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Volkswagen has taken a hatchet to the Amarok range, dropping fleet-focused base models and shifting to a high-spec, V6-driven line-up.
The 2026 Volkswagen Amarok model line has been given a massive shake-up.
The previously available Core and Life trim levels, and the single- and twin-turbo four-cylinder engines that powered them have been cut, with most variants now powered by the continuing 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine.
Volkswagen has kept its high-spec model line intact, with the Style now serving as the entry-level valiant, and the range moving up through PanAmericana, Aventura, and a new limited-edition Dark Label variant.
At the top of the line-up, Volkswagen’s locally-modified Amarok W600, with styling and handling upgrades fitted by Walkinshaw in Australia, serves as the flagship model.
Details of the Amarok W600, including more info on its locally tuned suspension, upgraded tyres, and restyled exterior, can be found here.
All variants are powered by a 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine, shared with the Amarok’s platform partner, the Ford Ranger.
The only other engine available is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, producing 222kW and 452Nm, previously reserved for the Aventura grade, but now offered exclusively in the Style.
The move sees Volkswagen drop the 125kW/405Nm single turbo and 154kW/500Nm bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesels offered previously.
From 10 versions available in the 2025 line-up, the Amarok range has been pared back to seven variants for 2026.
The Amarok Style V6 is now the only model optionally available as a factory-built cab-chassis variant, with all other variants fitted standard with a rear tub.
Style variants can also be upgraded with 20-inch alloy wheels in place of standard 18-inch wheels.
Volkswagen has not announced pricing for the restructured line-up, but with the 2025 version of the Style TDI600 4x4 starting from $73,740, base pricing looks unlikely to get anywhere near the $55,490 starting point of the now-discontinued Core TDI405 4x4.
The move to V6 and turbo petrol power means all Amarok variants now feature part-time four-wheel drive with a ‘4A’ automatic mode, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The newly announced Amarok Dark Label comes equipped with 20-inch matte black alloy wheels, a spray-in tub liner, soft tonneau cover, tinted tail lights, and LED matrix headlights.
Befitting its Dark Label name, the special edition model gets black-pack styling with black mirrors, door handles, side steps, front skid plate, roof rails, and a powder-coated black sports bar.
Contrasting Dark Label decals are fitted on the bonnet, doors, tub, and tailgate.
The Dark Label edition will be limited to 200 units in Australia.
As with the rest of the 2026 Amarok range, pricing has not yet been revealed, with Volkswagen Australia to announce pricing and full specifications for the MY26 Amarok closer to its unannounced on-sale date.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
