Is a used Volkswagen Amarok a worthy 4x4 Dual Cab Ute/Pickup? | ReDriven used car review

Why choose Amarok over its competitors? One big drawcard is its 4Motion all-wheel drive, a permanent and Tarmac-friendly system rather than the selectable type adopted by Volkswagen’s rivals, one not requiring low-range reduction drive. In fact, Volkswagen now offers a specific Core manual with dual-range as something of an outlying variant to target more traditionalist buyers.

What did you think? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to hit subscribe and the bell icon to stay up to date with all our latest content.

00:00​​ - Intro
00:45 - What is it?
02:44 - Does it look good?
03:51​​ - How's the interior?
05:58 - How's the tech?
07:10 - Is it practical?
08:22 - What goes wrong?
10:04 - Is it safe?
10:45 - What's it like to drive?
15:10 - How much does it cost?
15:55 - Running costs?
16:45 - Should you buy it?

#Volkswagen
#amarok
#4x4

---

At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.

Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.

Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.

So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.

We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.

Find us on:

[ReDriven]

Think we've missed something? Let us know on this comment thread!

Stupid comments that don't focus on the pros and cons of the VW Amarok, will be deleted 🙂

[MrCW]

I own a 2017 4cyl Rok. I drove everything before I accidently stumbled across my car at a Mazda/ VW dealer. There simply was no comparison. Ive now had it 4 years and have had very few issues. 4wd wise it eats up anything you can throw at it. Not sure where the low range brigade get off but i have out performed double diff locked Hiluxes. I have video to prove it. Ive done Cape York twice, Old Coach Road which the Toyota owners lauged at then ate thier words. Fraser Island and Big Red. Never stuck, not once. So it matches the serious 4wd guys and drives like a SUV on the road. Best Ute ive ever owned. Dont listen to the bull. Great Truck

[davidburton]

I own a 2016 4 cylinder bi turbo 8sp auto, used it offroad shit loads and its been brilliant I've put almost 300k on it and have had 0 issues, I've heavily modified it 2 inch lift bull and brush bars rear bar so it's very heavy and it still performs awesome on road, drove brissy to perth up to coral bay across to uluru up to Mt Isa and back to brissy and never missed a beat, maintain it properly and don't drive it like a Dakar rally car and it you shouldn't have any problems.

[briskites]

Have owned Amarok, Hilux and BT-50/Ranger all 2012-13.
personally I think you have understated a little just how far ahead of the rest the Amarok is in ride and handling. It is literally MILES ahead of all of the competitors hands down.
Offroad isn't as bad as you say if you actually tried it. The 8 speed matched with that engine and the computer actually makes short work of 90% of terrain most would tackle and for sand driving it's better than any other ute.

As for the transmission overheating, it is possible but generally not bad and rarely happens. This can't be said for all the Ranger and BT-50 self destructing auto transmissions.
The low down alternator isn't really any different than Toyota etc having the same problem.
The 2l is actually quite good, only the first couple of years with timing cover issues but this is easily modified.
You took fuel economy figures from a "tuned" vehicle and most report much better. I was getting 9 in my 2 litre which jumped to 10 when I fitted larger tyres.

Rear airbags aside I still feel safer and more secure in the Amarok and know it's the least likely of the bunch to respond poorly in an emergency situation.

The bad-
Air intake is too low so get a snorkel if doing water crossings.
Parts pricing.
Average at best dealer support.
Strange German stuff like no fuse box diagram.

In short over the last couple of years when my GF complains about something crap on the BT-50 or Hilux I have learnt to respond with "It's not an

[olagunjuolamideseun]

Owner from Lagos, Nigeria.

Owned a 2016 manual Amarok. Nice interior, comfortable seats, works great

[erocksproduct]

2015 2.0tdi high line, auto, 113, 000km.
Front wheel bearing,
Drivers door window regulator,
Two set/8 abs/wheel speed sensor,
Cross bearing/U joint, had to replace whole rear drive shaft because u joint are none replaceable,
Broke rear cup holder,
Stabilizer bushings,
Dry rotted sun glass holder.
Cracking center console,
Agree with off-road capability and on road comments.
Think overall very accurate comments and views of Amarok, love mine wouldn’t trade for anything else.
Great Vid👍👍

[Abdullahidahire]

I have a 2014 amarok, I do normal service and no issue whatsoever... I go serious offroading due to my work and leisure and it always surprises me and everyone... a solid car yet stylish and comfortable

[geoffers]

Great review guys, as an owner of a v6 rok; thought I might add:
- they have an extra low 1st gear to compensate for not having low range
- leaf springs are on the outside of the chassis to improve handling
- disk breaks all round set it apart
Whether it's capable offroad is definitely a subjective one. I'd argue that it's just as capable if not more capable than other dual cabs in the segment. I've put 33s on mine, 2" lift and tuned it to 191kws at the wheels. Been 4wding through the glasshouse, our lovely islands in SEQ and just finished a crossing on the Simmo. I honestly think they're the most underrated dual cab 😉

[lachlanmaple]

I've had mine for nearly 7 years and no mechanical problems what so ever. The power window switch on drivers side went about 2 months ago but it was a very easy fix.

Pros
Roomy.
Big comfy seats.
Great driving position.
Lots of storage - there are hidden compartments under the front seats that weren't mentioned in the video.
Large side mirrors.
Plenty of power even in 4 cylinder - just put it in sport mode.
Big useable tray.
Tows well.
Interior is very durable and looks almost new. Slight wear on leather steering wheel.
Guages very easy to read in all light situations.
AWD system is exceptional and was light years ahead of anything else when it was first released.
Far more useful in most applications than high/low transfer case.

