Volkswagen Amarok 2H.II (2016-2021)

Absolutely the worst car that I have owned. I have had numerous electrical issues, oil leaks and dpf problems. I can't express my dissatisfaction with this supposedly top of the line ute. Save your self the trouble and never buy a Volkswagen vehicle unless you like to throw money down the pit. Show details

Excellent. Best vehicle I have owned – Bought new and have had this vehicle for 4 years and travelled 80,000 kms much of it towing a 3300 kg caravan. I have had it serviced exactly on every 15,000 klm by Volkswagen service centres. There was a little bit of oil use for the first year but since then nil oil use. The servicing is expensive and seems to average about $700 or more. Was… Read more

told last time that the front brakes will need to be done next service. This is $800 as they use new disks as the disks are soft and cannot be machined. So I pay out for servicing and the payoff is zero problems.

I cannot speak more highly of it. It is powerful and pulls the caravan easily. I can accelerate up hills! Without the caravan on it is wonderful to drive. I have had zero faults with it. Still on the original set of Michelin tyres with plenty left on the treads. Fuel consumption towing is 14 to 18 litres per 100 klm. Not towing is 8 to 10.

I have been off road a couple of times and on the beach more than a few times. This thing is a beast off road and on the sand. The computer handles everything and I get to sit there and look like a hero. My friends say 'well it does not have low range'. I tell them whilst they are mucking around with buttons and switches I am off and gone without them. As far as I can tell the 'low range' works through the gearbox and the computer. It does have a diff lock and I have never needed it.

One time my wife and I were out driving and we came across a track going up a very steep hill. Not very long but really steep. My wife says 'you are not going up there are you?'. I said we won't be able to get all the way up but I would like to see how far we can go before reversing down. So up we went, and up and up and up. I thought the car might roll over on its back. But it went up without any skidding and no diff lock. Once over the top we found we were in an orchard. Having escaped the lions den I was not going back for my hat, so we drove through the orchard until we found a way out and before being confronted by an irate owner.

Ok, I have told myself - 'Self! no more off road'. Off road is no place for a careful 74 year old. But I still do the beach, carefully and sensibly. I am not sure if I have a hidden talent, but I have never been stuck. Maybe its the car???

Just yesterday we were in NSW at an unnamed beach. There was a vehicle track onto the beach but it went up steep to a crown and I could not see the beach. My wife says 'you are not going onto the beach are you?'. I told her I was just going to poke my nose onto the beach to have a look. So up we went and down to the beach. It was full tide and there was only soft deep sand. After getting onto the beach I tried to turn around. As I reversed up I felt the rear tyres dig in. So I stopped and put her into 'sport' and turned off the stability control. Then I booted it! We went around in a blaze of sand with all 4 wheels spinning. The outside front wheel was covering the windscreen with sand. All the while my wife was snapping pics of the view out the window as the scene changed. We got out but I felt that was a close one. Got back and needed a nice cup of tea.

If you have not owned a ute know this. They are bulky around town. The parking spots are tight. On the other hand I like the respect you get when you turn on the indicator. Ha!

Great Ute but a few things could be improved – I use my Amarok for private use, pulling a large 20 ft caravan, trailer and travelling. Although it is a 6 cyclinder I find it more economical than my previous Nissan 4 cylinder. It has lots of power and pulls the big caravan fully loaded with ease - we live up a Mountain that is very steep. It has been very reliable so far being under 6… Read more

months old - we have had an issue with the oil light coming on and taken it back twice now - we read on facebook page that this is a common problem. I find it travels very quietly compared to other 4x4's and I tried a lot before purchasing this one. I do find it is quite rigid and wish the seats were softer and more comfortable but I do love this Ute. I don't like the wheel rims which are black & silver - would prefer silver to go with the chrome trim. Could do with a woman's touch inside for compartments etc All in all a great ute with the best power - I really loved my previous 2 Nissans but they just didn't have the grunt we needed. Loved the look of the Nissan Warrior would have loved to buy one if it had a bigger engine.

