VW Amarok long term review: What we like and what we DON'T after 10 000km

We have had our long term Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 Style for 6 months and racked up 10 000km in it. It's been used as a crew car for filming equipment where our brave cameraman has hung out of the back of it more times than we can count. It's been used to go to the dump, on mountain bike adventures and as a daily to get us into the city and back.
What is this new Amarok bakkie like to live with? And should you choose it over a Ford Ranger? We deep dive into some of the issues we've experienced, the fuel economy, and how well the vehicle has held up to our abuse.
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0:00 - Intro
0:43 - WhatsApp the Dealer
1:20 - Engine
2:25 - Driving the Amarok
4:26 - Power and Torque
4:52 - Fuel Consumption
5:46 - Infotainment system
6:50 - Interior
8:29 - Rear seats
10:02 - The bakkie
11:40 - The Ford Ranger
12:37 - Warranty and Service Plan
13:23 - Conclusion
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[@craignicholson1788]

The beautiful thing about a double cab is that you never have to think about your vehicle when considering what you want to do. It's ready for any adventure. I have the previous generation Ranger with the 3.2. Converted to a double cab 5 years ago. If I have my way, I will never own anything but a double cab. I don't mind the "slow" performance. Drive them on the torque and they are very satisfying. Overtaking, even with a trailer, on the highway is so easy, just push the gas pedal.

[@dawoodparuk6944]

Could have said it better myself

[@dietmargl9501]

I hated double cab bakkies, until I bought one. Will never go back to any normal vehicle. They are so versatile in any situation.

[@mjngp]

I was thinking of getting myself the Mazda BT 50 version of the Ford Ranger you talking about 3.2 TDCI SLE I think

[@Nellie-H]

@@mjngp I have the Mazda (Ford) BT-50 with a 3.2 and auto. Now Isuzu is the base for the new BT-50.

[@mjngp]

@@Nellie-H I'm planning on getting one during September, I like the quirkiness of it , it looks like it's smiling unlike conventional bakkies macho look

[@43LMNOP]

Loving my Pan Am V6, got 34,000km on it and no issues! Best bakkie you can buy in 2024.

[@user-yj7rz5lf4s]

Would you really expect issues at 34k kms in any vehicle?

[@funkdunk]

​@@user-yj7rz5lf4sAbsolutely if you own a GMW P-series for example...my mate has 2 and both have given him endless trouble...

[@funkdunk]

Wow thats allot of mileage, you must really be enjoying it, my 2002 Corolla has only done 143000 km since new...I am looking at the Amarok

[@lesediseemela9856]

Not sure it's the best one but it's up there for sure. 😊

[@erichweggelaar1320]

Fully agree. Best by far

[@pierre7981]

Another great review, thank you.

[@dawoodparuk6944]

I never knew Vw sold Ford's, I will still keep my old amarok v6. Old German technology

[@LSGTVSA]

Ford builds VW Amarok Bakkies.

[@dietmargl9501]

Fully agree with you, Ford Amarok, I don't think so. Your old Amarok is still pure VW. Good choice.

[@Nellie-H]

@@dietmargl9501 The average Volkswagen is put together with parts from about 30 different Countries! Pure & German. LOL

[@KingJasonthe1st]

And nobody I know wants to own an old Amarok, just like a BMW or any other old German car, it's a ticking time bomb with the electronics. That's coming from an ex- BMW fanboy, owned two myself.

[@steven-kh3qc]

​@dietmargl9501 very few vehicles are "pure " their brands these days...the early Polos, for example, were rebadged Seat vehicles...VW are criminals though, so a VW that isn't a VW is worthy of my interest.

[@budgiebee7530]

excellent tip

[@francvancanvas]

Battle to overtake on the highway? In a new generation bakkie? Any brand? No way!

[@Jakdennnnnnn3d333]

The wear on the driver seat bolster and the window rubber seal hanging is a bit concerning.

[@SDav21]

It is clearly a Ford. Fords have poor build quality. The previous gen Amarok didn't have these issues.

[@XITSONGABombaMugaza]

My uncle had the previous generation Ranger, I encountered that problem a lot of times

[@antonels4571]

That driver's side window rubber seal, at the top, that was bulging during the test was bugging me the whole time! Probably also why there was wind noise...faulty rubber seal or was I mistaken???

