2023 Volkswagen Amarok pricing released

PRICING for Volkswagen’s new-generation Amarok dual-cab ute has been issued with a kick off point of $50,990 plus on road costs for the four-cylinder diesel Core with six-speed manual gearbox, rising to $79,990 + ORC for the Aventura with V6 turbo-diesel or four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines and 10-speed auto.

These variants represent three of an eight-strong Amarok line-up consisting of five trim levels and three engines, with the Core-specific 2.0 TDI 405 unit the only available with a manual (a six-speed auto adds $2000).

Similarly, the top-spec Aventura is the only Amarok variant to offer the choice of a 2.3 TSI 452 petrol engine – a rare fuel choice in the diesel-soaked light commercial vehicle market.

VW’s outgoing 12-variant Amarok range is priced from $45,890 to $86,990 + ORC, while the brand says the new model is offered with few options apart from paint colour as it says the vehicles are well equipped as standard. 

Ford’s related Ranger, in 4x4 dual-cab guise, starts at $49,930 + ORC for the XL 2.0 turbo diesel with six-speed auto, topping out with the Platinum V6 turbo-diesel auto going for $76,990 + ORC. There is no manual Ranger.

Volkswagen at this point does not offer a competitor for Ford’s ‘hero’ V6 petrol powered Ranger Raptor that is priced at $86,790 plus on roads. 

Between the Core and Aventura grades that bookend the Amarok line-up are Life, Style and PanAmericana trim levels.

VW says Aventura and PanAmericana variants will be the first Amaroks to arrive in Australian showrooms, followed by the Style, Life and Core.

The Core has 17-inch alloy wheels, electric foldable exterior mirrors, LED headlights, tie-down rings in the cargo area, mud flaps front and rear, tow bar (brake controller optional) and manual locking tailgate.

Its 2.0-litre TDI 405 engine develops 125kW and 405Nm and is paired with a selectable part-time four-wheel drive system.

The base model’s interior has fabric seat covers, a four-speaker DAB+ digital radio with 10-inch touchscreen screen, an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, single zone air-conditioning,  manual six-way adjustable driver and four-way passenger seats, rear centre armrest, multi-function steering wheel, wireless phone charging and vinyl floor coverings.

From a function and safety perspective, the base Amarok has tyre pressure monitoring, a mechanically locking rear differential, cargo box lighting, ‘Intelligent” speed limiter,  speed sign recognition, emergency call, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, multi collision brake, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Stepping up to the Amarok Life at $56,990 + ORC brings a more powerful 2.0 TDI 500 four-cylinder diesel developing 154kW/500Nm  – courtesy of a second turbo – and standard 10-speed auto.

Over and above the Core, the Amarok Life gains body-coloured front bumper, mirrors and door handles, LED fog lamps, electric folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps, locking wheel nuts and a powered tailgate lock.

Inside is a similar step up over the Core, with embossed fabric upholstery, six-speaker audio, embossed fabric upholstery, eight-way manual driver and front passenger seat adjustment, rear privacy glass, leather gear selector and steering wheel trim, and front and rear floor mats over carpet.

An electronic parking brake, rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, an-auto dimming inside mirror and two front towing hooks are also included.

Next up is the Amarok Style priced at $66,990 + ORC when specified with the same four-cylinder engine, part-time 4x4 and 10-speed auto driveline as the Life.

The Style also represents the most affordable way into an Amarok with the 184kW/600Nm 3.0 TDI 600 V6 turbo-diesel engine and permanent four-wheel drive system, at $70,9990 + ORC with 10-speed auto transmission as standard.

It is identified externally by 18-inch alloy wheels, chromed rear bumper and step, LED Matrix headlights, a bed liner and stainless steel sports bar.

The Style’s interior gains what VW calls “Art Velour” upholstery, a bigger 12-inch touchscreen with in-built satellite navigation, wider 12-inch digital driver’s display, 10-way electric driver and eight-way manual passenger seats adjustment, heated front seats, insulating windscreen, dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting.

Also added are keyless entry and start, a security alarm system, 360-degree camera view and park assist.

The penultimate Amarok is the V6-only PanAmericana that sells for $75,990 + ORC and gains black treatment to the exterior mirrors, door handles, sports bar, side steps and 18-inch alloy wheels (with all-terrain tyres), as well as the rear bumper and and lower panel of the more aggressive ‘X-Design’ front bumper.

It also sports LED tail lights, a spray-in bed liner and special PanAmericana decal while inside is leather upholstery to the seats, dash and door facings, an eight-speaker premium audio system, 10-way passenger seat adjustment and a black headliner.

Topping out the new Amarok line up is the Aventura at $79,990 + ORC whether the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel or 222kW/452Nm four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is chosen.

Both powerplants are linked to the same permanent 4x4 system and 10-speed auto transmission.

The Aventura scores big  21-inch alloy wheels, a chrome version of the ‘X-Design’ front bumper, chrome exterior mirrors, door handles, rear bumper and side steps, an electronic roll cover, a load bed liner, sailplane and Savona premium leather upholstery.

All paints apart from white are optional at $990, while the Aventura’s Savona leather is also available in the Style variant for an extra $3000. 

Commenting on the release of Amarok pricing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies said, "The Amarok has been designed to be visually, ergonomically and dynamically distinctive; so too is the extent of its equipment and its positioning,

"We're landing Amarok with the high-level of specification that Amarok customers absolutely demanded of us. It's the top of the range Amaroks – Aventura, PanAmericana and Style – where demand will be by far the strongest. Apart from an enhanced upholstery option in the Style, the only extra cost for Amarok is for your choice of paint.

"These are standard Amaroks, not special or launch editions. In time, it's likely that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will decide on limited editions, but we won't need to rush one to market on the basis that the standard ute isn't equipped to the level customers require."

Now in its 12th year of sale in Australia, the four-wheel drive Amarok range currently ranks tenth within the 4x4 ute sales segment.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok pricing*:

*pricing excludes on-road costs