The ute has evolved.
What was once a tool for farmers has become a very different vehicle. The modern dual-cab ute now has to play many roles; a workhorse, a family car and a weekend toy.
Now that most can perform multiple tasks, it has made them more desirable than ever before as evidenced by the Toyota HiLux becoming Australia's best-selling new vehicle in 2016.
Volkswagen became the first European brand into the modern ute market when it launched the Amarok in 2011. But it didn't have the muscle to mix it with the toughest rivals, until now... as a mid-life facelift not only brings fresh styling and a revised cabin but introduces a new 3.0-litre turbo V6 that instantly makes it the most powerful in its class.
But is that enough? We're putting the Amarok V6 Highline up against its direct rivals - the HiLux SR5, Ranger XLT and Holden Colorado Z71 - to see how it stacks up.
Volkswagen Amarok V6 Highline
The Amarok had already earned praise for its well mannered ride and handling and nicely presented cabin. But, with only a four-cylinder engine, it didn't win over buyers in the same way its Asian-built rivals have.
So for the update launched in late 2016 the focus was more on the engine bay. The four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines remain available in the lower grade models but for the top-specification Highline and Ultimate it is V6 power.
The 3.0-litre turbo diesel is the same VW Group engine used in the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. It does pack a significant punch, with 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque, which is comfortably class leading.
And it feels every bit as muscularon the road. There's a strong and steady flow of pulling power right across the rev range. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Amarok never feels strained, instead it always feels ready and willing to go a bit quicker.
The automatic is well suited to the engine, offering smooth shifts and quick reactions when needed but also cruising quietly.
Despite its power and torque advantage the Amarok has the lowest towing capacity of 3000kg, compared to 3500kg for its rivals.
We tested all four of these utes with 500kg of weight in the tray, to see how it impacted on the engine, ride and handling.
The Amarok has a payload of 911kg so had little trouble managing the weight. The engine was unflustered and the ride and handling remained controlled.
It's also worth noting that the Amarok is the only one of this group that will fit a standard Australian pallet (1165mm) between its wheel arches in the tray.
The tray measures 1555mm long, 1620mm wide and 1222mm between the arches.
The tray comes with a plastic liner, four tie-down points, a 12-volt outlet and a pair of LED lights mounted at the back of the cabin to illuminate the tray if you need to load up in darkness.
With or without weight the Amarok is one of the nicest utes to drive. The steering is almost SUV-like, much lighter and more responsive than its rivals.
The ride quality is good without any load, there's still some bounciness you get from all of these utes when they are unladen but overall it has good comfort and compliance. Adding the weight only improves the Amarok's ride by settling it down and removing that bouncing.
Stopping power is strong too, with the V6 models getting larger front brakes than the four-cylinder Amaroks as well as disc brakes on the rear; the only one of this quartet to have them fitted.
The power comes at a price though, with the Amarok Highline the most expensive of this group with a starting price of $59,990.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel sidesteps, bi-Xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights and a sports bar in the tray.
Inside there are leather seats, Bluetooth, voice control and VW's App Connect system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior presentation is among the best-in-class, borrowing heavily from VW's passenger cars in terms of design, fit and finish. There's good storage and the seats are a combination of cloth and leather to add a premium touch.
Rear passenger space is tight on knee room, which detracts from its practical nature as a dual-cab ute.
Disappointingly there is one major omission from the standard equipment list - potentially life-saving rear curtain airbags, which Volkswagen management still views as unnecessary.
That's probably not the case for those buying these dual-cab utes for family duties, or those who carry work colleagues in the back. It also means that if the Amarok was re-tested by ANCAP it would not score a five-star rating. Active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring are not available either.
VW offers a five-year capped price servicing program for the Amarok V6. Intervals are 12 months/15,000km and will cost $1690 over the first three years, which makes it the most expensive to maintain of this group.
