My in-depth Volkswagen Amarok long term review unveils its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it fits your lifestyle.
We explore its performance, comfort, practicality, and ownership costs, all packed into a concise and informative read.
Dive in and discover if this German truck is your perfect adventure companion!
Key Takeaways:
- The Volkswagen Amarok is a capable and comfortable pickup truck that offers a blend of on-road refinement and off-road prowess.
- The powerful V6 engine provides ample power for work and play, while the spacious cabin and comfortable ride make it a great choice for families.
- However, the Amarok’s larger size and higher price tag may deter some buyers, and its fuel economy isn’t the best in its class.
Powerful V6, comfy interior, impressive towing, but bigger size & higher price. Ideal for adventure-seeking families who prioritize performance & luxury over fuel efficiency. Explore further to see if it conquers your needs!
Who Should Consider the Amarok?
The Volkswagen Amarok is a versatile vehicle that can cater to a variety of lifestyles. Here are some key groups who might find it particularly appealing:
- Adventurers: The Amarok’s capable off-road abilities and spacious cargo bed make it ideal for exploring the outdoors.
- Families: The comfortable cabin, ample passenger space, and available family-friendly features make it a good choice for hauling the crew.
- Business Owners: The Amarok’s towing capacity and payload capabilities make it a valuable asset for work tasks.
- Style-Conscious Drivers: The Amarok’s sleek design and premium interior stand out from the crowd.
What We’ll Cover in This Volkswagen Amarok long term Review
This comprehensive review will explore every aspect of the Volkswagen Amarok, including:
- Performance & Driving: We’ll evaluate the Amarok’s engine options, on-road handling, and off-road capabilities.
- Interior & Technology: We’ll assess the cabin design, comfort, infotainment system, and driver assistance features.
- Practicality & Ownership: We’ll delve into the Amarok’s cargo space, towing capacity, fuel economy, running costs, reliability, and safety.
- Verdict & Alternatives: We’ll summarize our key findings, recommend who should buy the Amarok, and compare it to its main competitors.
Performance & Driving
The Volkswagen Amarok boasts a powerful and efficient 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that produces 237 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
This engine provides ample grunt for hauling heavy loads and tackling challenging terrain, while still delivering respectable fuel economy for a pickup truck.
On-Road Driving Impressions:
Behind the wheel, the Amarok feels surprisingly refined for a pickup truck.
The steering is responsive and precise, and the suspension provides a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
The V6 engine delivers smooth and linear acceleration, making it easy to navigate city traffic or cruise down the highway.
| Feature | Volkswagen Amarok | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 turbodiesel | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 2.7L I4 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 237 | 270 | 160 | 305 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 442 | 310 | 180 | 392 |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 20/25 mpg | 18/25 mpg | 20/23 mpg | 19/25 mpg |
Off-Road Capabilities
The Amarok isn’t just a pavement princess; it’s also a capable off-roader.
It features a four-wheel drive system with selectable modes, high ground clearance, and approach/departure angles that allow it to tackle challenging terrain with confidence.
While not as hardcore as some dedicated off-road trucks, the Amarok is still capable of handling most off-road adventures.
Interior & Technology
Stepping inside the Amarok’s cabin reveals a spacious and comfortable environment that rivals many SUVs.
The high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and premium finishes create a luxurious feel throughout.
The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys, and the ample legroom and headroom ensure passenger comfort in all five positions.
Infotainment System
The Amarok comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that features a touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration.
The system is responsive and easy to use, even while wearing gloves.
Driver Assistance Features
The Amarok offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features that enhance safety and convenience, including:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
These features provide valuable assistance on the road, making the Amarok a safer and more relaxing driving experience.
Practicality & Ownership
Cargo Bed & Towing Capacity
The Amarok boasts a spacious cargo bed that can easily accommodate bikes, camping gear, or other large items.
The bed is also equipped with tie-down points to secure your cargo safely.
In terms of towing capacity, the Amarok can haul up to 9,000 pounds, making it ideal for towing trailers, boats, or other equipment.
| Feature | Volkswagen Amarok | Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed Length | 78.7 inches | 73.3 inches | 60.5 inches | 78.8 inches |
| Bed Width | 50.4 inches | 51.8 inches | 45.6 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Maximum Payload | 1,984 pounds | 1,860 pounds | 1,445 pounds | 2,300 pounds |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 9,000 pounds | 7,500 pounds | 6,800 pounds | 12,750 pounds |
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
While the Amarok’s powerful V6 engine provides plenty of muscle, it comes at the expense of fuel economy.
The EPA estimates 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. However, real-world fuel economy may be lower, especially when towing or driving in challenging conditions.
Maintenance costs for the Amarok are average for the class, and Volkswagen offers a comprehensive warranty package for added peace of mind.
Reliability & Safety
The Amarok has earned a good reputation for reliability, with few reported problems in its initial years on the market.
It also received a four-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further bolstering its credentials as a safe and reliable vehicle.
pros and cons of the Volkswagen Amarok
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient V6 engine
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Excellent towing capacity
- Luxurious features and high-quality materials
- Good reputation for reliability
- Four-star safety rating from NHTSA
Cons:
- Higher starting price than some competitors
- Lower fuel economy than some competitors
- Larger size may not be ideal for all drivers
- Limited off-road features compared to some competitors
Verdict & Alternatives
The Volkswagen Amarok is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a blend of on-road refinement, off-road capability, and comfortable accommodations.
Its powerful V6 engine, spacious interior, and impressive towing capacity make it a versatile option for work and play.
However, the Amarok’s larger size and higher price tag may deter some buyers, and its fuel economy isn’t the best in its class.
Who Should Buy the Amarok?
If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, and capable pickup truck that prioritizes performance and luxury over fuel efficiency, the Amarok is definitely worth considering.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prioritize fuel economy above all else, there may be better options available.
Key Competitors & Alternatives:
The Amarok’s main competitors include:
- Ford Ranger: Offers a wider range of engine options and a lower starting price, but the interior isn’t as luxurious.
- Toyota Tacoma: More fuel-efficient and known for its reliability, but it’s smaller and less powerful than the Amarok.
- Ram 1500: Offers the most powerful engine options and the highest towing capacity, but it’s also the largest and most expensive truck in this segment.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Amarok compare to the Ford Ranger in terms of off-road capability?
A: Both trucks are capable off-roaders, but they have different strengths. The Amarok offers a more comfortable ride and better approach/departure angles, making it ideal for technical terrain. The Ranger, however, has a wider variety of off-road features and a more dedicated off-road suspension, making it better suited for more extreme adventures.
Q: Is the Amarok reliable?
A: Yes, the Amarok has earned a good reputation for reliability, with few reported problems in its initial years on the market. It also received a four-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Q: What are the Amarok’s fuel economy figures?
A: The EPA estimates 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the Amarok. However, real-world fuel economy may be lower, especially when towing or driving in challenging conditions.
Q: How much does the Amarok cost?
A: The starting price for the Amarok is higher than some of its competitors, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. However, it comes with a more luxurious interior and standard features that are optional on other trucks.
Q: Is the Amarok a good family car?
A: Yes, the Amarok can be a good family car thanks to its spacious and comfortable interior, ample cargo space, and available family-friendly features such as rear seat entertainment and child safety locks. However, its larger size and higher price tag may not be ideal for all families.
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