Cons
Media system a bit small and now dated.
Large turning circle.
Parking sensors annoying but thankfully can be turned off.
Bonnet tends to float so a bit tricky parking but you get used to it.

[lengerer]

My 2021 v6 amarok has the screen glitch, so it’s def not fixed in all vehicles. I also run a 2018 dmax and it’s had a $4000 coolant leak, which was covered by warranty. So even the robust dmax has its problems.
Off road, the amarok is the same as dmax for everything I do. We do some decent off roading minus rock crawling type stuff.
With regards to fuel, I think you are way off. My amarok is on 8.7l/100 and I don’t drive it slow. My dad also runs a v6 amarok (the reason I bought one) and his on on 8.5. As a example my dmax is on 9.1l/100
Servicing in the 2021 is every 20, 000k kms
I’d highly recommend the v6 amarok, it’s such a beautiful 4wd to drive.
Besides a couple points, I’d agree with almost everything you said

[thejohnno]

Have a 2016 4 cylinder and a 2020 580 v6, I have had no problems with either, the v6 has better fuel economy sitting at about 8.9 LPH and the 4 about 10.2.
I would recommend either to anyone as they are a great vehicle

[double-oseven]

Agree on road but seriously disagree offroad....my 2021 V6 Higline...serious sand dunes, mud traction and slippery up hills and slippery technical downhills...unbelievable leaving some other expensive options stuck. Also understand that the v6 auto system has a low range offroad speed set mode...head down a steep hill in 1st offroad mode, hold your foot on brake for about 6 seconds at the crawl speed you desire, foot off brake and that exact speed is set. No other 4wd in its class can descend as slow and controlled. Also realize that a modified amarok is potentially a better serious off roader than ranger and hilux. The amarok has all the goods from factory to give incredible offroad traction. Go on, give it the serious offroad suspension and tires it deserves guys!!!

[davidfrancis]

I purchased a Trendsetter Amarok in 2011 & drove it for 225, 000 Km. It is now owned by my Grandson. Other than a broken fuel filter going through a creek I have not had any mechanical problems. The pulleys had to be replaced under warranty from plastic to steel. The only other requirements were regular services. This was the cheapest to run work car I have ever had. I drove on numerous dirt roads & did lots of paddock work, Climbed many hills in paddocks & had to climb over rocks on some properties & never had a problem. Excellent fuel efficiency. I recall I also had one sensor replaced very early on.

[brunowright]

Had my 2017 highline since new and has been very reliable. Starter motor replaced under warranty. Done a few serious off-road excursions and it performed brilliantly. From the series 1 Land Rover that I learnt to drive on in the early ‘70s to now I have always had a 4x4 and this one has been the best. Hard to think of a more comfortable replacement. Towed 3 tonne (excavator and trailer) about 800ks and averaged 17lt per 100kms. Was pushing it hard up the hills. Normal average around town 9.5. Tyre type make big difference.

[willb]

I bought a 2012 4cyl, not a single issue and have had it for 2 years now. Such an incredible and underrated car, have out preformed mates hilux’s, navs, colorados, by-50’s and not a single issue. Such a well designed and comfy car that looks tough.

I will say the only issue I have with the amarok is it’s stock tyre size and how low this makes the diffs. But after upgrading to some 33’s it out paces and preforms even the most modified utes and all it has is a new set of tyres.

Love the car and would recommend it over almost any car on the market.

[connorvee]

My dad had a 2018 v6 rok, never failed him, he’s favourite daily he’s ever owned. Towing was effortless due to the strong v6. Would tow a quad up to Queensland, 1000km+ trips without an issue.

Has now upgraded to the 580 walkinshaw and it’s unreal !

[mjhmech]

Very solid vehicle with excellent build quality. We work on several of these vehicles some used in absolutely extreme conditions offroad ie for remote area field service (Conditions historically known to destroy Tritons, Hilux's, BT50's & even 70 series LandCruisers! etc ): PRO'S: Extremely tough vehicle with better manners on the road than pretty much anything else in class. Superior braking than anything else in class with perhaps exception to HSV brake equipped Colorado etc. 2lt Biturbo engine (CSHA) and 8sp auto respond extremely well to a proper ECM&TCM tune and will make plenty of power/torque for towing 22'+ vans etc. Cons: Coolant 'B' pump (EGR/Turbo coolant pump) failures are common (2.0 BiTurb). Euro style wheel studs are rubbish! As mentioned, power derate in reverse in soft sand can and will leave you stranded! Rear wheel speed sensors & wiring are vulnerable to rock damage on unsealed roads and quite $$ to replace. Sealed accessory belt cover on the 2.0 CSHA engine means it isn't always checked - if the accessory belt begins to fail it usually takes out the engine timing belt in the process causing the T belt to jump teeth = very bad!! DPF failure & possible spontaneous combustion of vehicle (V6tdi). Plastic airbox screws will strip out & cause engine dusting if not sorted. Fortunately, the airbox is super easy to remove / replace. AWD front end is FAR too low standard meaning that enormous jail bar style bash guard WILL get an absolute beating in the limited places you can actually go offroad with stock suspension meaning NO you cannot remove/re fit it = pain in the ass to drain the engine oil without making a huge mess!!! Some say there was once a man of incredible intelligence and dexterity who was ACTUALLY able to check and change the front diff oil WITHOUT removing the differential assembly 1st Great channel content - love it!!

[viktorvezdenetskyi]

2 of my mates owns earlier 4 cyl models never had a problems with them and a ride is fantastic very comfy even on the back seat never noticed lack of space I'm 183 cms

[princejobe]

It's nice seeing correct Mzansi price figures for this bakkie.

[digisuboob]

im 6"4 and my wife is 5'1 and we both fit comfortably in the drivers seat. we just bought a 2018 second hand and we are very impressed with it.