Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon review

New Volkswagen Amarok Canyon adds 19-inch alloys, extra body cladding and optional spotlights

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Amarok
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

If you’re after an alternative to a large SUV, don’t choose the Volkswagen Amarok Canyon. It may be a luxurious and stylish pick-up, but it’s still a commercial vehicle and feels unrefined compared to something like a Hyundai Santa Fe. If you’re buying it as a workhorse then we’d definitely recommend it – it’s nice to have creature comforts in a practical and rugged package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Volkswagen Amarok was introduced in 2011 as a pick-up that felt more car-like any other. This new Canyon version – limited to just 350 units – is designed to bring even more style and luxury to the class.

A mid-spec Trendline Amarok is used as a starting point for the Canyon, which is then packed with £8,500 worth of extras, like 19-inch alloys, all-round parking sensors, privacy glass, leather interior, heated front seats and rugged body cladding. If you want those four spotlights mounted on the roof, you’ll have to pay £1,134.

The only engine on offer is a 178bhp 2.0-litre BiTDI with permanent all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual is standard, but for £2,000 extra you can get an eight-speed auto, like in this car. It also ups the towing capacity from 3,000kg to 3,200kg.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Yaris Hybrid

2019 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

9,977 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,889
View Yaris Hybrid
Yaris Cross

2025 Toyota

Yaris Cross

23,360 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,373
View Yaris Cross
RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota

RAV4 Hybrid

47,414 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £24,354
View RAV4 Hybrid
C-HR

2020 Toyota

C-HR

20,450 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £19,665
View C-HR

We never expected blistering performance, but the acceleration is impressive nonetheless. The Canyon takes 11.3 seconds to get from 0-62mph and it does a good job of disguising just how big and heavy this car is. It’s a bit gruff when you turn the key and it continues to make its presence known while you’re accelerating. Add the less-than-aerodynamic shape and huge wing mirrors and it’s not the most refined motorway cruiser.

Yet, what remains most impressive about the Amarok, given its size, is its car-like manners from behind the wheel. That’s not to say it’s as sophisticated as a modern day SUV, but the light controls make it easy to drive, plus a cabin which mimics those of conventional VW passenger cars makes you feel at home inside. In turn, it gives the impression that you’re driving a much smaller car. The ride is also a lot more forgiving in the Amarok than in other pick-ups.

Another area where the Amarok scores highly is practicality. In the UK it’s only available as a double cab, meaning you can carry five adults with little fuss. The Canyon’s load bed is larger than the one offered in both the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, and it’s wide enough to carry a euro-sized pallet. There’s space in the back seats for adults, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025