Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia
Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026.
The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota.
Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm.
There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries.
All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential.
The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg.
It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3.
The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays.
Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia.
The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque.
Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission.
Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025.
Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV".
Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara.
Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport.
The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets.
Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025.
We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup.
Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026.
The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota.
Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm.
There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries.
All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential.
The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg.
It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3.
The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays.
Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia.
The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque.
Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission.
Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025.
Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV".
Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara.
Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport.
The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets.
Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025.
We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup.
Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026.
The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota.
Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm.
There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries.
All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential.
The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg.
It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3.
The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays.
Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia.
The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque.
Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission.
Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025.
Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV".
Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara.
Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport.
The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets.
Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025.
We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup.
Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026.
The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota.
Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm.
There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries.
All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential.
The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg.
It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3.
The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays.
Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia.
The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque.
Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission.
Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025.
Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV".
Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara.
Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport.
The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets.
Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025.
We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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That's $6000 up on the base Core, and a whopping $10,750 less than the next permanent variant above it, the Style TDI500 with the same engine. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The Amarok Life is most comparable to either the Ranger XLS or XLT biturbo 4×4 dual-cabs – even if the model lineups aren't quite in sync. These utes cost $57,630 and $63,640 before on-roads respectively. Outside of that duo, the dual-can 4×4 ute crowd is as large as ever. There are still the usual names – Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and Nissan Navara – competing against the Amarok. There's also a handful of rivals from China that continue to put pressure on these stalwarts. The GWM Cannon and LDV T60 aren't brand-new but continue to sell well, while the JAC T9 is working to establish an Australian following. Volkswagen's ute is still pricier than all of the above. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Unremarkable, especially by Volkswagen standards. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Of course, the Ford roots are obvious, yet it doesn't feel as refined. The rounded air vents of the Ranger have been sharpened, and there are a fair few uninspiring shapes and surfaces dominating the dash and centre console. Unlike the D-Max/BT-50 sister models, in which the interiors are practically identical apart from nicer seats in the latter, the Amarok feels like an attempt to inject edgier Volkswagen styling into a ute it wasn't designed for. That said, most of the practical benefits that come with cheaper Rangers have been carried through here. There's a similar phone-sized cubby ahead of the gear selector, a pair of cupholders, a cut-out on top of the dash, and a lidded cubby above the glovebox – all very useful for tradies. The seats in the Life are also work-friendly, with hardy cloth upholstery and enough bolstering to keep front passengers comfortable in bends. Those hard surfaces will withstand wear and tear better than any more premium materials, while the leather steering wheel trim is a worthwhile luxury. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Fitted to this variant is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a smaller unit than the 12.3-inch alternative found from Style level. It sits awkwardly on the dashboard with thick glossy bezels, but was responsive and snappy during our testing. You still get wireless smartphone mirroring as standard, which worked reliably during our time with the car. Climate control is – unfortunately – tucked away in this screen, bar the sole shortcut button below it to open the climate menu. This is in stark contrast to the Ranger, which has a series of knobs and buttons below. The Amarok's array of buttons may look cleaner, but the practicality of physical climate controls is far preferable. Otherwise, you'll find a USB-A and -C ports, a 12V outlet, a trailer brake controller, and even a wireless charging pad in the cubby below. