Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Amarok (2010-2020)

Class leader sets high standard, and will take some beating

Unlike Ford and Toyota, Volkswagen doesn’t have much of a history in the full-sized pick-up market. But that didn’t stop the Amarok from taking class honours on its road test debut last year.

The smart VW brought new standards of interior quality to the class when it hit showrooms last summer, and its badge provides a hint of upmarket appeal, too. The beefy off-road looks are all part of the Amarok’s charm: the distinctive headlamps and squared-off wheelarches give it a purposeful appearance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Mid-range Trendline spec does without the Ford’s multifunction steering wheel, heated leather seats and parking sensors. Yet at £24,943, the VW undercuts the Ranger by £1,452 and still has dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and cruise control as standard. The top Highline model matches the Ford for spec – for a hefty £28,039 list price.

Cabin quality is in a different league to that of its rivals. The high-class plastics on the dashboard, switchgear borrowed from VW’s family models and carpet-lined door pockets are all at odds with the Amarok’s rugged image. But it’s not all form over function. The back seat squabs lift upwards to provide more space for tall objects and there’s plenty of storage room overall.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

iX3

2024 BMW

iX3

40,513 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £27,600
View iX3
I-PACE

2023 Jaguar

I-PACE

33,743 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,800
View I-PACE
Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

37,016 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,000
View Ioniq electric
C3 Aircross

2023 Citroen

C3 Aircross

11,264 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,000
View C3 Aircross

If you’re looking for a pick-up that can deputise as a family car at the weekend, the VW is an obvious choice, and driving it only confirms this impression. Like the Ford and Toyota engines, its 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel sounds agricultural on start-up, so them Amarok is no match for a modern SUV in the refinement stakes. However, it’s quieter than its rivals and has the most natural driving position of our trio. 

The 161bhp engine produces 400Nm of torque, making it the punchiest on paper, yet its performance is on a par with the Ranger when measured against the clock.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The big difference between the VW and Ford is the way they cope with bumps: the Amarok is less firmly sprung, which makes it a more comfortable choice when unladen. It’s not perfect, however: the gearshift is notchy and the steering, which is light and positive around town, isn’t as precise as the Ranger’s at higher speeds. Despite this, the Volkswagen is still good to drive and relatively refined.

Heading off-road isn’t a problem, either, as a pair of switches beside the gear selector allow you to shift between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and low range easily. This makes the Toyota’s extra gearlever set-up seem very old-fashioned in comparison.

As on the Ford, hill descent control comes as standard, along with hill hold assist for stress-free hill starts, plus trailer stability control, which improves towing safety. Yet the Volkswagen sits between its rivals for towing capacity: while the Toyota can pull 2,500kg and the Ford an impressive 3,350kg, the Amarok can cope with 2,800kg. However, it was 2.6mpg more efficient than the Ford, returning 27.8mpg on test.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The Amarok arrived last year and set a new class benchmark. It brings passenger car quality to the commercial pick-up market.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,028 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,500
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £5,919 off RRP*Used from £13,000
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,537 off RRP*Used from £14,993
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”
VW Golf GTI badge

Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it’s a “monster”

VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
News
13 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025