J Tech Adelaide an excellent enhancement – I met Josh about 5 years ago when i had a different vehicle he seemed very knowledgeable and sincere he gave me some great tips - I kept his number for future reference and I’m glad I did ! My V6 Amarok just ran out of warranty and I looked to buy a new one - but honestly couldn’t see the difference apart from a 30k odd extra price - I wanted an… Read more

alternative as my particulate filter was starting to act up etc. I phoned Josh who in the last 5 years developed a remapping etc for the Amarok V6

I pickup up my car the other day - I was given a dyno chart and an excellent briefing - far out - it’s truly amazing - a huge performance difference - the fuel economy is better, I can’t keep my behind out of the seat! I don’t have any reason now to sell/ trade in my Amarok !

Talk to Josh take a test drive in his Amarok - you won’t be disappointed from the moment you phone him on 0422770660 Thanks Josh you’ve helped my pocket and put a huge smile on my face and thanks for the loan car

PS

I'm not being paid for this review its a true and honest account

Amarok V6 Highline – I would like to share my experience about my second Volkswagen Amarok - a 2017 V6 Highline. This vehicle has now covered over 30K in eight months, a significant part of this towing our three tonne caravan. The V6 engine combined with the eight speed transmission has proven to be an amazing combination for hard work, providing effortless towing… Read more

and excellent fuel consumption.

This vehicle has proved faultless, just as my previous four cylinder Amarok (50k and no warranty work). Steering, ride, cabin quietness and comfort astound me each time I drive. It is so good, one could only class it as a luxury car, not a commercial vehicle.

Fuel consumption has averaged 8.7 and 16.5 when towing. Operating/servicing costs are fair, service cost is more than a Hilux, but interval is 15,000 kilometres instead of 10,000.

My only request to Volkswagen; fit more modern safety equipment as in the least of the VW passenger cars and airbags for side/rear seat passenger protection.

Although missing some of the high tech safety equipment offered in other utilities, there are a number of safety advantages driving the V6 Amarok, such as, acceleration when passing road trains, quiet comfortable cabin, excellent ride and steering, disc braking on the rear axle and a vehicle that can tow three tonnes at posted speed limits and have vast amounts of power in reserve. It also has a unique trailer anti-sway system employed if fitted with a genuine Volkswagen tow bar and constant four wheel drive.

Ocotber 6th 2018 Update: V6 Amarok is undoubtably the best utility available in Australia.

My V6 Amarok is twelve months old being somewhat a lifetime car-buff, I can only say this is the best multipurpose vehicle ever parked in my garage. It has now covered 40,000 faultless kilometres, cruising long distances on Australia's poor highways, working around the city, towing heavy loads and enjoying the landscape with a three tonne caravan behind, the Amarok demonstrates its superiority over all other crew cab vehicles. When not towing, it is a cool sports car (leaving many performance cars behind), when cruising long distances, it morphs into a luxury sedan, quiet, comfortable and economical, when loaded with max loads the throb under the bonnet becomes more noticeable, however, the amazing V6 just gets to work - never slowing down, just drinking a little more fuel. The other astonishing thing with the Amarok is the harmony between the eight speed gearbox and the V6 engine. Cruising at maximum weight/highway speed is effectively managed in eighth gear where the "other" big towing vehicle, the V8T's never find top gear when loaded! The big Amarok just wants to be driven and enjoyed. Our VW dealer provides great personal service/back-up and VW keeps us in touch with their product advances.

