Pick-up

Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok is a medium-sized pick-up with a ladder frame chassis, intended for combinations of loading, towing and driving off paved roads. The first generation (2010-2020) was officially supplied in the Netherlands, from 2016 exclusively with a 3.0 V6 TDI and mainly as a double cab, Plus Cab and double cab with long wheelbase. Users include contractors, landscapers, agricultural businesses, horse owners and business owners who tow a trailer of up to 3,500 kg. The second generation (from 2022) was developed together with Ford and is built in South Africa; Volkswagen Bedrijfswagens Nederland does not offer it officially, so examples reach the Netherlands through import.

Amarok I (2H) (2010-2020 (NL-levering tot ca. 2020, wereldwijd tot 2024))

Volkswagen's first pick-up, initially with 2.0 TDI and 2.0 BiTDI four-cylinders (Euro 5). The 2016 facelift brought a new dashboard and, in Europe, a 3.0 V6 TDI (Euro 6) only; in 2018 the 258 hp version arrived with overboost to 272 hp.

Engines

Engine	Fuel	Contents	Power	Torque	Standard	Transmission
2.0 TDI 122 2010-2012	diesel	2,0 l	122 pk (90 kW)	340 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual
2.0 BiTDI 163 2010-2012	diesel	2,0 l	163 pk (120 kW)	400 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
2.0 TDI 140 2012-2016	diesel	2,0 l	140 pk (103 kW)	340 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual
2.0 BiTDI 180 2011-2016	diesel	2,0 l	180 pk (132 kW)	420 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
3.0 V6 TDI 163 2017-2020	diesel	3,0 l	163 pk (120 kW)	450 Nm	Euro 6	6-speed manual
3.0 V6 TDI 204 2016-2020	diesel	3,0 l	204 pk (150 kW)	500 Nm	Euro 6	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
3.0 V6 TDI 224 2016-2018	diesel	3,0 l	224 pk (165 kW)	550 Nm	Euro 6	8-speed automatic
3.0 V6 TDI 258 2018-2020	diesel	3,0 l	258 pk (190 kW)	580 Nm	Euro 6	8-speed automatic

Trim levels

TrendlineBase version with Multi-Collision Brake, cruise control, off-road ABS, hill descent and hill start assist, and electric windows and mirrors.

ComfortlineAdds 17-inch alloy wheels, double chrome grille trim, tinted rear windows and an extended trip computer.

HighlineAdds equipment including Climatronic, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and ParkPilot with reversing camera.

AventuraTop version (from 2017/2018) with sports bar, 20-inch wheels, LED side bars and 14-way adjustable Ergoactive seats in Nappa leather.

Amarok II (NF) (2022-present)

Developed together with Ford on the basis of the Ford Ranger, built in South Africa, with a longer wheelbase, digital instrument cluster and a 10-speed automatic. In November 2023 Volkswagen Bedrijfswagens Nederland decided not to supply the new Amarok officially; examples on the road in the Netherlands have been imported, and the engines below are the European deliveries.

Engines

Engine	Fuel	Contents	Power	Torque	Standard	Transmission
2.0 TDI 170 2023-present	diesel	2,0 l	170 pk (125 kW)	405 Nm	Euro 6	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 205 2023-present	diesel	2,0 l	205 pk (150 kW)	500 Nm	Euro 6	10-speed automatic
3.0 V6 TDI 241 2023-present	diesel	3,0 l	241 pk (177 kW)	600 Nm	Euro 6	10-speed automatic

Trim levels

LifeEntry version with cloth upholstery, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and a 10-inch touchscreen.

StyleAdds chrome accents, 18-inch wheels and a 12-inch touchscreen with navigation.

PanAmericanaOff-road-oriented version with rear locking differential and underbody protection.

AventuraLuxury top version with 21-inch wheels and chrome accents; as a result the payload is lower than on the other versions.

The dimensions at a glance

Of the Volkswagen Amarok there are 6 versions, load length 156 cm to 233 cm, load volume 1,3 m³ to 2,0 m³. The full dimensions table by version, with wheelbase, exterior dimensions, width between the wheel arches and Euro pallets, is on the dimensions page.

All dimensions Amarok Compare with another model

What the Amarok is known for

Braked trailer weight up to 3,500 kg on the V6 versions
Load bed in which a Euro pallet fits crossways between the wheel arches (1,222 mm)
3.0 V6 TDI with 163 to 258 hp and up to 580 Nm (first generation, 2016-2020)
Choice of selectable or permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive, with an 8-speed automatic on the first generation
Double cab with long wheelbase supplied in the Netherlands as a BPM-exempt commercial vehicle

What to look out for on a used example

The 2.0 BiTDI (2010-2012, engine code CFCA) is known for increased oil consumption, linked to the EGR cooler; ask about the maintenance history and any repairs.
Check the clutch and (on early manual examples) the engagement of reverse gear; towing and off-road use put strain on the drivetrain.
A squeaking or creaking rear suspension often indicates worn leaf spring bushes; also check the underside for off-road damage and rust.
On the V6 TDI, check the particulate filter and the AdBlue system (SCR) and whether maintenance was carried out according to the Longlife or fixed interval.

These points apply to the model in general. What applies to a specific vehicle depends on its maintenance history; we discuss this for every vehicle we sell.