Volkswagen Amarok Pickup (2023 - ) review

Although many Amarok users will buy or lease the truck with little consideration of its load-carrying capabilities, the vehicle being used more for cost-effective, tax-friendly (for now, anyway) private use, some will need to carry tools, equipment or supplies daily. The deck is standard in dimensions, measuring 1621mm long, 1584mm wide and with 1224mm between the wheelarches. If you need more, you’ll have to look elsewhere as Volkswagen isn’t offering the truck in single or extra cab format. There are six load lashing points and while the tailgate is sturdy it’s disappointing to find that there is no hydraulic assistance offered when lowering – the unsuspecting user suddenly bearing all the weight. Make sure to brace your knees and back. Payload is up to 1100kg depending on the model (although those looking to reclaim the VAT need to avoid the Aventura model which doesn’t reach the 1000kg threshold demanded by HMRC for it to be considered a commercial vehicle), and the towing capacity is the sought-after 3500kg.

With the Amarok sharing a platform with the Ford Ranger there could have been a potential for the two trucks to have commonality. But, with the cabin in particular, Volkswagen has made it its own with much less shared with the Ford than might be expected. There’s a premium feel to the cab of the Amarok. The test model, a PanAmericana, which is the third in the four-model line-up, does have an up-market vibe to it, although cab interiors throughout the range don’t differ too much. Black trim is contrasted with brown inserts and classy matching stitching is evident on the dash and seats. Air vents have brushed aluminium surrounds and the materials used throughout seem to be of high, durable quality. Cab storage is just about okay, with a decent sized glovebox and a lidded centre console box together with decent sized door bins. The driver is faced with an 8-inch or 12-inch electronic instrument panel (depending on trim level) and in the centre of the dash there’s an imposing 10-inch or 12-inch portrait-orientated (again depending on trim level) multimedia touchscreen, accessing a plethora of functions. Perhaps, though, too many. I’m not a fan of heating and ventilation controls being operated this way, much preferring a quick stab of a physical switch or a spin of a rotary control to having to navigate a screen while keeping my eyes on the road. It’s a personal preference, and there is a shortcut button to get to the appropriate menu but, to my mind, cost cutting has gone a little too far.

Pickups are not the most economical commercial vehicles to operate, but the Amarok’s fuel consumption figures are not too shabby, the 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesel engines achieving official Combined cycle fuel consumption figures of between 27.4mpg and 33.6mpg. At the time of writing, Volkswagen provides the new owner with an excellent 5-year package under the ‘5+ Promise’ banner, which includes a 5-year, 124,000-mile warranty, 5 services, 3 MOT tests and 5 years of roadside assistance. This offers excellent peace of mind to the operator, but although there is currently no closing date for this package, a prospective buyer should ensure that it still applies at the time of their lease or purchase. Residual values should be strong, probably on par or slightly higher than those of the Ranger, so lease rentals are likely to be competitive.

There is no reason to suspect that the mostly Ford running gear will cause any issues in the Amarok, and the 10-speed automatic gearbox is well-proven in other cars and LCVs. Volkswagen has a reputation to uphold, and should any issues start to make themselves apparent, I reckon they will be acted upon swiftly. The warranty length plays a big part in reassurance here, outlasting most average lease lengths, should any mechanical issues arise.

Amarok is offered with a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 170PS or 205PS, or a V6 diesel offering 240PS. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all but the 170PS unit which has a 6-speed manual shift. Unlike the Ford Ranger, there’s no high-powered petrol version as fitted to the Raptor. My test truck, the PanAmericana, is only offered with the V6 automatic drivetrain, and it did not disappoint. The engine and gearbox blend perfectly, the changes all occurring at just the right time but being almost imperceptible. 0-62mph takes just 9 seconds and, where permitted the truck achieves a top speed of 112mph, a figure quoted across the entire Amarok range which makes me think it could be restricted. Realistically, when are we racing these things down dual carriageways anyway?

Unladen ride quality on a pickup can often be ‘lively’, but Volkswagen has clearly benefited from work Ford has done on Ranger, where Raptor is sublime on rough surfaces. The Volkswagen absorbs bumps and surface irregularities with ease, allowing the vehicle to be driven comfortably at speed, even off-road. Although the steering is of the electromechanical variety, somehow it still retains the feel that is often lost when this arrangement is used. The Amarok is uncannily quiet on the road with virtually no intrusion even from road noise generated by the wide tyres. The truck offers a comfortable drive which can be compared to that provided by some premium SUVs.

Amarok is offered with up to 20 safety features, many of which are standard on most models of the truck. In December 2022, NCAP awarded the Volkswagen a full five stars in its safety tests, providing excellent protection to adult and child occupants and other road users.

I’d guess that the lead-in Amarok Life might not be the best seller in the range, not because it is sparsely equipped, but because most premium pickup buyers will probably want a truck with a bit more bling and a higher-rated engine with an automatic box. Despite exterior looks that are not in any way flashy, it still has alloy wheels and a body-coloured front bumper. The cab has the smaller versions of the two screens previously mentioned and air conditioning is included. Safety tech such as an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and a full complement of airbags are supplied, and the driver is aided by a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping aid. Amarok Style adds dual-zone climate control, 12-inch digital screens and a heated windscreen and the driver benefits from park assist and a 360-degree camera. The outside of the truck has 18-inch alloys, a chrome styling bar, a black sidestep and a chrome strip across the grille. Which reminds me of the previous generation’s Black Edition. There are also 230-volt outlets in the vehicle and in the load bay. PanAmericana is blessed with additional exterior styling cues, leather seats and a 640-watt output sound system, whilst the top of the range Aventura builds on Style spec including 21-inch wheels, more bling on the outside and upgraded seats. To call it stylish would be to understate the vehicle’s looks.

The Amarok scores highly in our category ratings, excelling with its quality cab interior, ride and handling and running costs, and that 5-year warranty package being worth a lot of money to a new owner. It’s a great looking truck and the Volkswagen badge gives the vehicle a premium air. The Amarok’s obvious competitor must be the Ford Ranger which, except for the cab and some exterior changes, is the same vehicle. A prospective owner would need to compare the specification levels, not to mention price or lease rates before deciding which to opt for, and if the VW came at a premium, ask if it is worth paying the extra. Perhaps the vicinity of a local dealer and the chance to try one out on the road might be enough to sway the decision between this and the Ford Ranger.