VW Amarok vs rivals
Can VW’s rugged Amarok pick-up blur the boundaries between luxury 4x4 and commercial vehicle? We pitch it against a Nissan truck and a Kia SUV.
Verdict
So, has VW managed to combine the best of the pick-up and SUV worlds in one package? Well, the Amarok gets off to a solid start by beating the Nissan in the first of its twin test encounters. The proven Navara is a good-looking and well equipped choice, and it offers better straight-line performance than its rival. But it’s no match for the Amarok’s refinement, quality, driver appeal or running costs. Things aren’t as clear cut for the VW against the Kia. For capacity and sheer ruggedness, the Amarok doesn’t disappoint. But the Sorento will be a better choice for most buyers. In KX-2 trim, it’s great value for money, while the powerful engine and refined drivetrain put it in a different league to the more agricultural pick-up. Then there’s the sheer size of the Amarok, which makes simple jobs more stressful – even parallel parking effectively requires two car-length berths. So while the VW sets new standards in the pick-up sector, it still demands too many compromises to eclipse the Kia Sorento for SUV appeal.
