The 2018 Amarok receives a welcomed yet subtle update with its exterior. Around the sides, the Amarok鈥檚 design is largely carryover, with the squared-off fender flares, sculpted side window carve-outs, and rocker panel bulge. Optional side steps help drivers enter and exit the high-riding truck. Things out back are nearly identical to the outgoing model. That鈥檚 not necessarily a bad thing as the Amarok鈥檚 rear end already looked modern. The slim-line rear bumper features a center step for getting into and out of the bed, as well as serving for a spot for the license plate. An optional frame-mounted trailer hitch can be purchased as well. The tailgate is lockable with a key, helping prevent thieves from running away with the tailgate or the cargo inside the bed. Most of the 2018 Amaork鈥檚 changes happen here, inside the cabin. Gone are the funky round air vents, small infotainment screen, and chintzy steering wheel.
It鈥檚 all been replaced with an updated design that reflects modern VW styling. Though the same basic dashboard and center console design remains, all the details have been thoroughly reworked. First, the steering wheel now looks modern with controls for the infotainment screen and driver information system. Piano black accents dress it up. The gauge cluster is also reworked, getting deeper dish gauges and an updated 3D driver information screen, the latter of which comes standard on the Aventura model. The center stack is heavily updated as well, getting a larger screen with updated software that includes App Connect, as well as Guide & Inform, which helps supplements the navigation system by added online-based, up-to-the-minute traffic information. The system also features Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Amarok鈥檚 HVAC vents are now rectangular in shape, making them easier to use. Down below, updated HVAC controls bring dual zone controls for the front occupants.
A new satin chrome trim piece also dresses the dash up, separating the upper and lower sections for a more cohesive look. Those driving long distances will appreciate VW adding the 14-way ergoComfort front seats. VW says the seats can be adjusted to fit nearly any body size. Seat height and longitudinal position can be easily adjusted, as well as the lumbar and backrests and seat cushion angle. Nappa leather with heating is available as well. Volkswagen also made parking the Amarok easier with its Park Pilot system. It uses radar sensors to detect nearby objects then displays a proximity diagram on the infotainment screen showing where and how close the objects are. A backup camera is also included. The sole powertrain offered in the 2018 Amarok is a new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel. The TDI engine comes in two tunes, with the higher-strung version making an impressive 220 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission operated via the console-mounted shifter. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also present for manual shifting. Volkswagen says the Amarok can reach a top speed of 120 mph and will hit 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. The Amarok comes standard in RWD form, but VW鈥檚 4Motion AWD system is optional. The standard tune in the V-6 TDI makes 161 horsepower and comes mated to a manual transmission. This powertrain replaces two version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI that most consider woefully underpowered. The base tune brought 138 horsepower and pushed the truck to 62 mph in a leisurely 13.5 seconds. A twin-turbocharged version, called the BiTDI, produced 178 horsepower and hit 62 mph in 11 seconds. 28,850 at current exchange rates. The Hilux, like the Amarok, is not offered in the U.S. We do have a version of it though with the Tacoma. Still, the Hilux is its own truck with a beefier attitude and a stronger back for work.
