The What Van? Road Test: Volkswagen Amarok (2023)

Date: Monday, October 2, 2023

Rear 3:4 Copy

Operating

The Amarok is protected by a five-year/ 124,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance for the entire duration. The paintwork warranty lasts for five years – longer than is usual – as part of what VW refers to as the ‘5+ Promise’, which means the first five services and three MoT tests are included in the price.

Service intervals are set at two years/12,500 miles – whichever is sooner. The body is warranted against corrosion for 12 years.

Fuel economy is 32.1mpg under the WLTP (world harmonised light vehicle test procedure) combined cycle, but we achieved a little less at around 30mpg.

VW Amarok Style 2.0 TDI 4Motion 205hp 10-speed automatic double-cab pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £41,450

Price range (ex VAT) £33,000–47,000

Gross payload 1,060kg

Load length 1,624mm

Load width (min/max) 1,224mm/1,584mm

Load bay height 529mm

Loading height 876mm

Gross vehicle weight 3,280kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg

Residual value 40.9%*

Cost per mile 68.3p

Engine size/power 1,996cc, 205hp @ 3,750rpm

Torque 500Nm @ 1,750-2,000rpm

Gearbox 10spd automatic

Fuel economy (combined WLTP) 32.1mpg

Fuel tank 80 litres

CO2 229g/km

Warranty 5yrs/124,000 mls

Service intervals 2yrs/12,500 mls

Insurance group 42E

Price as tested £41,950

* after 48 months @ 20,000 miles a year - source - KWIKcarcost

Ford Ranger

Price range (ex VAT) £27,550–48,800

Gross payload 652-1,207kg

Braked towing weight 2,500–3,500kg

Engines 175hp, 205hp, 210hp 2.0 diesel, 240hp 3.0 diesel, 292hp 3.0 petrol

Verdict: There are two key differences between Ranger and Amarok. The former comes as a single cab, with more stress on entry-level specifications. It is also marketed in Raptor guise, with a petrol (yes, petrol) V6 engine with almost 300hp on tap. How does that square with Ford’s focus on battery-electric technology and zero-emissions? We love the petrol V6; so long as we’re not paying for fuel!

Isuzu D-Max

Price range (ex VAT) £23,004–49,640

Gross payload 1,045–1,205kg

Braked towing weight 2,500-3,500kg

Engines 164hp 1.9 diesel

Verdict: While we’ve got a lot of time for D-Max, there is no denying that it is falling way behind in the power stakes. Isuzu really needs to give some thought to offering a model with at least 200hp on tap if it is not to lose out to its rivals. It would be a pity if it did fall down because D-Max is a solidly-built truck. Packed full of safety features and backed by a dealer network, its ideally suited to supporting customers who require pick-ups for use as working tools rather than for leisure.

Toyota Hilux

Price range (ex VAT) £27,777–60,187

Gross payload 1,000–1,030kg

Braked towing weight 3,500kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel

Verdict: The biggest change Hilux has undergone in recent years is the long-awaited power boost it has received with the introduction of a 200hp-plus diesel. Its arrival was accompanied by the advent of an upgraded interior, a restyled exterior and a variety of useful mechanical changes. Noted for its durability, Hilux is without doubt a tough working tool, but one not short of creature comforts. Residual values should be healthy given that it has a reputation for being unbreakable.

The Final Verdict

Design 8/10 – Well-thought-out package that builds on the previous Amarok with improvements

Cabin 8/10 – Comfortable working environment with impressive space for rear passengers

Ride 6/10 – Too choppy when truck is unladen; suspension needs retuning for on-highway work

Refinement 7/10 – Too much interior noise, must be balanced with a sophisticated and high-quality interior

Load area 8/10 – Sensibly-designed, with enough space for a metric pallet between the wheel boxes

Handling/performance 8/10 – No quarrels with either, and its off-road ability should tackle most conditions

Engine/transmission 9/10 – An exemplary combination, the 10-speed automatic gearbox delivers a smooth change

Standard equipment 8/10 – Lots of kit with plenty of stress on safety

Operating costs 8/10 – Warranty and servicing package is worthy of applause, even with restrictions

What Van? subjective rating 8/10 – An upmarket double-cab 4x4 pick-up, rather than a pedestrian workhorse

Overall Rating = 78/100

What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide