Top Motoring Journalists Review: How Well Does the New Amarok Drive?
When it comes to choosing the perfect ute, driving performance plays a key role. Whether your navigating through the city or tackling rugged off-road terrain, a ute must deliver consistent reliability, power, and control. For city dwellers, smooth handling, fuel efficiency, and effortless manoeuvre through parking and tight parking spaces translate to a perfect ute performance. For adventurers and those who travel through challenging environments, it is off-road capabilities such as robust suspension, four-wheel drive, and durable construction.
The new Amarok is the perfect candidate for those seeking this dual performance prowess. With its powerful engine options, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and refined on-road handling, the Amarok seamlessly transitions from the daily commute to the wildest trails.
Don’t just take our word for it—discover what top motoring journalists have to say about the new Amarok’s driving performance after experiencing it firsthand.
*Review varies from different Amarok models. Ask our team for more information on specific models.
Unsealed 4×4
“Off-road gearing is superb in the 2023 VW Amarok thanks to the dedicated low-range reduction in the transfer case, and 10-speeds in the automatic gearbox. I love that you can drive the Amarok in 4×4 high-range Auto Mode for added grip on-road as well. The rear leaf spring suspension offers a decent amount of suspension travel, and thanks to the wider wheel track as mentioned, the Amarok feels stable on off-camber sections of track.”
Top Gear
“The PanAmericana trim is the one you want if you’re heading off the beaten track more often than not. That gets a rear locking differential, softer suspension, knobbly tyres, and extra underbody protection.
There are selectable four-wheel drive modes too with high and low-range options, as well as an auto mode where the car senses slip and can send power forward if necessary. Built into the screen are dedicated off-road drive modes, where you select the terrain you’re about to face and the Amarok will set itself up (altering things like the gearbox, diffs, and throttle map) accordingly. It really is very capable in the rough stuff, and makes off-roading seem rather painless.”
Tarmac Life
“While those power figures look great on paper, they were equally astonishing when translated into road use. I was impressed by the Amarok’s suspension setup, it made for comfortable driving whether or not there was a road underneath. It eats speedhumps for breakfast while gravel is of no matter to the wolf. Despite not using the truck bed at all, the ride is soft for both sets of passengers, front and rear. Another trait of the previous gen Amarok was its car like handling and I am happy to report that the new truck follows in the same footsteps, impressive stuff!”
Car Expert
“The last Amarok had quite a heavy, direct steering rack. The new model has lighter steering that makes it quite wieldy at low speeds, despite having a longer wheelbase and body than the car it replaces, and the surround-view camera (on the Style and above) is welcome when you’re trying to park such a big beast.
The broader suite of active driver assists is welcome. Adaptive cruise control is smooth and smart, and the active lane-keeping assist is confident without feeling like it’s trying to wrestle the wheel from your hand. Combined with a quiet, refined cabin at highway speeds, the assists make the new Amarok a very capable cruiser.
The Style is more relaxed on the open road, with more body roll in the corners, and more movement over crests. You’re still aware it’s a commercial vehicle with no load in the back (no great surprise), but you don’t get the sense the tail is wagging the dog when you hit bumps at speed, and occupants aren’t jiggled relentlessly.”
Drive Au
“The Volkswagen Amarok exudes the same sense of well-rounded refinement and poise that shocked me when I first drove a new Ford Ranger. It’s an image that fits with the previous-generation Amarok’s character for being one of the most ‘car-like’ utility vehicles, but the experience is elevated to a new level in the 2023 Amarok.
Ride comfort is similarly well sorted. Dual-cab utes often tend to be choppy, jittery and can be downright uncomfortable on poorly maintained roads, but the Amarok’s suspension tune is comfortable across the board. It uses leaf springs for the rear axle, which can traditionally cause the rear end to ‘buck’ over speed humps, but the phenomenon wasn’t experienced in my time with the Amarok.
The steering has a weighty feel in hand but remains responsive to subtle changes in direction. There’s also a decent amount of feedback felt through the wheel to tell you what kind of surface you’re trundling over.”
Want more information about the new Amarok? Explore the Amarok, or speak to our team for more information.
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