in terms of equalizers and speaker phase adjustment allow for above-standard height and staging possibilities.

The menus system is complex though and not as user-friendly as one would want, particularly in a double cab offering where clear and legible layouts are appreciated for those on the move.


Check out some other infotainment comparisons here: Amarok vs Ranger vs Hilux