[@landrovanderwalt3841]

Yeah, I saw that too… and equally bothered me. Also that wiggly armrest cover… Bad quality/fitment from this Amaranger!

[@masterq2.033]

Thanks , now it bothers me as well.

[@tshephangsithole750]

Congratulations, you just made me get irritated by this now😅

[@quincyjonespangula2503]

Personally maybe its just preference but ford did amarok dirty with this version 💯. The 2018/19 amarok v6 was the one.

[@KabirDhupelia]

The roller shutter thing - it’s not the only solution on the back, and it’s actually quite limiting because if you have it, it eats into the space in the back. There are foldable covers that are secure and much more versatile, but given dealership markups, I think it’s better to buy the blank canvas and figure a solution out for yourself.

[@lesediseemela9856]

Roller shutters can be limiting but they better than tanu covers. They provide a bakkie boot of some sort and you can store your more personal items.

[@KabirDhupelia]

@@lesediseemela9856 you get foldable, lockable tonneau covers like the tonneau king ones. They’re half the price of the roller ones and you don’t lose any space. Not bashing the roller shutter, just saying it’s not the only solution, they all have different pros and cons. Roller shutters are the most well marketed option though

[@lesediseemela9856]

@@KabirDhupelia the ones I’ve seen aren’t as secure, but I get your point Kabir.

[@funkdunk]

Someone asked here in the comments feed whether you're paid for the review. Wnether you are or not, this is a good review and well balanced. I am busy researching "bakkies" at the moment for a client who wants to buy a few (hundred) and the Style (after this review) has been added to the list. In the looks department the Amorok wins hands down, we are looking at aftermarket service and my experience with Ford hasn't been great. They were keen to throw me under the proverbial bus until I got hold of the SA MD ,it all improved from there on. The Chinese bakkies aren't on the list. Toyota is with their Hilux, however its older generation technology, styling has improved since launch though. Isuzu is on the list. New Triton too...an improvement over the outgoing model but also a box whereas the Amarok has got style. There's also an annoying camera in the new Triton which the Ozzie reviewers aren't pleased with. I am not sure whether we will have it here. Isuzu's aftermarket service is decent so is Toyota plus they have the best dealer network across SA. So does Ford for that matter. VW also has too but not as prolific as Ford, Isuzu and Toyota.

[@masterq2.033]

The Clone Ranger. Put the ranger tub on. The old VW TDI V6 (With a dpf,Egr delete and stage 1 remap) and ZF 8sp. Drop the gawdy gear knob. Put propper twist buttons on the aircon controls and cup holders from the Ranger. Then I would look at get one.

[@Mothercityguy]

This is SA boss you must lock the wheels frame and saddle to the bakkie lol

[@labourlawact7826]

Going 15,000km between oil changes on a diesel is insane. But, the manufacturers recommend that so that you can buy a new one soon after the warranty expires, and the motor is sludged up. 🙄

[@salmonstone2358]

This is AmaFord now 😂

[@jean-pierregertenbach3370]

Have you ever rewiewed the 4.0 v6 hilug legend 2024, would like to know how it performs

[@siphesihlemahlangu-yj7dr]

Should have tested it with the maximum allowed low to get accurate fuel consumption and strain on the suspension and drive train.

[@avuazahc1966]

Nice bakkie this one, In my car I put a laptop bag under my seat from rear passenger doors. I just don't understand why this it does not get 4A. That's my only cry

[@jldp24]

Would buy the prev gen Extreme instead..amd its not even close

[@salieshaunsmuts6209]

Careful with the way you take your hands off the stearing whilst driving , if you ever in an accident, people will think that you weren't holding the steering

[@rendysify]

This AMAFORD is beautiful

[@salmonstone2358]

I coined that term first 😂😂😂 I posted it on their LinkedIn 😅

[@St-G2]

I would like to buy the wildtrak and keep it in my village. I will only drive it when i visit on holidays. I would not prefer anyone driving the car in my absence too. Will it not give me problems with the long periods of not driving it.