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The steering wheel is a classic Volkswagen design, and we like that all the buttons are finished in durable plastic. They're all physical too, which means they're easy to use – especially compared to the glossy haptic controls in other modern VWs. Behind the wheel is an 8.0-inch digital instrument display, flanked by simple meters for temperature and fuel. It's by no means flashy, but as with the Ranger it's functional and simple, which means it's easy to live with. Like the infotainment screen though, it's the smaller of the two screens seen across the range. The few menus available to scroll through are navigated using the buttons on the right of the wheel. This area is where you'll find most of the Amarok's physical controls, with those few buttons and off-road controls on the centre console making up the rest. That makes for a cabin that's intuitive enough to be comfortable, but in any ute we'd still like to see a more traditional approach with more buttons. At least the armrests are soft, and the centre storage bin is big enough for a range of odds and ends. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Stepping into the back is a small hike, but the side running boards make it easy to step up and in. These are similar to other Amaroks, though they're made of black plastic instead of metal. The door opening is square but not as large as we'd like, which means – when combined with the high floor – loading larger items like a child seat may be difficult. Once you're in though, there's plenty of space for passengers and their cargo. If you need to fit a child seat, there are two ISOFIX and two top-tether anchor points to utilise. There's a fold-down centre armrest in the middle and a 12V outlet on the back of the centre console, but there are no USB outlets to break up the swathes of scratchy plastic. The rear bench seat itself is upholstered in the same cloth as up front, and can fold up or down to reveal small spots to store things. Headroom is appropriate, and legroom should be fine for people less than two metres tall. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert As expected for a base-spec ute, the tub lacks any protective plastic lining. This isn't the end of the world, but the paint will quickly scratch through normal use. The Amarok can be optioned with a 'Modular Bedliner' though. Disappointingly, there are also no power outlets in the tub, as they're reserved for higher-spec Amaroks, but tailgate assist makes it easier to close without a motorised function. You'll notice our tester is fitted with Volkswagen's 'Premium Stylish Canopy', one of the many genuine accessories on offer. The versatility here is excellent as a result. You can opt for the side windows in three combinations of lifting or sliding, while there's electric opening for all three panels, standard central locking, and built-in LEDs inside, keeping everything secure but accessible when needed. That all makes the Amarok Life a solid workhorse, but its interior falls short of justifying the $60,000-plus price tag. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The TDI500 engine fitted to the Life and Style is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder biturbo diesel shared with the Ranger. It produces 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, with drive sent to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Our week with the ute comprised several highway commutes, and multiple trips throughout Melbourne's inner suburbs. The stop-start driving of the latter contributed to our higher fuel economy figure, although there was no load in the back. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Ford's twin-turbo diesel four-pot feels entirely appropriate in the Ranger, and it's no different in the Amarok. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert NOTE: Volkswagen Amarok Style pictured throughout this section. You need to put a physical key into the ignition to start the Life, which I often prefer to a push-button, but it takes a moment to adjust your brain behind the wheel of such a modern (and expensive) vehicle. Firing it up reveals a relatively smooth diesel idle that soon quietens down as things warm up. It's perfectly liveable and slots into Drive using a chunky gear selector, just as it does in most other Rangers and Amaroks. Setting off from a standstill provides a decent push in the back, and the engine feels quite happy under load, which is exactly what you want from a powertrain in a ute. We maintain that 10 gears are far too many for a vehicle like this, as the most significant feedback it provides is constant shifting under acceleration. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Still, it's a solid powertrain setup, and the base-spec leanings of the interior tie in well with the utilitarian characteristics of the diesel up front. On the move, the Amarok Life exhibits a typically bouncy ride. This is especially evident unladen, as the rear of the vehicle will clatter over bumps even if road noise is acceptably subdued. We don't mind this tendency, since it's still far more compliant than the ride you get on the larger 18- or 21-inch wheels fitted to the more expensive grades. The chunkier rubber here also means you have more leeway when tackling rough roads – sealed or not. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Like the Australian-developed Ranger it's based on, which remains the ute benchmark when it comes to ride/handling, the Amarok confidently keeps itself in check in bends thanks to a well-sorted front-end in a solid ladder-frame chassis design. You'll notice a bit of body roll, but the steering is nicely weighted and pointy enough to keep you on track. Forcing it to turn at speed will induce some tyre squeal, but the Life's on-road performance still stands up well against the more lifestyle-oriented Aventura. Despite sporting large 4Motion stickers, the Amarok actually runs in two-wheel drive most of the time. That's because the TDI500's four-wheel drive system is designed for unsealed surfaces, and prolonged use on paved roads can cause driveline damage. Rear-wheel drive translates to lower fuel consumption on the road, and the biturbo diesel doesn't have the guts to properly break traction unless the roads are greasy anyway, and the well-sorted traction/stability control system takes good care of that. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert It's a different story with the Amarok's more powerful engines, though adding weight to the tub dulls things down a bit. Once you're off-road, the Amarok is more than capable of getting you to almost any campsite. There are several off-road modes to choose from, along with a locking rear differential, low-range gearing, and plenty of ground clearance to help keep things moving along over the rough stuff. We didn't get the chance to properly test the Amarok's off-road capabilities during our week with the car, but you can check out our video review of the Aventura for a better idea. When the speed picks up, the Life stays comfortable and offers plenty of overtaking power, but it's not as effortless as a V6 Amarok, while will walk up snottier inclines and tow a large van or boat with much more ease. However, there's still a comprehensive suite of safety gear, even if a lot of it is simplified for entry-level Amaroks. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert You get adaptive cruise control for one, albeit without any stop/go function. It's reliable in practice, and makes long-distance commuting a breeze with its ability to appropriately follow lanes and keep up with traffic around you. We've had few hiccups with these systems in the real world previously, although the higher-spec Aventura did throw up false distraction warnings during a previous test. Rangers also tend to do this, mostly if they deem your hands to be off the wheel, but the Amarok Life stayed quiet. Unfortunately, you don't get a surround-view or even a front-facing camera, which would vastly improve manoeuvrability when off-roading or navigating carparks. Visibility is still good, though the optional canopy does create a letterbox in the rear-view mirror. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Life sits above only the base Core in Volkswagen's Amarok range as a mildly more premium variant, but a long way below the grades above in terms of standard equipment. Life Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Core equipment highlights: 17-inch 'Cobra' alloy wheels Front disc, rear drum brakes Locking rear differential Power-folding side mirrors Side steps Mud flaps 2 x front tow hooks Steel underbody protection Plastic fuel tank protection Tow bar 12-pin trailer plug Black side mirrors, door handles Manual locking tailgate 6 x tie-down points in tub (pickup only) Exterior tie-down rails Cargo box LED lighting (pickup only) Automatic LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers Automatic high-beam Halogen tail lights Vinyl flooring Grey headliner Fabric upholstery 6-way manual driver seat 4-way manual front passenger seat 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system Four-speaker sound system Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Wireless charger Single-zone air-conditioning Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Trailer brake controller Style Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Volkswagen Amarok Style Amarok Life adds: Rear disc brakes LED front fog lights Body colour side mirrors and door handles Heated, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps Locking wheel nuts Tailgate lift assist (pickup only) Power tailgate lock (pickup only) Privacy glass Six-speaker sound system E-shifter Electric park brake Leather-wrapped steering wheel Carpet flooring Eight-way manual front seats Adaptive cruise control with stop/go Amarok 10 Deserts Edition adds: 17-inch black 'Cobra' alloy wheels Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres 40mm suspension lift (275mm total ground clearance) Composite underbody protection Black tonneau cover 10 Deserts badging All-weather floor mats Amarok Style adds: 18-inch 'Amadora' alloy wheels Chrome side mirrors and door handles Plastic tub liner (pickup only) Stainless steel sports bar (pickup only) 12V socket in tub (pickup only) 230V sockets in tub (pickup only) 400W inverter Matrix LED headlights LED tail lights Leather-look dashboard and door inserts ArtVelour microfibre upholstery Heated front seats 10-way power driver's seat 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Dual-zone climate control Rear air vents Insulated windshield Proximity entry and push-button start Alarm system Adventura Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Amarok PanAmericana adds: 18-inch black 'Amadora' alloy wheels All-terrain tyres Dynamic suspension Black side mirrors and door handles PanAmericana decal Black sports bar and steps Soft tonneau cover Roof rails Spray-in tub liner Leather upholstery Power passenger seat Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Black headliner Amarok Aventura adds: 21-inch 'Varberg' alloy wheels Chrome bumpers, mirrors, handles Rear sailplane Electric roller cover Leather seats (Savona) To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Volkswagen Amarok has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2022. This result was drawn from testing of the closely related Ranger, with additional frontal offset and side impact tests conducted on the Amarok by Euro NCAP, which has harmonised testing protocols with ANCAP. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment across the range includes: 9 airbags Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Front, rear parking sensors Intelligent Speed Limiter Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Reversing camera Swerve Steer assist Speed sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Amarok Life adds: Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go Amarok Style adds: Park Assist semi-autonomous parking Surround-view camera Trailer assist To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Volkswagen Australia range, the Amarok is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Service pricing, accurate as of July 1, 2025, is detailed below: Alternatively, customers can purchase a five-year 'Care Plan' for $2200. To see how the Amarok stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Where other Amaroks cater to lifestyle buyers, the Life is pitched more towards tradies, which is a task it doesn't take on convincingly. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The MkII Amarok has always been a more premium version of the Ranger. It's more expensive, but for your money you generally also get nicer materials and the best tech available, even if it comes at the expense of the 'lifestyle ute' tag. But the Life strips things back without a price cut in equal measure. Don't get us wrong – it's still a well-built and reliable dual-cab 4×4 pickup, but if you're going to go for an Amarok at this price you may as well flip a coin with a Ranger XLT, or even an XLS and pay a little less. It's not accident there are just four work-oriented variants in the Amarok's 12-grade lineup. The Amarok is at its best from the Style level up. Its interior is a much more cohesive package, and it's generally a little sharper in most areas without compromising too much on its utility. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert The bones you get with the Life are undoubtedly solid. It may not be available with the meatier diesel V6, but the biturbo four is still a quality engine with plenty of punch. That means it can still tow comfortably and offer a very decent payload in the tub. The optional canopy fitted to our tester also improves both storage space and security, offering added peace of mind and turning the Amarok somewhat into the Everest wagon for which Volkswagen has no answer. The Life TDI500's interior is also comfortable enough, even if it occupies a weird space between the ruggedness of the Ranger and the SUV-ness of the Amarok PanAmericana, let alone the Aventura. All that makes the Amarok Life a great ute, but we think tradies are better off saving their cash and buying something else. 2025 Volkswagen Amarok Life TDI500 Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Volkswagen Amarok? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom Can be put to work Capable diesel engine Proven underpinnings Too expensive as a work vehicle Uninspiring interior Ranger may make more sense Power: 154kW Fuel Type: Diesel Economy: 7.2L/100km CO2 Emissions: 189g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: 5