Volkswagen Amarok V6 Highline price and specifications
Price: From $59,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Power: 165kW at 2500-4500rpm
Torque: 550Nm at 1500-2500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.8L/100km
Ford Ranger XLT
Volkswagen has made no secret that it is targeting the Ranger XLT with its Amarok Highline. Which makes sense to us as the XLT is two-time defending winner of the Best Ute category in Drive Car of the Year Best awards, thanks to its combination of capability, comfort and value.
It's a cylinder short on the VW though, powered by a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel. But it produces a healthy 147kW and 470Nm that makes it feels strong enough on the road. It isn't quite as effortless as the Amarok but the Ranger gets the job done easier than most.
The six-speed automatic transmission helps extract the best from the engine with its well matched ratios and smooth shifts.
The Ranger has always impressed with its ride quality both with and without a load. The comfort and control is similar to the VW when it is unladen but with the 500kg on board the Ranger feels more stable and composed.
The engine has to work slightly harder than the VW with the load but it doesn't struggle and still pulls strongly.
The steering isn't quite as light as the Amarok but it is direct and responsive, one of the best in this class.
The Ranger also wins points for its practical tray. While it may not be quite as wide between the arches as the VW it still measures 1549mm long and 1560mm wide, with 1139mm of space between the arches.
It also gets a tray liner, lighting similar to the VW and a group-leading six tie-down points, which makes securing a load easy. It also has 12-volt outlet in the tray if you need to plug something in that requires power.
Total payload is higher than the VW with a claimed 995kg and towing capacity is 3500kg.
Priced from $57,725 (plus on-roads) the XLT is the second most expensive of this group but comes well equipped. Standard items include 17-inch alloys, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, digital radio, Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, CD player, USB port, dual-zone air-conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto headlights and wipers.
The cabin is nicely presented too. It looks good and the finish is nice for a ute even with the cloth seats. There's good storage space, a cooled console box, a pair of 12-volt outlets and room in the back is best of this group with good head and knee room. The back seats also boast a 230V inverter in the rear console for running anything with a regular power plug.
Ford has listened to earlier criticism and made a reversing camera standard on its pick-up models, along with full airbag protection for both rows.
Additional safety is available in the optional Technology Pack that brings adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and automatic high beam lights for $800.
Ford offers lifetime capped price servicing for all of its post-2007 models. Services are required every 12 months/15,000km. Over the first three year period it will cost $1465 to maintain the Ranger.
Ford Ranger XLT price and specifications
Price: From $57,725 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 147kW at 3000rpm
Torque: 470Nm at 1750-2500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.2L/100km
Toyota HiLux SR5
If popularity was the deciding factor in these comparison tests then the HiLux would be a comfortable victor.
As mentioned previously, the venerable HiLux has become not only the most popular ute but was Australia's most popular new vehicle of any kind in 2016.
But popularity isn't part of our criteria so the HiLux has to stand on its merits as a workhorse and family-friendly dual-cab.
It doesn't start strongly under the bonnet with the least powerful engine with the least amount of torque. The 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 130kW and 450Nm.
While that may sound modest in comparison to the VW and Ranger it does a respectable job on the road most of the time.
Unladen it feels reasonably strong but can labour under hard acceleration. With the weight in the back it felt noticeably more strained than its rivals here, working hard to get the job done.
The ride isn't as composed as either the Ranger or Amarok without a load, with a tendency to bounce and fidget across uneven surfaces.
Adding 500kg to the tray settles it down slightly but it still can't match the Ranger for composure and comfort.
The steering is a big step forward from the previous HiLux but is still lagging slightly behind the Ford and VW in terms of responsiveness. It feels a little slow at times and lacks the feedback the benchmark cars offer.
At $56,490 (plus on-roads) the HiLux SR5 is the cheapest of this group but doesn't feel it in terms of equipment. Standard gear includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition (the only one of this quartet to have the handy feature), navigation, digital radio, Bluetooth, cloth trim (leather is optional) and reversing camera.