[@MondliMakhoba-md3sq]

'then I get my South African proof lock' 💀

[@Nhlanhla187]

The self repairing is definitely a thing, my Polo did that a number of times.

[@rudzyeli]

True 😅😅 my vw TCross has scratches that just disappeared

[@SDav21]

Also, security is an issue in a bakkie because you are leaving stuff on the back seat where it can be seen and easily stolen. Most people who buy bakkies don't even use the utility part of it. I don't get it. And they drive much worse than an SUV and use more fuel.

[@kratos9223]

Some say the only interior part carried over from the Ford Ranger is the armrest. 😅

[@mada730]

In Zambia 🇿🇲 if they cant steal the bike they steal the towel instead 😂😂

[@lithayapi868]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Stura_tv]

@@labourlawact7826 i think its just an African thing :)

[@johanhattingh9049]

Your review is more about a "bakkie" than about the Amarok. The price difference between the Amarok and the Ranger, is mostly due to the service plans.

[@autochampwandelen]

I still can't believe its based on the Ford Ranger. I think it looked better when it was all Volkswagen's work on the Amarok.

[@maxwellluningo2582]

Keep on making videos like this😅

[@TheCarzilla]

Watching the Amarok video on my 2 phones😁

[@thembanimgenu190]

I also would prefer an SUV, nothing wrong with the bakkie but an SUV seems way better 😅

[@unicornforever9276]

AmaRanger

[@jagman999]

I don’t like them either. Very long car, but not that much rear passenger space and the load bed too small for bikes to fit in securely. SUV or estate car makes more sense for a leisure car

[@kenlaufoy7412]

Does VW develop its own chassis for the Amerok.?? Interior looks dated😅

[@MyPaballo]

RS4 Competition is lighter. Maybe why the breaks feel better?

[@adhirsingh8614]

Bro, this isn't CarWow lol🤣

[@MyPaballo]

@@adhirsingh8614 lol the weed was definitely strong that day.

[@adhirsingh8614]

@@MyPaballo it happens😅👉

[@johanneswehrmann]

Nice VW with a few FORD glitches.

[@mso8190]

Nice Ford with VW glitches.

[@raymondmalan487]

It's a Leisure Vehicle.... Good for Garden Refuse and Transporting MTB's. Won't Last 6 months as Workhorse ( Even if there are Workhorse Models ). It is Exactly what it is, for the Soft...Can't Work...or get your own VW/Ford Mechanic on Standby when going up in Africa. Nice Vid Ash. ✌

[@Argosy16]

Ford ranger with lipstick 💄

[@brayton6683]

The ranger is much more better looking

[@fakazishongwe3406]

D-Max any day, everyday...

[@Libra67jtc]

Are long term reviews on this channel paid for reviews from the vehicle manufacturers ?????

[@tshepo1799]

Hate the new intro. Need the old Ciro " Dream search drive" and then onto the video

[@schlix101]

Volkswagen getting more and more renowned for their Auto Gearboxes going bang... Na, Ford for me. LOL! Let's hope the Amarok sticks with it's Ford inherited gearbox and that Ford does not learn anything about automatic (DSG) gearboxes from Volkswagen.

[@rayrooney1]

Not really much more economical than the v6.

[@morgan28d]

its a ford so no unless its got a vw diesel in it then no from a tiguan owner

[@geetv1.055]

Your wife’s towel?💀

[@SDav21]

The build and interior quality of this new Amarok is so bad and a huge step down from the previous model. I don't understand why VW used Ford who is not known for building the best quality cars. Even the previous gen V6 diesel was way better and faster. German vs American engineering. The previous Amarok was so good so why did they need Ford? They could have just updated the previous one.

[@beresheeth]

Way way over priced! At 650k it would be something....

[@TomorrowGaming99]

Its a mans car.

[@rudzyeli]

Can you please donate me your bike 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@user-fq1hf4bn1g]

Its not a bakkie its a bakkietjie bakkies are longwheelbase workhorses not groceries getters

[@liaanjoone930]

The ford part is the mistake,now i dislike vw

[@RJS027]

your laptop bag analysis kinda lacks creative thinking

[@bosspickleschannel9102]

This seriously looks terrible