Renault Master vs Volkswagen Amarok
What's the difference?

Renault Master

$52,200 - $68,700

2026 price

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Volkswagen Amarok

$55,490 - $91,900

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Renault Master

2026 Volkswagen Amarok

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

—

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

—

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Modern presentation inside and out
Enjoyable to drive
As practical as ever

Seriously impressive handling
Tough styling
Remains very practical

Dislikes

No adaptive cruise control option
No traditional van grab handles inside
No hybrid availability

Busy, uncomfortable ride
Standard Amarok drivetrain
Price a hard sell

2026 Renault Master Summary

It's only taken the whole decade so far, but the 3.5-tonne van – you know, the really, really big ones – has finally been dragged into the 2020s with the latest version of the Renault Master.

Now in its fourth generation since 1980, this oversized box on wheels from France is said to leapfrog all its ageing rivals as a result, including the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, LDV Deliver9, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter that all debuted some years ago now.

So, how does France’s big new van fare? And where’s the promised all-electric version? Read on to find out.

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2026 Volkswagen Amarok Summary

This is a very important ute if you’re Volkswagen Australia.

A lot of time and money has gone into making sure this, the 2026 VW Amarok W600 as engineered by Walkinshaw, is the ultimate driver’s ute. Not the best 4X4, but the best ute on the road. Sounds like an odd task, right?

It might be, but a couple of thousand people bought the last version of this ute, so why not try to make it better?

Over a long development period and a steady build-up, including previews at the former Holden proving ground at Lang Lang, Volkswagen has teased its ‘ultimate driver’s ute’.

Now, we get to put the production version to the test on the very roads that helped shape it during its development in Tasmania.

@carsguide.com.au VW Australia is finally launching the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok W600, with Walkinshaw’s expertise helping the Ford Ranger’s cousin take the fight to its Raptor hero. #volkswagen #amarok #ute #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Renault Master 2026 Volkswagen Amarok

Verdict

There is a lot to like about the latest Renault Master. Leaning on five decades of experience, it proves France knows how to build a comfortable, versatile, practical, enjoyable and quite attractive large van for this decade. A few disappointing specification anomalies do not ultimately detract from a fine, premium workhorse/plaything proposition.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Amarok W600 is impressive when you get it onto a twisty road, and my hat goes off to Walkinshaw for turning a dual-cab into something that is genuinely fun to drive on twisty roads. I’m not kidding, the W600 is proper fun.

But it’s expensive, and despite the tough looks and on-road ability, it doesn’t have any more on-paper performance than its standard siblings. That and its ride is compromised by its new abilities.

Those who spend the cash on a W600 probably won’t be disappointed if they can handle a slightly stiff ride, but it’s possible VW is expecting people will be more into the idea of a corner-carving dual-cab than is the reality.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Renault Master vs Volkswagen Amarok What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Master vs Volkswagen Amarok
What's the difference?