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So that you want a dual-cab 4×4 ute, however you don’t wish to be the one to purchase yet one more Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux in your neighbourhood. Enter the Volkswagen Amarok.
For those who’re available in the market, you already know the Amarok is actually a Ranger in a pleasant swimsuit – a part of Volkswagen’s partnership with Ford on industrial automobiles.
And let’s be clear right here – that ain’t no dangerous factor. For those who’re going to associate up with one other producer to make a ute, why not decide arguably the perfect ute in the marketplace? you, Mercedes-Benz…
Whereas I’ve had some respectable seat time within the Ranger, that is my first style of the most recent Amarok, and it’s a superb place to begin, as that is the Amarok PanAmericana – priced from $79,990 drive-away – which sits slightly below the range-topping Aventura variant.
Probably the most direct rival is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, which is priced from $74,840 earlier than on-road prices, however many consumers may also be contemplating the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, which begins from $74,310 earlier than on-road prices.
However whereas the Ranger and HiLux are in-built Thailand, the Amarok is sourced from a Ford manufacturing facility in South Africa.
The query is, does the Amarok’s nation of origin make a distinction?
How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok value?
The price of entry is $55,990 drive-away for an Amarok Core TDI405, whereas the flagship Amarok Aventura TDI600 tops out at $82,990 drive-away – with at least 10 variants between.
| Mannequin | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Core pickup TDI405 | $55,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Core Tray TDI405 | $59,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life pickup TDI500 | $59,490 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life Tray TDI500 | $65,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Version pickup | $68,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Type pickup TDI500 | $69,740 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Type Tray TDI500 | $76,740 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Type pickup TDI600 | $76,740 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Type Tray TDI600 | $80,740 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana pickup TDI600 | $79,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Aventure pickup TSI452 | $79,990 |
| 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Aventure pickup TDI600 | $82,990 |
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the Volkswagen Amarok like on the within?
Frankly, it’s straightforward to neglect you’re in a industrial ute whenever you’re sitting in an Amarok PanAmericana (earlier than you begin it up, that’s).
Whereas this isn’t a comparability, it’s troublesome to not put the Amarok up in opposition to the Ranger – its non-identical twin. The Ranger is a bit more cohesive and considerate, significantly relating to dashboard design and supplies, however the Volkswagen is clear, trendy, and properly laid out.
Nevertheless, the centre console is a bit monolithic, which simply highlights the 2 massive slabs of exhausting plastic on either side of the 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen.
Whereas the software program on the infotainment display screen is responsive and dependable, being as massive as it’s, it’s more durable to brace your hand whereas driving to make sure you hit the specified no matter on the display screen.
So as phrases, you not solely need to take your eyes off the highway to find the perform you want on the display screen, however on a bumpy highway it’s a must to watch out to pick out the precise factor you need – just like the local weather controls.
The wi-fi Apple CarPlay linked rapidly every time for me, and music sounded wonderful by way of the eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
I do recognize the truth that there’s an actual Volkswagen steering wheel getting used, reasonably than simply recycling the Ranger’s tiller and slapping on a VW airbag cowl, which actually helps promote the ute as a Volkswagen product.
Then there’s the switchgear – which is proscribed – however is usually distinctive to the Amarok, and feels rugged and high-quality.
Our explicit automotive has two-tone black and brown leather-based seat trim with distinction brown baseball glove stitching (known as ‘Cricket’, because it’s friendlier for an Australian viewers), which is complemented with darkish brown leather-based trim on the doorways and arm relaxation, and a gorgeous leather-stitched sprint – all of which works properly with the Reed Inexperienced Metallic exterior paint, an $1100 possibility.
Some extent of distinction is the digital instrument cluster graphics, which seem extra like conventional analogue gauges, and are way more interesting to me than the graphics utilized by Ford.
Each the entrance heated seats and the seating place are wonderful, and it was straightforward to discover a snug spot rapidly, whereas there’s loads of room within the second row for transporting adults in consolation.
Entrance occupants get to make use of a wi-fi smartphone charger in an angled cubby with rubber – that means the telephone will be grabbed simply, but it surely additionally doesn’t transfer round – together with a single USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt charging port.
Rear passengers get a 12V socket and air vents.
Whereas the again seats are fairly flat, there’s greater than sufficient area and luxury for 2 adults to get pleasure from an extended journey. The rear pockets within the entrance seats are a pleasant contact, providing you with someplace to stay your telephone or pill. And someplace to cram chewing-gum wrappers for somebody to search out subsequent century.
There’s a easy purpose why there’s a lot area – the cabin is massive. And the cabin is massive as a result of the Amarok is massive.
Because the Nineties, automakers have been regularly growing the dimensions of their dual-cab utes, and the most recent batch actually aren’t all that far off the large American pickups.
Whereas there are some downsides to its largeness, from the angle of each consolation and practicality, the Amarok… rocks.
The bathtub is lots sufficiently big for most individuals’s wants, with the flexibility to suit a Euro-sized pallet in, and with a payload of virtually a tonne.
However for those who’re after a tray, the PanAmericana misses out – with the Amarok Type the best variant out there as a cab-chassis.
Nevertheless, the usual tub advantages from a black sports activities bar that extends down the edges – growing tie-down choices – in addition to a 230V family socket.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana |
|---|---|
| Size | 5362mm |
| Width | 1917mm |
| Top | 1884mm |
| Wheelbase | 3270mm |
| Cargo capability | 956kg |
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Volkswagen affords a selection of three four-cylinder turbocharged engines for the Amarok – in each diesel and petrol – however the Amarok PanAmericana will get the range-topping TDI600 powertrain.
| Specs | Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 |
| Energy | 184kW |
| Torque | 600Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed computerized with low-range |
| Drive sort | 4-wheel drive |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 8.4L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 10.3L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 222g/km |
| Gas tank | 80-litre |
| Weight | 2394kg |
| Payload | 956kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3350kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6400kg |
This implies the ute is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 making 184kW of energy and 600Nm of torque, powering all 4 wheels by way of a 10-speed computerized transmission with a low-range gearbox.
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Volkswagen Amarok drive?
There’s actually no means of speaking concerning the Amarok with out referencing the Ford Ranger.
Whereas some folks appear to show their nostril up at it, the actual fact is the Ranger is Australia’s best-selling automobile – and for good purpose. It’s arguably the perfect there’s.
Having a Volkswagen model of it means there’s much more selection, since you get to drive the perfect ute, with out having to have the very same mannequin as everybody else.
Whereas the spec sheet doesn’t actually differentiate the Amarok, the actual fact is the VW badge provides just a little premium seasoning to the expertise.
Curiously, the Amarok has the indicator stalk on the left – such as you would count on from a local left-hand-drive automobile from Germany – reasonably than the usual in Australia which is on the proper. As it’s within the Ranger.
Maybe it is a money-saving choice. Perhaps it’s a advantage of the automotive being in-built South Africa at a plant that builds each left- and right-hand-drive automobiles. Or perhaps Volkswagen needs to place the unconscious thought in your head that it is a German automotive. I don’t know.
On the highway, the Amarok is unbelievable – each stress-free to drive in stop-start site visitors, however with ample efficiency to convey the ute in control with out wringing its neck.
Regardless of the PanAmericana getting the V6 turbo-diesel, I used to be neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed by the powertrain, simply whelmed. It does the job, it’s received efficiency on faucet for whenever you want it, however don’t count on rip-roaring torque or thrilling energy. It’s a workhorse, and a good one at that.
The ten-speed computerized largely works away within the background with out drawing consideration to itself, however squeeze the throttle and it might typically take a second to search out the proper cog, with a lightweight bang because it tries to get you going.
With nearly two-and-a-half tonnes to bring to an end, you’re positively conscious of the mass of the automobile, however the brakes do a superb job of holding all of it underneath management – with the pedal delivering constant stress and response.
