Volkswagen Amarok pickup review (2011-2022): owner reviews

"The Volkswagen Amarok pickup is an upmarket entry into the class, with an SUV-like interior and five seats, as well as a large load bed"

Carbuyer Rating

3.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Price
£40,843 - £58,747
Advertisement

Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up63%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Brakes, Other (1 case)
  • Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 8

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Starline

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
A comfortable cab with good pulling power. This is used as a work vehicle and has covered 68000 miles in a year on and off road. It has had a recall for the brakes. Spares are very hard to source, a broken side window took 3 weeks and a wing mirror a similar time. Both CV joints needed replacing at 67000 miles after failing dangerously. It uses oil for fun and you need to keep your eye on it. It has now covered 73000 miles and is on it's 6th set of new quality tyres. Always had Hi Lux's before and would choose one over the VW anytime.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

V6 tdi

Year

2018

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Purchased my new V6 Amarok new in August 2018, had no problems until when 14 months old and at 9000 miles the DPF failed and had to be returned to the dealer. I was then given the stunning news that I needed a new DPF costing £2400.00 and as part of the exhaust it was not covered under the warranty so I would have to pay. I was told that it was my fault for not using the vehicle correctly in that I was not going on long enough journeys, this vehicle is used on a mix of town, A road and motorways. After a lot of arguing VW replaced the DPF ...the light has now come on again at 400 miles of fast A road driving. This fantastic vehicle is being let down by a DPF that clearly is not up to the job. VW need to get this sorted and quick, their credibility is hanging by a thread with this issue. Blaming the customer for what is clearly a design/ manufacturing fault is unforgivable. Having had many VW Audi vehicles over the past 30 years I feel very let down and disappointed. Do not buy a V6 Amarok if you are just around the farm and country lanes with no motorway work you will get DPF problems and VW will be less than forthcoming.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

3.0 trendline

Year

2019

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
They are great. Comfortable, practical, perfect for all round use. I've owned 3 from new and never any problems. Brakes last 50,000, which I think amazing for a heavy pickup. Tyres about 25,000. 2.0l did use a bit of oil, especially when new. 3.0 none at all. Auto gearbox and permanent 4wd is best. I've had highline but think trendline best model (not a fan of chrome). Only downside is fuel economy not great, I get about 33. A great vehicle and better than competitors. Find another auto permanent 4wd pickup with refinement and comfort of Amarok. I've driven them all, you can't.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0btdi highline

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great vehicle can't recommend highly enough
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Diesel Canyon

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

37
Tell us what you think about your car?
Excellent all round and a comfortable drive. In nearly two years mine has not used any engine oil. The only thing I do not like about it is the Sat Nav. A Garmin is far superior to what the VW has in it. Everything else is perfect although it would have been nice to have had a memory seat .
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Highline Auto

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
I bought the Amarok to replace a 2011 Navara, I couldn’t be happier with it, I’ve had 40,000 miles of trouble free motoring, it’s still on the delivery tyres and servicing costs are the lowest I’ve had with any car yet. The auto gearbox works well with the engine and means towing is progressive even with a full load. A Discovery or Land Cruiser it is not but for a pickup it’s worth it’s weight in gold..... which is good as they cost a small fortune.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

3.0 V6 258Ps Aventura

Year

2019

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
This is the Best Pickup on the market and nothing compares to it. It's the Best of Audi and VW combined with incredible performance.'
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

180BP Auto

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have just sold a 2014 Range Rover Sport Autobiography. WHY!!!! I hear you say. Simple answer the boot space was appalling. I am an outdoor person, wildlife photographer, trout fisherman and have two dogs. The RR was a beautiful go anywhere vehicle but just too "Posh" for what I wanted and lacks boot space. The Amarok will go anywhere, across muddy fields, up the roughest tracks on the Isle of Mull whilst looking for golden eagles to photograph. It is very quiet, smooth and at 35 mpg (ish) its is economical. The inside is full leather and very comfortable, Equipment levels are good, Satnav, heated seats, cruise control. Yes unloaded there is a bit of body roll in corners but being realistic you cannot really make a comparison between the two vehicles due to the massive price difference between the two vehicles. Just my opinion but I love the Amarok.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Recommended

Top 6 best pickup trucks 2024
Best pickup trucks
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

Top 6 best pickup trucks 2024

Most Popular

New BMW 3 Series will say “auf wiedersehen” to giant grilles
2026 BMW 3 Series render front quarter
News
26 Dec 2024

New BMW 3 Series will say “auf wiedersehen” to giant grilles

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
27 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Best car leasing deals 2024: this week’s top PCH offers
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Carbuyer front
Deals
23 Dec 2024

Best car leasing deals 2024: this week’s top PCH offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024