However, it does miss out on a tray liner and even our press test car was starting to show the scraps and scratches you can expect to cover the tray bed with if you use it as a workhorse.
The HiLux has the lowest payload of this group at just 820kg. The tray measures 1569mm long and 1645mm wide.
The tray does have four tie-down points but also misses out on a power outlet and lighting.
In the cabin, the design also feels more SUV-like than a traditional working-class ute. The dash has some flair to it and a variety of trim elements help lift the feeling of quality.
Space is good front and rear, as is storage space and there is both 12V and 220V sockets.
Safety includes seven airbags to cover all occupants but the active safety extras offered by Ford aren't matched by Toyota.
The HiLux is covered by Toyota's capped price servicing program for three years. But it has shorter intervals than its competition needed a dealer visit every six months/10,000k. Despite the extra service visits it still only totals $1440 over the first three years.
Toyota HiLux SR5 price and specifications
Price: From $56,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 130kW at 3400rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 1600-2400rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.1L/100km
Holden Colorado Z71
Having failed to match the sales highs of either the HiLux or Ranger, Holden has given its Colorado a major mid-life upgrade.
Holden, and parent company General Motors, worked hard to improve the refinement of the engine and gearbox as well as the Colorado's on-road manners.
The engine is still the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel as before and with 147kW and 500Nm it matches the Ranger for peak power and is second only to the Amarok in terms of torque.
The improvements to refinement are evident as soon as you begin driving the updated Colorado, with less noise and vibrations penetrating the cabin.
The same is true of the transmission, which now operates more smoothly thanks to a counter balancer on the flywheel that dampens out vibrations.
With so much torque, the Colorado feels strong both unladen and with 500kg in the back.
Holden can claim bragging rights for payload capacity with the Colorado capable of taking 1107kg.
The tray measures 1484mm long and 1534mm wide and comes with a tray liner but no power outlets and only two tie-down points. The tie-down points are located at the rear of the tray, near the tailgate, which make it hard to secure a load which is a big negative for anyone looking to use the tray for bigger loads on a regular basis.
Ride comfort is better than the HiLux, with more control and less fidgeting, but it can't match the Ranger and Amarok in terms of pure comfort.
The steering is also just ahead of the Toyota but not quite a match for the other two in terms of responsiveness and feedback to the driver
We're testing the top of the range Colorado Z71 which is priced from $57,300 (plus on-roads), putting it in third place cost-wise.
It looks the most premium of these four thanks to its 18-inch alloy wheels, sailplane sports bar and side rails with 'Z71' graphics, and soft tonneau; the only one of this group to get a cover for the tray.
It also comes with 'Z71' decals on the bonnet, roof rails plus a black front grille, door handles, mirrors and side mouldings.
The sporty treatment continues into the cabin with 'Z71' embroidered into the leather-appointed and heated front seats. There's also climate control air-con, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, a seven-speaker sound system and Holden's MyLink infotainment system that includes an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio and navigation.
That helps the cabin look nice but some of the materials used, specifically the harder plastics, detract slightly from the premium feel.
The Colorado's safety credentials are strong with seven airbags, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors plus forward collision warning and lane departure warning all included in the cost.
The Colorado is covered by Holden's capped price servicing scheme that requires maintenance every nine months/15,000km. Over the first three years it will cost $1396 to service, thanks to relatively affordable $349 charges each visit.
Holden Colorado Z71 price and specifications
Price: From $57,300 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 147kW at 3600rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.9L/100km
Verdict
So, has Volkswagen done enough to make the Amarok the new benchmark in the booming ute market?
In short, no. The V6 is unquestionably an improvement and the best engine you'll find in any ute today, and the Amarok is also at the top of the segment for ride and handling as well as cabin presentation.
