Buying a used Volkswagen Amarok (2016-2022)

Volkswagen was a newcomer to the Australian dual-cab ute market in 2011 with the Volkswagen Amarok. The 2H series Amarok was available from its Australian 2011 launch in dual-cab form, powered by a 90kW/300Nm 2WD or 120kW/400Nm 2.0 turbo-diesel 4WD, all linked to a manual transmission only.

Then in 2012, single cab versions become available and the rear-wheel drive or selectable dual-range 4MOTION 4WD with a six-speed manual transmission were joined by an eight-speed auto option, using single range, permanent 4WD via a Torsen differential.

You can read more detail about what you should know about buying a used Volkswagen Amarok (2011-2016) in an article we’ve already done.

In this article, we’re looking at buying a used Volkswagen Amarok from the MY17 update released in November 2016 to the end of the 2H Amarok series in 2023, when the Ford Ranger-shared platform arrived.

As there were many variants of Amarok, to keep it simple as possible we are focusing on the dual-cab 4WD V6 version. Within a year of introduction, the V6 version accounted for 70 per cent of all Amarok sales and took 90 percent by 2020. By 2018 only the Core Edition and Core Plus were offered with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine.

As it was, there were many changes and updates from the V6 introduction for MY17 facelift (released November 2016 for V6; February 2017 for four-cylinder), ranging from engine output improvements, a manual transmission choice, increased towing capacity (but not for the manual V6 version), trim line introductions both at the entry-level and top level as well as many limited editions. It even teamed up with Walkinshaw with sporty on-road and off-road models to keep buyer interest against an increasing number of newer ute competitors.

The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok was launched in 2023 based on the Ford Ranger.

The MY17 Volkswagen Amarok update went on sale in November 2016, with the carry-over four-cylinder diesel joined by a new V6 powertrain option. All models benefitted from new technology including minor safety and infotainment revisions and a light facelift focused on the front-end design and dashboard display.

The V6 was initially available only in two grades, Highline and Ultimate, adding a $3000-$4000 premium over the four-cylinder diesel. Both variants were fitted with the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, also found in the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. In Amarok guise, the MY17 V6 arrived only with an eight-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed V6 manual in base Core trim would arrive two years later), with outputs rated to 165kW and 550Nm.

In November 2016 the Highline featured 18-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel side steps, bi-xenon headlights fog lights, tyre pressure monitoring, climate-control, 6.3-inch colour touch-screen with sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and four 12-volt power outlets.

The Ultimate added 19-inch wheels, an extended sports bar, LED puddle lights, a spray-on tub liner, 14-way electric and heated front seats, Nappa leather, leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, automated parking and stainless-steel pedals.

The Volkswagen Amarok’s MY17 safety suite update included Multi-Collision Braking, which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to prevent a further incident. But Amarok still lacked safety features available in other utes by 2017.

For example, while Amarok received a five-star safety rating, it lacked rear curtain airbags, and also lacked autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control and lane keep assist.

In August 2017, Volkswagen broadened the Amarok V6’s appeal with the introduction of an entry model called Sportline (later to become one up from base when the Core arrived). The Sportline was fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, mechanical differential lock, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, 6.33-inch infotainment screen with app connect and Apple CarPlay, four 12-volt outlets (including one on the tray) and tinted windows.

In October 2017, the MY18 Amarok towing capacity was increased from 3000kg to 3500kg, with towball download remaining at 300kg. Four-cylinder models continued with a 3000kg/300kg maximum.

Then from October 2018, a base-grade MY19 Amarok V6 Core variant. Fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, parking sensors and a 6.5-inch touch-screen and vinyl floors, the Core initially came only with an eight-speed automatic.

Also on sale from October 2018 for MY19, an upgraded Euro 6 emissions-compliant 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel arrived, in Highline trim only. It produced 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque (up 15kW and 30Nm), with 200kW available on overboost.

In August 2019 the Amarok V6 Highline Black joined the range, adding blacked-out features including 20-inch black alloy wheels, styling bar and side bars, rear bumper, badging and more.