Spare Tyre change – Great car,, but impossible to change spare wheel with supplied tool kit . The safety anti theft bolt can only be removed with a rattle gun , no ring spanner or standard socket could remove excessively tight long threaded bolt. Very poorly designed Also vw manual is ridiculous to navigate Show details

Amazing vehicle for what i need for my business – My vehicle is used primarily for business use as a builder. You forget you are driving a ute its so comfortable. Effortless towing. You have all the grunt and stopping power needed, handling is uncomprimised by having three tonne behind it. I've had the Pedders GVM upgrade done from new, so whether that plays too much of a part, I'm unaware. … Read more

This vehicle is used mainly for the 1000 km round trip to obtain supplies for my business, generally once a fortnight and sometimes around town. I had a service done at 7500 kms (even though not due until 20 000) because i wanted to make sure there were no issues with the vehicle. I have zero issues with the vehicle except i wish i had bought one earlier

My second Amarok ,the first Wass 4 cylinder did 285 ,000kms with little trouble , very economical – The V6 engine is excellent with ample overtaking power and towing torque - the all wheel drive on gravel roads is top class , ability in sand is awesome . The fuel consumption is not great in comparison with the 4 cylinder model, especially loaded & A/T tyres fitted . Road manners and comfort set this vehicle apart from the rest , it is quiet and very comfortable on long trips . No problem to do 1,000km in a day with 2 drivers . Show details

Not well thought out – The car is used for towing a caravan which it does well. On the model I have to be able to screw in the tow bolt in the front of the vehicle a full plastic panel has to be remove to do this, very hard to do when sunk in mud. Spare tire very hard to get out particularly more difficult after the recall retro fit of a special lock nut, have to craw… Read more

under vehicle to take it off, very dangerous if the vehicle on the jack. Reverse gear is very weak when pushing caravan up a slope.

Stay clear as you can`t test it at night or push your boat around while you test drive!! – We use our 2021 Amarok for daily commute and was hoping to use it for camping and family holidays, but... a Severely Reduced reverse gear!! Struggles to push the boat into the yard! Forced to use the old 07 Navara. Transmission is always in the wrong gear!! This vehicle makes us feel unsafe in traffic. Rented a Toyota Ascent on the weekend - it… Read more

was in the right gear every time..No Worries!! Complained several times with no help from agents. Their response,.. "We know about the problem. Nothing we can do, you just have to take it the way it is" Poorly placed, low quality reverse camera. Reverse light - completely useless and combined with the poor camera makes reversing at night a truly unsafe exercise. No Air bags in the back of this $80k car for your kids... My 2017 workmate had better head lights than this. I grew up in Volkswagen's and have owned many over the years. My previous Amarok was the 2016 420 Highline and we absolutely loved it. We own more than 30 utes in our work fleet, including Isuzu, Toyota, Nissan and of late, Volkswagen's. These include 4x4, 4x2, single and double cabs all set up for different work applications. After purchasing this Amarok, we have decided to not buy another VW. The last ANCAP test was done in 2011 and the vehicle was rated ANCAP 5. I very much doubt the new model will get that rating. We are truly disappointed with this vehicle and I hope this review is helpful to you when you look for your next purchase. You worked hard and deserve a vehicle that will carry you and your family over thousands of very happy kilometers, not what we are experiencing.

Worst car iv ever owned – The panels are so weak I would find tiny dents all over the car. I recently sold it at only 22,000kms I have always taken great care of my cars But for a car only 3 years old The seats where ripping a headrest broke Issues with fuel consumption This is not a work truck or a worthy off-road vehicle Last VW I will ever own so disappointed and don’t understand how there isn’t outcry over these cars being so poorly built Show details

Love this vehicle, massive upgrade from my previous 4wd – I use my amarok as a daily driver and for 4wding and touring for a fee years now with no issues. Very comfortable to drive around the city and off road. I get it serviced at the dealer at the regular intervals while under warranty. Drives well, very responsive and great on fuel. This is far more fuel efficient than my previous Nissan 4cyl 4wd… Read more

and is a massive upgrade inside and out.

Highly recommended this vehicle for personal and family use and for work.

I do however not recommend Essondon Volkswagen, they have outright lied to me on both of my purchases with them. I was told I was buying an MY19 and was supplied an MY18 and when I bought my other vehicle I was told I was buying a MY15 Golf I was supplied a MY14 both times I was brushed off by the dealers after the sale being told it was an honest mistake for one and the other I was rold it was my fault because I needed it asap.....

Great Operator – This vehicle is my lifeline, a tower, a worker and a pleasure to drive to work. German engineering based quality and experience. A great vehicle to own, with many years of service Show details

Fantastic car, great value, very reliable – I have had this car for 3 years and done 50k on it, no issues at all and it is great on road and off road. I have recovered many rangers and the odd landcruiser in it on the tracks and then leave them for dead on the road. Couldn't rate this vehicle, higher. Also it is far cheaper then Toyota and Ford, not as cheap as a triton but is far better build quality. Show details

Sensor detection issue – Had a collision with a material-covered bar where the sensors did not sound. On investigation, there is a blind spot on the rear, out of camera, mirror and window view. Detection is limited for people and fabrics. VW Australia will not take responsibility and VW Southern dealership firstly stated the sensors "do not pick up all objects" then to… Read more

state "the vehicle is operating as normal".

I have posted a video of which VW Australia and the dealership has viewed and now dismissed as "the video is not taken in real-time".

https://youtu.be/Jn4hH4JRiz0

Awesome ute – Had it nearly 3 years now, no issues what so ever, brilliant fuel economy (8.6 mostly) even with a steel bull bar fitted. Particulate filter light came on a couple of times but driving on the freeway at 100kph for 5 minutes and it goes out, obviously not getting hot enough around town. Use to have a Colorado, there is no comparison, the V6 Amarok… Read more

is so much better in every way. I read a lot of criticism about Amarok off-road, from my experience unjustified, last year I was even lucky enough to do the Spirit of Amarok event at the Melbourne off-road proving ground, amazing what these can do without a transfer case and in my opinion they are the future.

great truck – Has exceeded our expectations. Purchased new in Dec 2017 and now with almost 30k on the clock. Paid a great price even though we thought it would be much more expensive beibg a VW. Handles way better than expected and hauls without fuss. Can not do without our first dual cab ute and already planning our next.  Show details

Love it! But not again – Fantastic vehicle to drive. More comfortable to drive than the other main competitors in that market that i drove. Pretty good on fuel. Out competed a hilux and patrol when i went off roading in northern nsw. however, capped price servicing is super expensive and im apprehensive when the warranty runs out as a few items have needed to be replaced… Read more

and the cost was quite high, If i had my time again i would have gone a vehicle with cheaper servicing and parts (hilux). But i still think the amaroks the best to drive.

Oil consumption – The vehicle it self is a good Ute my concern is the amount of oil they use A new car should not use this amount of oil 2 litres of oil 8000k vw tell you it acceptable to use 500 ml every 1000k crap they should for a new car this is not acceptable I also have a ticking noise in motor I have in contact with dealer with no response  Show details

Dpf problems – Thought it was the best. Car just got towed because apparently once a month you need to take it on a freeway and drive for 30mins @100km/h. Because that's so easy to do in Sydney apparently. Really annoyed me when they looked at u in service centre like u were in the wrong.  Show details

Let down by lack of customer service – Started out great but after a few thousand k's it started using oil, approx 2 litres per 5,000k's, now I have a loud ticking noise coming from the engine. It has 11,000k's on the clock now, it is still using oil and the dealership are not interested in looking at the ticking noise coming from the motor. I have had a bad experience with VW in the… Read more

past and swore I would never buy another one - I can't believe I went and bought another one of their faulty vehicles!!!

The future of 4x4 pickup trucks – I bought a new MY15 auto after test driving the then new mq triton. The amarok is at least half a generation ahead even its already 4 years old. I had a mn triton before this. The old triton was like a tractor comparing to the amarok. On the road the amarok drives like a large suv. No 4x4 pickup truck has ever come closed to the refinement and… Read more

driving experience.