But it falls down in some key areas, such as rear seat space and off-roading ability. But by far the biggest black mark against is its sub-par safety credentials. Its lack of rear air bag protection and any form of semi-autonomous driving aids places a massive question mark over its credibility as a family-focused alternative.
So where the Amarok finishes depends entirely on how much weight you put on safety.
The Toyota doesn't actually do much wrong, it's just not quite as good as its rivals. But if you want dependability and peace of mind come resale time then the HiLux cannot be faulted.
The Holden does a better job of being a sport ute than the HiLux in most areas - the engine is stronger, the cabin is better, and the ride is more compliant.
But the Ranger XLT still remains our pick of this bunch as the best all-rounder, with more car-like driving attributes, more work-friendly features and the ability to go anywhere for those more adventurous. It is the one that plays the roles of workhorse, family wagon and weekend warrior the best.
Thanks to Camden Hire for supplying the earth mover and Belle Tiles for supplying the load.
19 Comments
The truth | 2017-03-17 02:23:09
The Amorok is not a rival to any of these vehicles, as it resides in a class UNDER the othere vehicles here. It has the least safety equipment available, the lowest load carring capacity, lowest towing capacity, no low range transfer case (auto), and a shallow engine sump (4 cyl) making extended climbs/decents a very expensive exercise. This is why all Amorok trial vehicles failed dismally when trialled in some WA mines a couple of years ago. Great Wall scored better with the mines...
BuilderBob The truth | 2017-03-17 03:14:41
Truth you might want to do some research b4 you sound off. At full towing load, Hilux can only carry a total payload of 275kg.. that includes the people in it, towbars and anything else. The Holden and Ford (Wildtrak) are $350kg and guess who tops that list out? The Amarok at 784kg. At least with the Amarok you can actually put something in the back when towing... As far as towing capacity is concerned, at full rated payload the Amarok can tow 2920kg, the Holden and Toyota can only tow 2850kg and the Ford (Wildtrak) can only tow 2800kg. You clearly fall for the marketing.... And as far as class of vehicle, really you should look closer at the quality and features.
The truth | 2017-03-17 02:41:20
The only comparable vehicle would be the Holden Crewman ute
Craig Willy | 2017-03-17 02:55:20
Where is the Nissan Navara...hardly a comparison when you leave out the BEST ute at the price...Renault engine soon to be used by MB in their ute. Class leading comfort...the only twin cab with coiled rear suspension and air con vents in the rear and a sliding opening rear window and a great tie down system...I could go on....
The truth | 2017-03-17 03:07:47
@Craig Willy. Ditto for the Mitsubishi Triton in its upmarket form. Simply THE BEST transfer case option bar none. 2WD, 4WD High open centre diff, 4WD High locked centre diff, and 4WD Low locked centre diff, with a true locking rear diff available too.
The truth | 2017-03-17 03:59:40
@BuilderBob. Hilux with 2 adults and 3 kids on board plua be able to tow a 3.5 tonne boat and trailer. Amorok 2 adults/3 kids, and lop a few hundred kg off the boat and put it in the tray, eh? If you want to cherrypick cases to try to make the Amorok look better, it may help to use some real scenarios.... Towing capacity of ALL the other vehicles is greater than the Amorok.
Selector 2 | 2017-03-17 06:28:35
Truth...except a mate of mine had a total gearbox rebuild in a Triton under warranty.
BuilderBob | 2017-03-17 06:35:04
@Truth.... lol... drunk the coolade... Hilux auto as tested in this article can only tow 3200kg because its an AUTO with diesel.... use a petrol engine and it drops to 3000kg... look it up for yourself! If you read the article above, the author openly states the hilux has the lowest payload of the group... just look up and you will find it... A 3.2 (not 3.5) tonne towing does not mean you can put 820kg in it when towing. The GCM reduces it to 275kg which at 2 adults @ say 90kg plus 3 kids @ say 40kg means you are OVERLOADED.... and you left the luggage at home... And for the record, my post wasn't a cheer squad for the Amarok. Just like people to know the truth (pun intended)... Cheers
Peter Saunders{ | 2017-03-17 08:07:58
@ The truth. The name of the VW is spelt AMAROK .... not AMOROK. One cannot take anything you say too seriously, if you cannot even spell the name right, .... or, maybe you are getting your vehicles mixed up with something else. You do go on with a lot of drivel.
