VW drops diesel four-cylinder utes: 2026 Volkswagen Amarok focuses on V6 diesel and petrol engines to put pressure on new BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux

Volkswagen Australia is adding two new V6 turbo-diesel variants to the dual cab ute’s local line-up, with the 2026 model year range becoming an almost exclusively 3.0-litre V6 offering.

Volkswagen says it has been “guided by feedback from owners, dealers and enthusiasts in placing stronger emphasis on V6 powertrains, while simplifying the range to make choosing an Amarok clearer and more intuitive than ever.”

But it’s worth noting, as with its co-developed Ford Ranger ‘twin-under-the-skin’, the 154kW/500Nm 2.0L twin-turbo diesel four from the Amarok Life and Style models has been squeezed out of existence by tightening emission regulations.

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And, unlike Ford Australia, VW has also made the call to phase out the 125kW/405Nm 2.0L single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, currently offered in the entry-grade Amarok TDI 405 Core.

To help pick up the slack, the first of the Amarok’s new 184kW/600Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel entries is the Dark Label V6.

Limited to 200 examples, it adds visual drama and a lengthy standard equipment list to the VW ute formula, including:

20-inch ‘Matte Black’ ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheels
LED matrix headlights (with black surrounds)
Darkened tail-lights
Black sports bar, side steps, rear bumper, door handles and mirrors
Front bumper ‘X‑design’ in black
Black front skid plate
Matte Black B‑pillar foil
Roof rails in Matte Black
Spray‑in tub liner
Black tonneau cover
Dark Label sticker pack (bonnet, doors, tub sides, tailgate)

2026 Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label

Pricing and exact arrival timing are yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to hit showrooms before the end of 2026.

Then, in the second quarter of this year, the Amarok W600 special edition will deliver another premium performance option.

Locally-developed by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne and based on the TDI600 Style, it features the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 as well as a multitude of dynamic upgrades including a bespoke Koni suspension set-up, 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, a full-width LED light bar and (lots) more.

Volkswagen believes it will “reinforce Amarok’s position as a leader in driving feel and performance within the dual‑cab segment.”

And finally, the 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powered Amarok Style TSI452 replaces the previous Aventura TSI452 with spec upgrades including: