Volkswagen Amarok

First generation (2H; 2010)

The Amarok, the first pickup from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, was presented to the general public in General Pacheco, Argentina, on 7 January 2010. The project dates back from 2005, when Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced their intent to build a robust pickup and off-road family of vehicles. It was teased as the Robust Pick-Up concept in September 2008, wrapped in a search and rescue (SAR) vehicle colour scheme; the design was said to be 95 percent resembling the production version.

Following the launch in Argentina, the Amarok was a key support vehicle in the 2010 Dakar Rally, with 45 having been used.

The Amarok is currently being produced in the Volkswagen Group plant in General Pacheco, Argentina; for South American, Mexican, Oceanian, South African, Russian, and European markets. It is expected to produce 90,000 Amaroks annually once production is at full capacity. As of 2022, 70% of the Argentine Amaroks are exported.

The Hanover site was originally dropped from possible sites to produce the Amarok due to the 2008 financial crisis and increasing economic costs in Europe in 2009. In September 2010, it was decided that 40,000 Amarok pickups will also be produced annually in Hanover, Germany for the European and small volume markets from mid-2012.

The 100,000th Amarok was produced on 8 October 2011.

In Argentina the first-generation Amarok is to be replaced by a model based on the Maxus Terron 9.

Powertrain

The Amarok is powered by a range of turbocharged direct injection (TDI) common rail diesel engines, and fuel stratified injection (FSI) petrol engine.

As of 2010, the engine range consists of two 2.0L turbocharged direct injection (TDI) common rail diesel engines which is taken from the Volkswagen Transporter (T5), it has been tuned for more torque but less power; the entry-level version produces 90 kW (122 PS; 121 hp) which develops a maximum torque of 340 N⋅m (250 lb⋅ft) from 2,000 rpm. The top-of-the-line bi-turbo version produces 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) which develops a maximum torque of 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) from 1500 rpm −2500 rpm. Fuel consumption in a combined cycle format is as low as 7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg‑imp; 31 mpg‑US) on the rear-wheel-drive variant to 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg‑imp; 29 mpg‑US) on the 4Motion version, which theoretically gives the Amarok a 1,000 km (620 mi) range before filling up for fuel.

As of the 2012 Model Year, Volkswagen has introduced two more engine configurations, 2.0L TDI 90 kW motor upgraded to 103 kW of power and a 2.0L Bi-TDI which has an optional 8-speed ZF engineered automatic transmission.

On 22 September 2014, Volkswagen launched a limited edition Amarok Dark Label model. The Dark Label model is fitted with the 178 bhp (180 PS; 133 kW) 2.0-litre BiTDI engine, generating up to 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) of torque and offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg (7,100 lb).

For the 2017 model year, Volkswagen announced a facelifted Amarok range. The key feature of the facelift is a new engine that replaces the earlier models' 2.0L TDI engine. In place of the previous four-cylinder engine, the Amarok is now fitted with a version of VW's 3.0L TDI V6. It will be available in three states of tune (121 kW (162 hp), 150 kW (201 hp), and 167 kW (224 hp)), with the most powerful version boasting a torque output of 406 lb⋅ft (550 N⋅m) and a 0–62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8 seconds. In the UK the lowest power output was dropped in favour of the 201 and 254 BHP models, the latter has an overboost to 268 and can hit 62 from a standstill in 7.4 seconds.

The new V6 TDI offers up to 23% more power and 28% more torque while delivering lower emissions and decreased fuel consumption compared to the previous 2.0 BiTDI engine that was previously the most powerful option. Deliveries of the new Amarok V6 TDI were scheduled to commence in the 3rd quarter of 2016. In late 2018 a more powerful version of the 3.0 V6 TDI was produced (190/200 kW & 580 Nm) to compete with the new Mercedes Benz X Class V6 CDI.

Facelifts

In 2016, the Amarok went through a facelift for the 2016 model year. The facelift included a new revamped interior, which matches closely to the Volkswagen Transporter (T6), slight upgrade in equipment, new headlights and front grille, but the most notable difference is the introduction of the then-new 3.0 V6 TDi engine. In 2019, a more powerful 580 N-m variant of the V6 engine was introduced, with the original 550 N-m variant still being sold for the lower-spec models.

During summer 2024, a second facelift, designed by Volkswagen design studio in Brazil, was launched for the Argentine market. An online photo leaked in December 2023 of the front end of the new Amarok in Volkswagen's Argentina factory on the production line. The new second facelifted Amarok has a new front-end, incorporating design cues from the Mk2 Amarok. The interior is mostly the same, but it now has a new button-less touchscreen on the dashboard, along with a new operating system for it.

Volkswagen Argentina's product manager explains that the decision not to replace it with the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok was based on the first-generation's reputation in the region, as well as its superior performance to the second-generation in terms of handling, comfort and off-road abilities.

Driveline

The Amarok has three drive concepts: rear wheel drive, Shiftable 4Motion and Permanent 4Motion.The Shiftable all wheel drive system can shift drive between the axles whereas the permanent full-time all wheel drive system distributes power through a torque sensing (Torsen) differential with a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear axles.

In an exclusive release, Volkswagen Australia launched the Amarok V6 Core in January 2020: the only V6-powered Amarok model to feature a true low-range transfer case (as opposed to the AWD 4Motion system typically employed). Compared to the 4Motion system, the low-range gearbox provides proper low-speed crawling ability and an overall much more rugged driveline for the type of off-roading that is common in Australia. The transfer case is paired only with the 6-speed manual gearbox and the 3.0 V6 TDI engine.

Safety

In November 2010, the Amarok was awarded 4 stars from Euro NCAP under the 2010/2011 standard crash testing procedure. Testing showed varying degrees of safety for occupants depending on the crash encountered. In February 2011, it received 5 stars from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The face-lifted first generation Amarok in its most basic Latin American configuration received 3 stars from Latin NCAP 3.0 in 2024 (similar to Euro NCAP 2014).

Availability

The first-generation Amarok was available in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe and South America. VW met with Canadian and American dealerships in 2012 to talk about introducing the pickup to those markets. For the U.S., it would likely necessitate moving production or building a plant somewhere in North America, to avoid the chicken tax enacted to light commercial vehicles.

Variants

The Amarok was launched in a Double Cab variant with the Single Cab first launching in late 2011 in South Africa and Europe.

Core V6 Low-Range

Currently offered exclusive on the Australian market since early 2020, the Core V6 (also called TDI500 Core) is the only V6 Amarok variant in Australia to feature a true low-range transfer case. The Core V6 low-range was a result of strong lobbying by Volkswagen Australia to the parent organisation; citing strong demand from consumers, coupled with Australia being the number one importer of V6 Amaroks as rationale for the decision.

The Amarok has been often criticised for its lack of a low-range 4WD transfer case which is less complex and much more widely preferred in the off-road community for the design's reliability and strength in more extreme off-road duties, than AWD systems such as 4Motion.

The engine of the TDI500 Core is de-rated to 500Nm of torque (hence the TDI500 designation) to suit the 6 speed manual transmission. This new model is considered a base model and as such features cloth seating and lacks carpet, instead opting for rubber flooring. However, it still retains several 'premium' features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

There is also an additional variant, named the Core V6 Enduro which features primarily aesthetic enhancements such as a sports bar and decals in addition to the low-range transfer case. Interestingly, this variant is offered for the same price as the standard Core V6 manual.

XL +31 CM

XXL

Offers an extended bed with 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) of space and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Chassis cab

In 2006 the Australian publication Transport Today reported that Phil Clark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Director in Australia, was trying to persuade Volkswagen's head office to add a chassis cab programme to Project RPU.

Awards

Auto Esporte – Pickup of the Year 2011 (Brazil)

Safest Pickup 2011

Auto Test – Cruze, Uno and Amarok, the best of the year according to Auto Test (Argentina)

Parabrisas – Pickup of the Year 2011 (Argentina)

MotorTransport – International Pickup Truck of the Year (UK)

OFF ROAD – Pickup of the Year 2011 (Germany)

Magazin Jäger – Goldenen Keiler (Golden Boar) Best Hunting Car (Germany)

ROAD – Russian Automobile Dealers Golden Klaxon – Special Vehicles Class (Russia)

What Van? – Pickup of the Year 2012 (UK)

4X4 Australia – Ute of the Year 2011 (Australia)

Delivery – Ute of the Year 2011 (Australia)

Zoo Magazine – Manliest Motor of the Year 2011 (UK)

British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards – Best Pickup of the Year 2011 (UK)

Motoring.com.au 2017 Dual-Cab Ute Comparison Winner

Stuff Motoring New Zealand Top Pick-up of 2017

Tow Car Awards 1,900 kg+ & Best Pick-up Winner 2018

International Ute of the Year 2018

Search and Rescue Pickup concept

Volkswagen revealed their one tonne pickup study at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in September; the SAR Pickup measures 5.18 m (17 ft) in length and 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) in width, and the 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) long cargo bed can carry a Euro sized broad pallet sideways.

SAR Pickup concept also was equipped for Lifeguards with: four mobile CB radios, flashlights, first aid kit with a defibrillator, binoculars, two safety helmets, removable neoprene seats for hard wearing, and a blue light roof module with integrated searchlight.

Possible production features that were on the concept: radio navigation system controlled by a multifunction touch screen, differential locks, cable winch and the rear logo opens the tailgate.

Second generation (NF; 2022)

The second-generation Amarok was released on 7 July 2022. Designed and conceived in Germany and Australia, it is built by Ford at its South African assembly plant in Silverton, and shares the new Ford Ranger's platform as part of the 2019 Ford-VW global alliance cooperation agreement.

A four-door double cab and two-door single cab body styles are available in this generation. The vehicle is 96 mm (3.8 in) longer than its predecessor, with 173 mm (6.8 in) longer wheelbase which provides more room, on the double cab's second row seat. Fording depth was also increased from 500 mm (19.7 in) to 800 mm (31.5 in).

During its introduction, the second-generation Amarok was introduced with five variants. The base version is the 'Amarok', followed by the 'Life' and 'Style'. Two flagship variants is offered as the PanAmericana (with an off-road-inspired styling) and Aventura (with an on-road-oriented styling).

In November 2025 Volkswagen re-introduced the "Dark-label" for Europe. It adds Dark Label badging onto the steering wheel and front floor mats, black upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, tailgate handle and a rear privacy glass. It is available in Bright Blue, Midnight Black, and Dark Grey.

Powertrain

Four turbo-diesel (TDI) engines and one turbocharged petrol (TSI) engine is available for the second-generation Amarok. In several African markets, the base specification engine is offered, which is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI producing 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp). The same engine is also offered in a higher state of tune with 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp), and with a twin-turbo producing 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) or 154 kW (209 PS; 207 hp) depending on the market. A 3.0-litre Ford-Jaguar Land Rover-developed AJD-V6 engine is available as the most powerful option, which provides power output of 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) or 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp) dependent on the market. A single petrol engine option, 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 222 kW (302 PS; 298 hp) is also offered in traditional petrol engine markets.

The 154 kW (209 PS; 207 hp) Amarok diesel is equipped with a standard 10-speed automatic gearbox paired with a e-shifter (shift-by-wire). There are 6-speed automatic transmission and 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes for other engines.