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Volkswagen Amarok

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VW Amarok Review, For Sale, Interior, Colours, Specs & Models

Volkswagen decided to re-write the rule book of the 4x4 pick-up market in 2010, producing a ladder-frame utility in the style of rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, and becoming the first mainstream European brand to tackle the burgeoning market.

Built in Argentina, the Amarok has been a sales success for the German brand, with it offering both single and dual cab versions in 4x2 and 4x4 guises. In 2016, VW launched its most powerful Amarok yet, with a VW Group 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine (also used in the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and VW Touareg) supplementing the stock 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

The Amarok Core TDI405 4Motion starts off at $50,990, while the range-topping, Amarok Aventura TDI600 4Motion is priced at $79,990.

Volkswagen Amarok Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Volkswagen Amarok here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • My 2011 Volkswagen Amarok dual-cab will not disengage from low-4WD into 2WD

    The refusal to shift from four to two-wheel-drive could be any number of things from an electrical or switching fault to a mechanical failure within the transmission or transfer-case. So that needs to be checked out before you do any more damage to the vehicle.

    In fact, the best advice would be to not drive the car any farther at all, because the jerkiness you describe is typical of a part-time all-wheel-drive vehicle that is locked in all-wheel-drive being driven on a normal, or grippy, surface. The need for the inside and outside wheels of a vehicle need to turn at different speeds when cornering, is over-ridden in a car like yours when low-range all-wheel-drive is selected. At which point, what you're feeling is the entire driveline fighting itself and loading up incredible stresses into the axles and differentials. Drive it any distance like that and you'll surely break something mechanical.

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  • How long should a rear universal joint last on a 2015 Volkswagen Amarok?

    You’ll often find a bit of lash (movement) in the driveline of a car, and it’s hard to tell from where it’s originating. What feels like a bit of play in the universal joint can actually be lash in the differential. Ideally, there should be no discernible play in the joint itself.

    If in doubt, have it checked out by a professional who will also look for signs of the universal joint deteriorating and give the whole driveline a once-over. It’s not a huge job, and shouldn’t cost too much, but it’s a vital piece of the driveline and a safety issue so don’t neglect it if you think there’s some wear starting to show.

    The lifespan of a universal joint is usually directly related to how the vehicle gets used. If you go off-road and really stretch the driveline in terms of axle articulation, or you tow a big load or regularly launch a boat and dunk the rear of your vehicle into salt water, then the lifespan of components like universal joints will be drastically shortened.

     

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  • Is the 2007 Nissan Navara a good choice?

    For a few years from 2005, Nissan sold two types of Navaras in Australia - the all-new big D40 series and the old D22 that dated back from the latter 1990s. 

    If you want an inexpensive, compact and hard-wearing truck that's reliable but not very refined nor comfortable, the old D22 is it. Its 3.0L turbo-diesel has proven strong and reliable in this application and the Nissan has a reputation for being as tough as nails.

    The larger and newer D40, meanwhile, is the much better choice if space, safety and refinement are priorities, and remained a class-leading proposition right up until the current-generation Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Volkswagen Amarok all moved the pick-up truck game on in 2011. The Spanish-built ST-X is the choice grade, especially in turbo-diesel and 4x4 guise.

    The Navara is considered a reliable and dependable truck, but many are also workhorses that lead tough lives and are often neglected or mistreated. If you're after one, please consider having it checked out first by an experienced mechanic.

    Known issues include fuel-injection failure, roof rust, premature clutch wear in manual  models, electronics issues, turbo-charger failures and sagging rear springs.

    Such problems can apply to any similar truck, so don't be too put off by the D40 Navara. It's a firm used-truck favourite for good reason.

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  • Is the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max or VW Amarok best for towing a 2.8 tonne caravan?

    Every all-new MY21 Isuzu D-Max and select current versions of the Amarok and Ranger offer a 3500kg towing capacity maximum - namely all Amarok V6 autos and all Rangers EXCEPT the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis Low-Rider 2.2 Diesel at the bottom of the Ford range, and the 4x4 Raptor Double Cab Pick-Up 2.0L Diesel at the very top (they're both 2500kg).

    Least torquey is the D-Max at 450Nm, followed by the Ranger (2.2L 4-cyl: 385Nm, 3.2L 5-cyl: 470Nm and 2.0L twin-turbo 4-cyl: 500Nm) and Amarok (550Nm to 580Nm), meaning the Amarok will probably be the least challenged towing a 2.8-tonne caravan. But all three should suffice.

    Please note, however, that Gross Combined Mass (GCM) tallies means that there are other weight factors that need to be considered before safely towing a 2.8-tonne caravan, even with a 3500kg ute. These include things like the ute's payload, heavy bull bars, sports bars and side steps, canopies and even the number of people travelling inside. And of course, a fully-equipped and laden caravan can easily exceed the stated tare mass.

    We hope this helps.   

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See All Volkswagen Amarok Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Volkswagen Amarok Accessories

The Amarok is said to feature over 20 new safety and driver-assist systems compared to the old model – including Autonomous Emergency Braking, as well as nine airbags. 

In all grades, you'll also find LED headlights, DAB+ digital radio, a rear centre armrest with cupholders, adaptive cruise control, air-conditioning, digitalised instrumentation, a portrait touchscreen with voice-command, a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging, wireless app connect for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, power windows, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, side steps, factory-fitted towbar, electric folding mirrors, tailgate with lift-assist (but not drop), roof rails, 12V outlet in tub and alloy wheels.