In the identical vein, the steering is completely weighted and has simply the correct amount of lock-to-lock to manoeuvre the massive Amarok on the highway or in a parking lot.
However whereas the Volkswagen ute is completely snug on nation highways, on slim metropolis streets its dimension turns into obvious and, abruptly, parked vehicles, kamikaze Uber Eats riders on electrical bikes, and pedestrians all change into harmful obstacles to keep away from with out sideswiping the automotive subsequent to you.
The engine idle begin/cease characteristic is among the higher ones I’ve present in a diesel ute. You don’t must have your foot mashed into the firewall for it to provoke, restarting is comparatively fast, and – whereas they nonetheless exist – start-up vibrations from the diesel V6 gained’t register as a magnitude 5.4 earthquake.
The Amarok’s chassis is, because of its Blue Oval origins, the most effective within the enterprise. The ladder-frame is inflexible, the suspension is well-tuned, and all of it works along with the 18-inch wheels and tyres to ship a satisfying drive, whereas nonetheless speaking bumps and potholes to the motive force.
At pace, the radar cruise management and lane-keep help work properly sufficient, however actually aren’t the perfect I’ve used. However I additionally recognize that the ADAS know-how isn’t overly intrusive, as many will be. There’s loads of security internet for you, with out the automotive consistently slapping you within the face with a big trout.
Gas financial system averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, with a mixture of metropolis, suburban, and freeway driving. Volkswagen quotes a mixed 8.4L/100km, that means we used nearly 23 per cent extra gas than anticipated. In all probability not a deal-breaker for most individuals, however one thing to pay attention to.
| Off-road dimensions | Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1620mm |
| Floor clearance | 233mm |
| Method angle | 30.0 levels |
| Departure angle | 25.6 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 22.0 levels |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are six variants of the Volkswagen Amarok, in addition to 4 engines, and the selection of a bath or tray – that means there are a number of ranges of options and value factors to select from.
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2026 Volkswagen Amarok Core gear highlights:
- 17-inch ‘Cobra’ alloy wheels
- Entrance disc, rear drum brakes
- Locking rear differential
- Energy-folding aspect mirrors
- Facet steps
- Mud flaps
- 2 x entrance tow hooks
- Metal underbody safety
- Plastic gas tank safety
- Tow bar
- 12-pin trailer plug
- Black aspect mirrors, door handles
- Guide locking tailgate
- 6 x tie-down factors in tub (pickup solely)
- Exterior tie-down rails
- Cargo field LED lighting (pickup solely)
- Automated LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automated high-beam
- Halogen tail-lights
- Vinyl flooring
- Gray headliner
- Cloth upholstery
- 6-way guide driver seat
- 4-way guide entrance passenger seat
- 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 4-speaker sound system
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wi-fi charger
- Single-zone air-conditioning
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Trailer brake controller
Amarok Life provides:
- Rear disc brakes
- LED entrance fog lights
- Physique color aspect mirrors and door handles
- Heated, power-folding aspect mirrors with puddle lamps
- Locking wheel nuts
- Tailgate elevate help (pickup solely)
- Energy tailgate lock (pickup solely)
- Privateness glass
- Six-speaker sound system
- E-shifter
- Electrical park brake
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Carpet flooring
- Eight-way guide entrance seats
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
Amarok 10 Deserts Version provides:
- 17-inch black ‘Cobra’ alloy wheels
- Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres
- 40mm suspension elevate (275mm complete floor clearance)
- Composite underbody safety
- Black tonneau cowl
- 10 Deserts badging
- All-weather ground mats
Amarok Type provides:
- 18-inch ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels
- Chrome aspect mirrors and door handles
- Plastic tub liner (pickup solely)
- Chrome steel sports activities bar (pickup solely)
- 12V socket in tub (pickup solely)
- 230V sockets in tub (pickup solely)
- 400W inverter
- Matrix LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Leather-based-look dashboard and door inserts
- ArtVelour microfibre upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear air vents
- Insulated windshield
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- Alarm system
Amarok PanAmericana provides:
- 18-inch black ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels
- All-terrain tyres
- Dynamic suspension
- Black aspect mirrors and door handles
- PanAmericana decal
- Black sports activities bar and steps
- Comfortable tonneau cowl
- Roof rails
- Spray-in tub liner
- Leather-based upholstery
- Energy passenger seat
- Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Black headliner
Amarok Aventura provides:
- 21-inch ‘Varberg’ alloy wheels
- Chrome bumpers, mirrors, handles
- Rear sailplane
- Electrical curler cowl
- Leather-based seats (Savona)
Is the Volkswagen Amarok protected?