Of course I wasn't buying a 4x4 ute to cruise on the highway. I mod it up, bullbar, winch, lift, canopy, drawer systems, snorkels etc.... I made it a go anywhere tourer. I've been to many 4wd parks and NP: Jenowan, LC, swan gully, GHM, fraser..... Some people laughing it has no low range, too many electronics, Europeans reliability..... I can only pity them. They will never know 4wding can be such relaxing, comfortable and refined. I will never get out of my truck after a full day of fun with loosing bones or needing new set of hearing aids. With the absence of the low range.... It doesn't have one because it doesn't need one. The amarok will get up any hills the other 4wd can go with a low range. Or it will better most of them with the same setup (if someone has a 4inch lift +35inch tyres thats another story). People just need to grow on. This is the future of the 4wd and like the absence of manual gearboxes in many sports cars, eventually every 4wd will be made this way.

Like every other car, this Amarok is not perfect. Even i have no problem going up n down the hills i still willing it has lower 1st gear (not a low range), better reversing, better 2nd row leg room, more storage space, bigger standard tyres (at least 1 inch smaller than it's size deserves), a bigger mirror that folds in a proper way....... I did hear some owners having problems, and so does the new Hilux......

Well as I'm so impressive with the amarok i bought another one as my work truck......

Amazing V6 Highline – I had to trade in my much loved 2 litre Amarok, it was a manual, my left knee was giving me what'o so I traded it for this v6 Auto Highline Amarok with 3500 towing capacity. A couple of months in, I totally love this car with the V6 diesel 8 speed auto it drives amazing, the guys at Duttons were great, I drove the Ranger and BT50 all on the same… Read more

day, I'm really happy with my choice and glad I paid the extra to have the space, power and comfort. Towing is sensational!!

If you're considering a twin cab do yourself a favour and drive one of these, in my opinion it leaves the other twin cabs hand down,

Worst lemon car!!! – Never buy any VW cars!!! It is getting worse quality, not the same as before. This letter below is what I complain about my car to VW. And the response was very classic, you have 3 years warranty. How come grease or oil can be leaked from the diff and your mechanic say normal to that oil leak? While checking the car, [name removed] from DP… Read more

motors found another oil leak from engine and transmission. Please refer to the letter attached.

Found the transmission wire harness disconnected and reconnected wrong way around and undone. Refer to attached photos.

Found front diff wrapped with masking tape??

The list what I found and repaired.

1.front grill broken and repaired twice.

10/7/17

2.teligate door repainted and readjusted.2/08/17.

3.driver seat cover broken and repaired.

4.lhf door trim broken replaced and found still not working and replaced the motor.12/8/17.

5.sunglass holder replaced.

6.key barrel replaced with the rubber around.

7. Paint run found near driver door and repaired.

Major

8.oil leaks from brake and replaced the cylinder.

9. Oil leak from the sensor and replaced.

10. Oil leak from rear diff around seal and danjo bolts repaired and now found that oil leak from the seal again even though the mechanic said it is grease. How come the leaking grease goes all over the diff danjo bolts???

11. In a week or two week After purchaseed the car made a grinding hitting metallic noise and since then randomly made grinding noise like the car grinding on the concrete some times smaller sometimes bigger.

This issue was reported since first time visit to the service centre in June this year and still try to fix the issue.

As per your request, even I provided the video of the noise smaller then big noise.

One day my son was scared with the noise. That is that big sometimes.

I do not want to drive this vehicle and struggle to fix the car spending whole times visiting the service centre.

I am sure i have visited there more then ten times to fix it.

12. Today, new issue again.

Oil leak from engine and transmission???? Please refer to the letter and photo.

Inconclusion, how come the new car buyer my self has been nightmare rather than happy with the car to repair all the issue and spending a big money?

How come the GM from Gold coast offered me repurchasing my car at $30000??? What did I do wrong??? Only bought a car from you and all of sudden need to loose about $10000??? Only because of buying a faulty car.

