Model by model: 2023 Volkswagen Amarok in detail

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is finally out in the open and will launch globally later this year ahead of its showroom arrival in Australia early in 2023.

We’ve already delved into the global unveiling and related news such as the new Amarok’s readiness for electric powertrains and the hot prospects of an Aussie-developed flagship version primed to take on the related Ford Ranger Raptor.

But let’s take a look at the five trim levels that will be offered on the new Volkswagen Amarok globally, and what each one has to offer in terms of its character and spec.

We’ve also detailed the major options and genuine factory accessories developed for VW’s new ute.

Australian pricing and specifications are still to be locked in, but we can confirm four engines will be available in our market:

All will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission save for the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel which will come with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The manual is still to be confirmed for Australia.

Known only as the Volkswagen Amarok, the entry-level model in VW’s second-generation ute range – which is based on the new Ford Ranger – flaunts typic workhorse staples like 16-inch steel wheels, a scrape- and bump-friendly unpainted bumper, LED headlights, rear cab wall protector in the tub and plenty of tie-down points.

Inside, there’s an 8.0-inch digital cockpit, 10.0-inch infotainment system featuring smartphone mirroring, online connectivity and DAB+ digital radio played via a four-speaker sound system, manual seat adjustment, cloth upholstery and electric mirrors.

Headline driver safety systems include adaptive cruise control, dynamic road sign display, intelligent speed assist, lane assist, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Painted front bumpers, LED fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels define the exterior of the second-tier Volkswagen Amarok Life, while heated wing mirrors up the exterior tech stakes.

Building on the base Amarok’s spec, the Life adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium seat covers, additional front seat adjustment, tinted front windows, front parking sensors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, a six-speaker sound system and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Convenience and security measures have also been enhanced over the base model with the tailgate being integrated into the car’s central locking system.

The Volkswagen Amarok Style is where we start to see headline tech and luxury features thrown into mix, courtesy of its standard IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights, 12.0-inch digital cockpit and infotainment screens, wireless phone charging and ‘ArtVelour’ seat trim.

Other higher-end features include a leather-clad gear shifter, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 10-way powered seat adjustment for the driver, keyless entry/start and an insulated windscreen.

Chrome trim elements hint at this higher level of sophistication from the outside, with the whole package rolling on black 18-inch alloys.

Blind spot monitoring is also standard at this level.

One of two flagship models in the range, the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana is positioned as the most adventure-ready ute and makes this intent clear with its ‘X-Design’ front bumper, black alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and black decals, side steps and sports bars.

Featuring the same technology highlights as the Style and then some, the PanAmericana ups the ante with LED tail-lights, ‘Cricket’ leather upholstery, 10-way powered seat adjustment for the passenger, faux-leather instrument panel, satellite navigation, eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and ambient lighting.

An illuminated tub brings extra convenience to the rear-end, while the suite of standard driver assist systems is expanded further with park assist, a 360-degree camera and intelligent speed assist.

A vehicle for the more urban-minded ute buyer, the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura is the PanAmericana’s road-going equivalent, as indicated by its standard 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome wing mirrors and door handles.

Body-coloured sail-plain sports bars further distinguish it from the rest of the range, as do the chrome-trimmed side steps.

Inside the cabin we find all the same headline gear as in the PanAmericana, albeit with different leather upholstery (Savona v Cricket).

One feature reserved exclusively for the Aventura is the lane assist suite, including lane centring.

Like its Ford Ranger sibling, the new Volkswagen Amarok will be offered globally with a host of genuine accessories ranging from purely cosmetic touches through to suspension kits and underbody protection.

Some features will inevitably be model and market specific, but the global list paves the way for what we can expect to see offered in Australia:

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