The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok is set to make waves in Australia’s competitive dual-cab ute market with its refreshed lineup, introducing new cab-chassis variants, a special 10 Deserts Edition, and drive-away pricing that makes it more accessible than ever. Built in South Africa alongside its Ford Ranger sibling, the Amarok continues to blend rugged utility with premium features, appealing to both tradies and adventure-seekers. This article dives into the updates, specifications, pricing, and what makes the 2025 Amarok a standout in the ute segment.
A Refreshed Lineup with Cab-Chassis Options
Volkswagen Australia has expanded the Amarok range for the 2025 model year (MY25), growing from seven to twelve variants. The headline addition is the reintroduction of cab-chassis models, absent since 2019, offering buyers greater flexibility for work or customization. These new variants come with a factory-fitted alloy tray, measuring 1900mm long and 1835mm wide with a 1650mm internal length, available for an additional $4000 over their pickup equivalents. The tray is offered in two versions: a lightweight 132kg steel tray or a heavier-duty 243kg option. This move positions the Amarok to compete directly with rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max, which have long offered cab-chassis configurations.
Another major highlight is the 10 Deserts Edition, a limited-edition model celebrating Volkswagen’s 2024 Guinness World Record for crossing Australia’s ten deserts in six days and 17 hours, covering 6,241km. Based on the Amarok Life, this four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel variant is priced at $69,990 drive-away and is designed for off-road enthusiasts with enhanced ground clearance and rugged styling.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The MY25 Amarok lineup benefits from national drive-away pricing, a move that simplifies the buying process and reduces costs compared to previous on-road pricing structures. Notably, prices have been slashed across the dual-cab 4×4 pickup range, with the petrol-powered Amarok TSI452 Aventura seeing the largest reduction, now priced at $79,990 drive-away (previously $82,990 plus on-roads). The entry-level Amarok Core TDI405 is now $55,990 drive-away, effectively up to $4000 cheaper than before, despite a $1000 increase in its base price.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok pricing (before on-road costs unless stated):
|
Model |
Price (Before On-Road Costs) |
Drive-Away Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Amarok Core TDI405 Diesel Pickup |
$55,490 | $55,990 |
|
Amarok Core TDI405 Diesel Cab-Chassis |
$59,490 |
Not Listed |
|
Amarok Life TDI500 Diesel Pickup |
Not Listed |
$61,990 |
|
Amarok Life TDI500 Diesel Cab-Chassis |
$63,490 |
Not Listed |
|
Amarok 10 Deserts Edition Diesel Pickup |
$68,490 | $69,990 |
|
Amarok Style TDI500 Diesel Pickup |
$69,740 | $72,740 |
|
Amarok Style TDI500 Diesel Cab-Chassis |
$73,740 |
Not Listed |
|
Amarok PanAmericana TDI600 Diesel |
Not Listed |
$76,990 |
|
Amarok Aventura TSI452 Petrol |
Not Listed |
$79,990 |
Note: Drive-away prices are subject to change based on location and dealer offers.
The introduction of drive-away pricing and the price cuts reflect Volkswagen’s strategy to bolster the Amarok’s competitiveness against Japanese rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Nissan Navara. Additionally, Volkswagen offers a five-year ‘Care Plan’ for $2200, covering maintenance to provide peace of mind for owners.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2025 Amarok retains its robust engine lineup, offering a mix of diesel and petrol options. The Core TDI405 is powered by a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine producing 125kW and 405Nm, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Life and Style TDI500 variants use a more powerful 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, delivering 154kW and 500Nm. The top-tier PanAmericana and Aventura TDI600 models feature a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel with 184kW and 600Nm, while the Aventura TSI452 offers a 2.3L turbo-petrol engine with 222kW and 450Nm, catering to those seeking a livelier driving experience.
All models are equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, ensuring excellent traction for both on-road and off-road conditions. The Amarok boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity across the range, with a 750kg unbraked capacity, making it a versatile workhorse. Fuel economy varies, with the Style TDI500 claiming 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle, while the petrol Aventura is less frugal but offers superior performance.
Design and Features
The MY25 Amarok sees minimal exterior changes, with the addition of a new Reed Green Metallic paint color replacing Mid Blue Metallic. Inside, the cabin remains unchanged, retaining the same upholstery options, colors, and advanced tech, including digital screens and infotainment systems carried over from the pre-update model. Higher-end models like the Style, PanAmericana, and Aventura now include standard 230V power sockets (Australian plug pattern) with a 400W inverter, ideal for powering tools, laptops, or camping gear. Trailer Assist, which simplifies reversing with a trailer, is also standard on these grades, with an updated Rear Traffic Alert system integrated for enhanced safety.
The 10 Deserts Edition stands out with its off-road-focused enhancements, including increased ground clearance and rugged styling cues. Michael Cenci, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Product Manager, describes it as offering “genuine off-road ability and benchmark ground clearance, while still being a premium-appointed ute that drivers want to be in.”
Safety and Warranty
Safety remains a strong suit for the Amarok, which carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2022 testing, harmonized with Euro NCAP protocols. This rating leverages testing from the Ford Ranger, supplemented by additional frontal offset and side impact tests on the Amarok. Standard safety features across the range include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of airbags.
Volkswagen backs the Amarok with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, aligning with industry standards. The optional five-year Care Plan, priced at $2200, covers scheduled servicing, adding value for fleet buyers or those planning long-term ownership.
Competitive Landscape
The Amarok’s updates come at a time when the dual-cab ute market is fiercely competitive. Its Ford Ranger twin gives it a strong foundation, but it faces stiff competition from established players like the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton. The addition of cab-chassis variants broadens its appeal, particularly for buyers needing a customizable work vehicle, but the $4000 premium for the factory alloy tray may deter some compared to rivals offering tub-less models at a discount.
The 10 Deserts Edition adds a unique selling point, tapping into Australia’s love for off-road adventures. However, Volkswagen will need to maintain strong supply and competitive financing offers, like the 3.99% comparison rate previously offered on Aventura models, to keep momentum. The absence of a plug-in hybrid variant, unlike the Ranger PHEV, is a notable gap, though Volkswagen Australia has not ruled out future electrified options.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok strengthens its position in the dual-cab ute market with the introduction of cab-chassis variants, the off-road-focused 10 Deserts Edition, and more competitive drive-away pricing. Its blend of premium features, robust performance, and versatile configurations makes it a compelling choice for both work and play. While it faces tough competition, the Amarok’s updates demonstrate Volkswagen’s commitment to carving out a larger share of Australia’s ute market. With its five-star safety rating, generous warranty, and enhanced tech, the MY25 Amarok is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. For buyers seeking a ute that balances utility with refinement, the 2025 Amarok is worth a closer look.
For more details or to explore available deals, visit CarExpert or contact your local Volkswagen dealer.