A special edition arrived in September 2019 called the Amarok TDI550 Canyon, based on the Core V6 auto. Features included unique 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted LED tail-lights, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, black rear bumper, front/rear parking sensors and Canyon door and tailgate decals. Of the four colours available, the Outback Orange colour (unique to Canyon) also featured black guard extensions.

From January 2020, a six-speed manual V6 Core was released. For the first month of sales, Volkswagen offere the Amarok V6 manual with a free Enduro pack bringing a black sports bar, bonnet protector and black body side decals.

Fitted with a six-speed manual, low-range four-wheel drive gearing and a differential lock as standard, the manual’s outputs matched the standard V6 eight-speed automatic with 165kW (180kW on overboost) and 550Nm, but braked towing capacity was reduced from the automatic’s 3.5 tonnes to 3.0 tonnes.

January 2020 also saw the Amarok TDI580 Adventura arrive, that featured ErgoComfort heated front seats, sports pedals, illuminated side steps, 20-inch wheels, moulded body-colour sail plane and protective coating in the tray.

In June 2020, a limited edition called Amarok 580S went on sale. Just 200 examples of the 580S were offered in Australia, with a body-coloured moulded rear styling bar, a body-coloured roof-mounted light bar with two 86-Watt LED lamps and a premium black rear roll cover among the improvements over Ultimate spec.

By September 2020, Volkswagen’s then best-selling Amarok, the Highline, increased engine outputs to match the Ultimate grade, at 190kW (200kW on overboost) and 580Nm.

With the help of Melbourne-based Walkinshaw, road-oriented sports models the Volkswagen Amarok W580 and W580S arrived in April 2021. Highlights included unique suspension tune, custom twin exhaust system (580S only) and Walkinshaw-designed 20-inch alloy wheels. By 2022, the lower-spec W580 was in run-out and was replaced with the Volkswagen Amarok 580X, introduced in May 2022 as an off-road oriented model that included all-terrain tyres, front suspension lift, off-road dampers all round, new front-end design with LED light bar and improved underbody protection.

By June 2022, Alpine and Alpine Plus packs arrived (limited to 100 each), available on the Core Auto, Sportline, Highline and Aventura grades. Developed by off-road specialist Seikel, both option packs added up to 25mm ground clearance with a Koni RAID off-road suspension kit, heavy-duty cast steel to strengthen the lower portion of the front shocks, polyethylene snorkel and protective cladding for wheel-arches.

The Alpine Plus package, added engine, transmission and rear diff underbody protection, rock sliders, protective cladding for the doors and a breather kit for the transmission, transfer case and front and rear differentials.

The Volkswagen Amarok 2H Amarok was a really good ute to drive for the time, with class-leading ride quality and dynamics, decent interior space and good fit and finish for a ute. The V6 was among the quickest utes of the time and had good fuel economy.

While the Amarok automatic did not have low range (the manual did), the 4MOTION 4WD system was better in day-to-day use than part-time 4WD offered in most competitors.

The Volkswagen Amarok has plenty of space for a family of five, although the back seat is better for sub-teens than lanky teenagers. This is as good as any dual-cab for family use, and better than most for ride quality, something many utes don’t do well. Be aware that if you want to tow a big family van, pay close attention to payload and towing specs especially if looking at a vehicle built before the towing capacity upgrade.

The 2H Amarok series did lack some safety features introduced elsewhere at the time. Amarok did not have rear side curtain airbags or Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert or lane keep assist.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

The 2017-2018 Volkswagen Amarok V6 was recalled in July 2019 for a potentially faulty power steering hose clip, which may cause leaks.

In March 2021, a recall was issued for the cable for the spare wheel winch that could weaken and snap in Amaroks sold from August 2016 to March 2019.

Used vehicle grading for Volkswagen Amarok (2016-22)
Design & Function: 16/20
Safety: 14/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 16/20
Score: 76/100

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