Great V6 Engine and Gearbox But Will Not Revers up hill, Constant DPF faults and poor build Quality – Great Engine and Gearbox But constant DPF faults, poor build Quality and terrible customer service. Not what I expected from VW. After 5000 miles It's Had a Replacement Steering Wheel, Rear Parking Sensors, Center Consoled panel, glow plugs (X 6) and control unit, Air Box Bracket and the Rear Parking Sensors have gone again. From about 2000… Read more

miles it had a constant DPF fault, which VW tell me it's "your driving style" and telling me "you need to drive it on the motorway regularly". I bough it for site work, poor roads and moving stuff around, not to hammer down the motorway.

I get about 25mpg and that's OK with me as its a big lump to move, The engine has loads of power and the gearbox is smooth. A low range option would be better for the gearbox because pulling off at junctions the first 2 gears last about 3 seconds and then 3rd is a usable gear for the road. I had been a big fan of VAG for many years, but they don't make them like they used to :-(

Is it worth the money ? £39K NO,,, Would I buy another ? NO

If you want a 4x4 pickup and only drive on motorways this is the one for you.

Also it will not reverse up hill because a torque limit (see https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bJHB-Mwabxs&feature=youtu.be ) very disappointing off road.

Great So Far – Updated 4th of August. Ended up selling after 3 months. Was too big to lug around..the 2 litre version felt a lot easier in terms of throttle response and weight etc when i used on comparison at time. Very good on fuel but unfortunately just too big for me. Traded on Tiguan which suits our family better. First Review Powerful V6 (Q7 & Tourag… Read more

Engine), Flawless gearbox, smooth. Japanese competitors do not even come close. Only on price. Owned a LTZ prior and it makes the LTZ look and feel like a Great Wall.

Question is .. Why would you buy a dual cab that is rough, weak, 1980's styling interior, feels like cardboard inside the cabin when you can have European quality.. and you can forget the new Mercedes.. they are just an improved Navara with an extra $30k on top.

7.9sec to 100kph.. Enough Said

Love this roomy 4x4! – VW Amarok drives like a suburban car with nice easy steering, great handling an very comfortable The tray/tub is huge! Packs a pallet and after having Speedliner spray put in I can honestly say it's even better. No slip and slide like plastic tub liners and great for the dog in the back. Interior has a crazy amount of room. 3 equal size… Read more

seats in the rear (able to fit 3 adults) with 2 isofix baby seat points on the outsides and a third point in the middle suitable for a booster etc.

Plenty of leg room for everyone. Super roomy in the front with wide doors and a perfect height large arm rest in the middle.

Media system is all touch screen and connects to phone with VW app really easily. Can upload maps off your phone direct to the screen. Love it! As well as talk to text features through the app when phone is connected.

4wd features like assisted Hill start and hill descent work great. No issues.

AVOID!! – Brand new amarok with 3 weeks of ownership starts to develop issue of gearbox. The car nudge when downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear. Took it back to vw service and was told it is completely normal. It is the way it is and every amarok is like this. I was also told that the gearbox decouple to save fuel and co2. What a load of crap and what i get from… Read more

it is "this is a piece of junk". The dealer fail to fix the problem and i am left with a box of scrap metal.

Amorak V6 - Towing capacity – Hi. We seriously considered the Amarok Dual Cab V6 diesel as our next vehicle. It had everything we needed except, most surprisingly, was the towing capacity. This is set at 3000 kg when most competitors in the class have 3500 kg as their limit. With most common caravans these days with toilets & showers on board, have ATM (aggregate trailer mass)… Read more

in excess of 3000 kg it is surprising to see the VW limit. There must be a valid reason for the VW Amarok limit. It certainly doesn't appear to be within the suspension design because I am advised that the maximum tow ball down load of 350 kg does not affect the payload limit. Maybe it's in the cooling system. I am also told this applies only to Australia with 3500 kg in other countries. It would be interesting to know if there is a modification available to overcome this issue. No doubt, VW are the "losers" with sales to the Australian "grey nomad" limited. Cheers.