VW Amarok Review: A Solid Pickup for Work & Play

What is it?

The Volkswagen Amarok stands as a familiar name in the pickup truck segment, known for its blend of utility and performance. Originally launched over a decade ago, the Amarok has evolved through partnerships, notably with Ford, sharing some manufacturing processes with the Ford Ranger. This review explores the latest iteration of the Amarok to determine its strengths and weaknesses in a competitive market.

Design and Dimensions

The Volkswagen Amarok exhibits a design that balances rugged utility with contemporary aesthetics, making it visually appealing while maintaining its functional roots as a pickup truck. The body of the Amarok is characterized by its muscular stance, which is enhanced by bold lines and a commanding front grille. This grille, flanked by sharp, angular headlights, lends the Amarok a modern look that aligns with Volkswagen’s current design language.

In terms of dimensions, the Amarok is built to accommodate the needs of a typical pickup user, offering substantial size and presence. It measures over five meters in length and stands nearly two meters wide, excluding the mirrors. This size contributes to a dominant road presence and an interior that provides ample space.

The vehicle’s height also plays a critical role in its utility, particularly for off-road use, with a considerable ground clearance that allows it to tackle rough terrain without risking underbody damage. The wheel arches are pronounced, allowing for larger tires that not only enhance the truck’s appearance but also improve its off-road capabilities.

Engine options and Specifications

The Volkswagen Amarok offers a range of engine choices designed to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck users, whether for commercial utility, off-road adventures, or everyday driving.

Engine Options:

1. 2.0-litre TDI Diesel (168bhp): This is the entry-level engine, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s designed to offer a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate power for lighter towing and hauling tasks.
2. 2.0-litre TDI Diesel (202bhp): A step up from the base engine, this variant features a ten-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother ride and better handling of the Amarok’s power. The additional horsepower makes it more suitable for heavier loads and more challenging driving conditions.
3. 3.0-litre V6 TDI Diesel (237bhp): As the most powerful option, the V6 engine with the automatic transmission not only enhances the truck’s capability but also its driving pleasure. With 443 lb-ft of torque, it delivers strong acceleration and is capable of handling the heaviest loads and toughest terrains.

Performance: The Amarok’s performance is highlighted by its strong diesel engines, which provide ample torque at low speeds, essential for towing and off-road driving. The 3.0-litre V6 engine, in particular, stands out for its brisk acceleration and ability to cruise comfortably at high speeds. Despite the range of engines, all Amarok models maintain competitive towing capacities, with a maximum of 3,500kg, aligning with the top of the pickup truck class.

Handling: Handling in the Amarok is surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its size. The inclusion of a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in various driving conditions, which is crucial for a vehicle that may transition from urban roads to rugged off-road environments seamlessly. The steering is precise, providing good feedback and making it easier to maneuver the vehicle both in tight spaces and at higher speeds on open roads.

The suspension setup, which includes an independent front suspension and a leaf spring rear, is tuned to balance load-carrying capabilities with comfort. While it’s never going to match a dedicated SUV in terms of ride softness, the Amarok does a commendable job of mitigating the roughness typical of unloaded pickups, thanks to its well-judged dampers and springs. However, riders might still experience the characteristic stiffness and occasional judder from the rear when the vehicle is unladen.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Amarok opts for a modern approach with a large, central touchscreen controlling most of the vehicle’s features. This setup, available in 10-inch and 12-inch variations, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls are minimized, which could be a drawback in utilitarian use-cases where gloves are worn. The interior is well-appointed in higher trims, featuring comfortable seating and high-quality materials, including options for leather and contrast stitching.

Loading capacity and Practicality

The Volkswagen Amarok is designed with a focus on practicality, combining spaciousness, versatility, and robust capability to meet the demands of various users, from tradespeople to adventure enthusiasts.

Cabin Space and Comfort: The Amarok exclusively offers a double-cab configuration, which significantly enhances its practicality as a dual-purpose vehicle, suitable for both work and family use. The cabin is notably spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, including those over six feet tall. This makes the Amarok an excellent choice for longer trips where comfort is paramount. The seating is ergonomically designed to provide support during long hours of driving, with higher trim levels offering adjustable lumbar support and premium materials such as leather and contrast stitching.

Storage Solutions: Inside, the Amarok is equipped with numerous storage options to keep the cabin organized and functional. It features large door bins, a generously sized glovebox, cup holders, and additional compartments under the armrests. The rear seats also incorporate storage pockets, although they lack the ability to flip up like those in some competitors, which could have added to the versatility by providing additional floor storage.

Load Capacity and Towing: The cargo area of the Amarok is designed to be robust and versatile. Despite the absence of a single-cab option, which limits the maximum possible length of the bed, the double-cab configuration still offers a substantial load space measuring 1,624mm in length and 1,584mm in width. The bed is capable of carrying over a tonne in most models, with the base model supporting up to 1,103 kg, making it an excellent vehicle for transporting heavy and bulky items. All versions of the Amarok come with a high towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, making it a strong candidate for pulling heavy trailers, boats, or caravans.

Verdict

The Volkswagen Amarok is a solid choice in the pickup truck market, particularly for those who require a vehicle that balances work duties with passenger comfort. The double-cab design offers considerable cabin space, making it suitable for family use or for transporting crew, while also providing a decently sized load bed for hauling gear or materials.

In terms of performance, the Amarok offers a range of diesel engines that cater to different needs, from the standard 2.0-litre TDI for everyday tasks to the powerful 3.0-litre V6 for more demanding pulling and hauling requirements. The handling is more refined than many rivals, with a focus on reducing body roll and enhancing driver feedback, although it is not without the typical stiffness associated with unloaded pickup trucks.

However, there are areas where the Amarok may not completely satisfy. The lack of a single-cab option limits its appeal to those needing maximum cargo space. Additionally, the interior, while modern and well-equipped, relies heavily on touchscreen controls which might not be practical in all work scenarios, especially for those who need to operate the vehicle with gloves.

Overall, the Volkswagen Amarok is a competent, well-rounded vehicle that offers a good mix of utility, comfort, and performance. It stands as a compelling option for those who value a robust, spacious, and comfortable ride but may not be the best value proposition for those primarily concerned with maximum practicality or operating costs.