The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 continues to carve out its niche in Australia’s competitive ute market. Despite sharing its DNA with the best-selling Ford Ranger, the Amarok remains an underdog, having sold 2,434 units in 2025 compared to the Ranger’s impressive 22,000. This disparity highlights the Amarok’s unique positioning and challenges in a market dominated by established names and new competitors.
Unlike many of its rivals, the Amarok is available exclusively as a dual-cab 4×4, with no single-cab or extended cab options. This limited range, coupled with its premium pricing, positions the Amarok as a high-end choice in the ute segment. However, increasing competition from new entrants, particularly Chinese manufacturers, and enhancements in models like the Ford Ranger, which now offers plug-in hybrid variants, put additional pressure on Volkswagen’s offering.
Design and Features: A Blend of Utility and Style
The Amarok Life TDI500 is positioned just above the base model in the Amarok lineup. Priced at $62,000 drive-away, it features a four-cylinder biturbo-diesel engine, cloth seats, and 17-inch wheels. While it lacks some luxury amenities, it offers a practical and durable interior, suitable for work environments.
Volkswagen has attempted to infuse its signature styling into the Amarok, resulting in a cabin that feels distinct yet somewhat less refined compared to its Ford counterpart. Practicality is evident with features like a phone-sized cubby, cupholders, and a lidded cubby above the glovebox. However, the reliance on a touchscreen for climate control contrasts with the more tactile controls found in the Ranger.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Amarok Life’s TDI500 engine, shared with the Ranger, delivers 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This power is channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While the engine provides adequate performance for both urban and highway driving, the abundance of gears can lead to frequent shifting, which some drivers may find intrusive.
On-road, the Amarok Life offers a bouncy ride, particularly when unladen. However, its handling remains composed, benefiting from a solid chassis design. The vehicle’s off-road capabilities are robust, with features like a locking rear differential and low-range gearing, though we did not have the opportunity to test these extensively.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Amarok Life offers a straightforward and functional layout. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while smaller than the 12.3-inch unit in higher trims, is responsive and supports wireless smartphone mirroring. The steering wheel, a classic Volkswagen design, features durable plastic buttons, providing a tactile experience absent in some modern vehicles with haptic controls.
The rear seating area is spacious, with provisions for child seats, although the absence of USB ports is a notable omission. The lack of a protective lining in the tub may concern some buyers, though a ‘Modular Bedliner’ is available as an option.
Market Position and Future Prospects
The Amarok Life TDI500 is positioned as a reliable and well-built dual-cab 4×4, yet it struggles to justify its price tag compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger XLS or XLT. The Amarok’s appeal lies in its blend of utility and Volkswagen’s design ethos, but it faces stiff competition from both traditional and emerging players in the ute market.
Volkswagen’s strategy with the Amarok seems to focus on offering a premium alternative to the Ranger, but the lack of significant innovation or electrification options may hinder its appeal. The Amarok remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable workhorse with a touch of style, but potential buyers might find better value elsewhere.
As the ute market evolves, Volkswagen will need to adapt, possibly by expanding its lineup or introducing more competitive pricing strategies. Until then, the Amarok Life TDI500 remains a competent, if slightly overpriced, option in a crowded field.