Deano70 | 2017-03-17 08:17:13
Can't believed they don't include the Isuzu. Maybe not quite as well appointed as some of these the engine and driveline are bullet proof. The upgraded engine in the 2017 model is pretty much on par with all of these and made to go forever. I have driven Colorado, Navara, Hilux and D-max Utes and the D-max is as good as the others and the price tag makes it shine
Deano70 | 2017-03-17 08:17:17
Can't believed they don't include the Isuzu. Maybe not quite as well appointed as some of these the engine and driveline are bullet proof. The upgraded engine in the 2017 model is pretty much on par with all of these and made to go forever. I have driven Colorado, Navara, Hilux and D-max Utes and the D-max is as good as the others and the price tag makes it shine
RND | 2017-03-17 09:33:11
Hopefully VW has improved its after sales service. We owned a 2012 Amarok Highline, it was comfortable, pulled out horse float but VW never had spare parts. We were told can you please bring it back because brake rotars need to come from Sydney. We need to get a windscreen from Sydney. Every spare part was in Sydney. When it hit 150,000km it started to fall to bits. I was not moving to Sydney so I got rid of it. We don't have those issues with the Hilux. I will take an agricultural Hilux that gets the job done any day particularly when it comes time to sell it.
Richard RND | 2017-03-17 20:23:54
RND - you make no sense. Brake rotors and windscreens can be got aftermarket. Have to say you do alot of kms. 220K in 5 odd years (Amarok and Triton)
RND | 2017-03-17 09:58:28
Truth, our Triton needed three new gearboxes in 18 months, we were told by City Mitsubishi in Melb there were no more gearboxes left in the country. We sold it after 66,000 km and it was still on its first set of tyres. Even the guy from Mitsubishi service said I don't understand why they put 10 year warranties on the drive trains on these things. They were nice enough to pay for a nice hire car for three weeks; an Audi A4. Most of our Triton's work was freeway work and it towed horse floats on the weekend. Very disappointing and I would not recommend one to anyone who needs to tow something heavy like a horse float. Buy a Triton if you are a concrete cowboy who does not tow anything substantial and leave the heavy work to something more up to the task.
a voice of reason | 2017-03-17 11:16:38
In support of Graig Willy, where is the Navara I must say that my sons love of the ranger is commendable but when it brakes down he always borrows my 2002 Navara, its omly ever needed servicing and new tyres.
WillyFuiFui | 2017-03-17 11:18:53
Guys you forgot the Great Wall Steed, for the same money you can buy 3 of the Steed utes and sure will last 3 times longer!
jeta | 2017-03-17 12:54:10
Whats the go with Toyota putting on horrid looking black rims these days on the cheap version Hiluxes , just looks plan silly.
Mp2786 | 2017-03-17 21:52:22
i went from an Amarok to a Ranger Wildtrak. I would not recommend VW Amarok. My one was had so many problems. Yet the dealer and VW were no absolutely no help. So much for the VW warranty and after sales service. My Amarok even leaked into the cabin and has paint peeling off the front bumper after less than two years. The list of problems was long so after just two years and 65,000km we decided to trade it on a Ranger. The Ranger walks all over the Amarok in every way. It's better built, drives better, has better features and is far more practical. And my local Ford dealer is so much better to deal with than the two VW dealers I went to.
The truth | 2017-03-19 01:33:30
Gee,one transmission failure. How does that compare with VAG DSG boxes? I've had a Triton for a second car for the last 8 years. 220 000 on the dial, doing horse float tows an never had an issue. Not one.