The Volkswagen Amarok acquired a full 5 stars from the Australasian New Automobile Evaluation Program – higher generally known as ANCAP – based mostly on testing performed in 2022.
| Class | Volkswagen Amarok |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 74 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Commonplace security gear throughout the vary consists of:
- 9 airbags
- Knee
- Centre
- Entrance
- Facet curtain
- Rear
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian and bike owner detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Entrance, rear parking sensors
- Clever Pace Limiter
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Swerve Steer help
- Pace signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
Amarok Life provides:
- Adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go
Amarok Type provides:
- Park Help semi-autonomous parking
- Encompass-view digicam
- Trailer help
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok value to run?
The V6-powered Amarok will value a complete of $3608 to service over the primary 5 years, based mostly on Volkswagen’s Assured fixed-price schedule. It’s value noting the Ranger V6 has capped-price servicing prices of $1516 over the primary 4 years.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 1 yr |
| Service intervals | 2 years or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Whole capped-price service value | $3608 |
As with all Volkswagens, the Amarok is roofed by the corporate’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Amarok
If the Ford Ranger is Jack Daniels, the Volkswagen Amarok is Jonny Walker. They’re each whiskeys, they’ll each get you drunk, however they’ve distinctly completely different flavour profiles – and ordering both one at a public bar says one thing completely different about you to the world.
It’s not fairly as excessive as blue collar versus white collar, but it surely’s one thing alongside these traces.
What would have been thought of an costly ute only a few quick years in the past is now someplace in the course of the bell curve. It’s neither the most cost effective dual-cab four-wheel-drive ute out there, because of the inflow of alternate options from China – neither is it the costliest, as a result of rising massive US pickup section.
I used to be significantly curious to see whether or not I might discover any high quality variations between the Thai-built Ranger and the South African-built Amarok. I’ve owned a number of BMW 5 Sequence fashions from the early Nineties, most of which had been manufactured in Germany, however one which was made in South Africa, and there was a stark distinction in the way in which the South African automotive felt.
This isn’t the case in any respect with the Amarok. The construct high quality is faultless, with the one eccentricity being the aforementioned left indicator stalk.
Whereas subjective, I’m a fan of the extra standard appears of the Amarok. It looks like each week, one other automaker is releasing a brand new dual-cab ute with typically menacing, typically weird designs. The Volkswagen is elegant compared, and I believe historical past – and doubtlessly resale worth – might be sort to the Amarok.
Lots will gravitate in direction of the extra rugged Ranger Wildtrak at this value level, however the Amarok PanAmericana affords a extra grown-up various. The ageing HiLux frankly feels outclassed in each means by the Amarok.
My solely actual grievance with the Volkswagen boils right down to the infotainment. The centre display screen is so massive it actually looks like overkill, however most consumers will simply adapt to the system after just a few weeks. And arguably, the advantages outweigh the deficiencies.
For these available in the market for a premium, do-it-all dual-cab 4×4 ute, the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana is a superb selection. The inside feels elegant sufficient to take your associate out on date night time, but this automobile is a correct, succesful off-roader proper out of the field, providing oodles of area, consolation, tech, and functionality.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Volkswagen Amarok. Click on right here to get an excellent deal.
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MORE: Discover the Volkswagen Amarok showroom