Volkswagen Amarok Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Volkswagen Amarok varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $50,990 and going to $79,990 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
2024 Ute 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $50,990 $79,990
2023 Ute 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $48,180 $87,010
2022 Ute 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $40,700 $90,750
2021 Ute 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $34,760 $85,910
2020 Ute 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $28,380 $78,210
See All Volkswagen Amarok Pricing and Specs

Volkswagen Amarok Dimensions

The dimensions of the Volkswagen Amarok Ute vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
2024 Ute 1886x1910x5350 mm 235 mm
2023 Ute 1886x1910x5350 mm 235 mm
2022 Ute 1834x1954x5254 mm 226 mm
2021 Ute 1820x1944x5181 mm 230 mm
2020 Ute 1820x1944x5181 mm 230 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volkswagen Amarok Dimensions

Volkswagen Amarok Colours

Frozen White, Agate Black metallic, Blue Lightning metallic, Carbonized Grey metallic, Lucid Red metallic, Moondust Silver metallic, Diffused Silver metallic, Mid Blue metallic.

  • Frozen White
  • Agate Black metallic
  • Blue Lightning metallic
  • Carbonized Grey metallic
  • Lucid Red metallic
  • Moondust Silver metallic
  • Diffused Silver metallic
  • Mid Blue metallic
To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website.

Volkswagen Amarok Wheel Size

The Volkswagen Amarok has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 255x70 R17 for Ute in 2024.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
2024 Ute 255x70 R17 255x70 R17
2023 Ute 255x70 R17 255x70 R17
2022 Ute 245x70 R16 245x70 R16
2021 Ute 205 R16 205 R16
2020 Ute 205 R16 16x6.5 inches 205 R16 16x6.5 inches
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Volkswagen Amarok Wheel Sizes

Volkswagen Amarok Towing Capacity

The Volkswagen Amarok has maximum towing capacity of 3500kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
2024 Ute 3500kg 3500kg
2023 Ute 3500kg 3500kg
2022 Ute 3000kg 3500kg
2021 Ute 3000kg 3500kg
2020 Ute 3000kg 3500kg
See All Towing Capacity for Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok Interior

Given the Amarok is based on the Ford Ranger, there are a lot of familiar elements from that model. But Volkswagen has redesigned the cabin and it has its own VW flair. There is a big portrait-style touchscreen (10.0 or 12.0 inches), digital instrument cluster, and on higher grades, soft-touch materials with stitching. It's functional with lots of storage options, and the higher grades have a generally premium look and feel.

Volkswagen Amarok Interior

Volkswagen Amarok Engine

The Amarok Core will be exclusively offered with a single-turbo diesel unit offering up power and torque of 125kW/405Nm respectively, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

This is the only grade with a manual and the only one with the selectable four-wheel drive system. All other Amaroks use VW’s 4Motion permanent four-wheel-drive setup.

The Life uses a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine pumping out 154kW/500Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic.

Style grades are available with the twin-turbo and the meaty 184kW/600Nm turbo-diesel V6 also matched with the 10-speed unit. PanAmericanas come exclusively with the V6 and the Aventura has the V6 or the 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 222kW and 452Nm. This also has the 10-speed box and four-wheel drive.

Volkswagen Amarok Engine

Volkswagen Amarok Fuel Consumption

The Volkswagen Amarok is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by Diesel and — fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 7.1L/100km for Ute /Diesel for the latest year the model was manufactured.

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
2024 Ute 7.1L/100km 2.0L Diesel 6 SP MAN
2024 Ute 9.9L/100km 2.3L 10 SP AUTO
2023 Ute 7.1L/100km 2.0L Diesel 6 SP MAN
2023 Ute 9.9L/100km 2.3L 10 SP AUTO
2022 Ute 8.4L/100km 2.0L Diesel 6 SP MAN
2021 Ute 8.2L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
2020 Ute 8.2L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
* Combined fuel consumption See All Volkswagen Amarok Pricing and Specs for 2024

Volkswagen Amarok Seats

The Amarok is a dual cab and has five seats. The seat comfort in the front is excellent. Style grades and higher come with leather upholstery.

Volkswagen Amarok Speed

The VW Amarok with the 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine is estimated to go from 0-100km/h in under 12 seconds. 

The VW Amarok with the 2.0-litre twin-turbo (BiTurbo) diesel engine is estimated to go from 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds. 

The VW Amarok with the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine is estimated to go from 0-100km/h in under 8.5 seconds. 

The VW Amarok with the 2.3-litre single-turbo petrol engine is estimated to go from 0-100km/h in under 9.0 seconds. 

Top speed for all is around 180km/h.

Volkswagen Amarok Boot Space

Tray length is 1544mm, tray width is 1224mm, while tray depth is 529mm. The tailgate opening height is 880mm.

Braked towing capacity continues to be rated at 3500kg, tub volume rises slightly, GVM and payload are up, there’s more ground clearance, overhangs are shorter front and rear, there are six cargo lashing rings rated at 400kg each, the tailgate has lift-assist closing (but not opening like Ranger) and you can still fit a Euro pallet between the wheel arches.

The Amarok also gains two front tow hooks and a static roof load rating of 350kg.

Volkswagen Amarok Boot space

Volkswagen Amarok Range

The Amarok petrol will tax your wallet more than the torquey diesels when it comes to refuelling.

The petrol’s official combined fuel consumption figure is 9.9 litres per 100km, compared to 8.4 for the V6 diesel, 8.0L for the 2.0L BiTurbo diesel, 7.2L for the 2.0L single turbo diesel auto and 7.1L for the latter’s diesel manual version.

Fitted with an 80-litre tank, this equates to an average range distance of about 805km (petrol), 950km (V6 diesel), 1000km (BiTurbo diesel) and 1110km (single-turbo diesel).

Note, too, that the petrol needs 95 RON premium unleaded.