The Volkswagen Amarok has long been a contender in the competitive mid-size pickup truck market, known for its rugged capability and premium features. In 2025, Volkswagen is shaking things up with the introduction of a budget-friendly petrol-powered variant, designed to appeal to buyers seeking a balance between performance, cost, and versatility. This move comes at a time when diesel engines have dominated the ute segment, but rising fuel costs and changing consumer preferences are paving the way for petrol alternatives. The 2025 Amarok’s petrol engine promises to deliver impressive power, refined driving dynamics, and a lower price point, making it a compelling option for both work and lifestyle needs. Let’s dive into what makes this new Amarok a standout in the crowded ute landscape.
The Rise of Petrol Power in Utes
Historically, diesel engines have been the go-to choice for pickup trucks due to their torque-heavy performance and fuel efficiency, ideal for towing and off-road tasks. However, petrol engines are making a comeback, driven by advancements in turbocharging technology and a growing demand for cost-effective options. The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok taps into this trend with its 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, sourced from Ford’s performance lineup, including models like the Mustang and Focus RS. Producing 222kW of power and 452Nm of torque, this engine offers a lively alternative to diesel, with smoother acceleration and a more car-like driving experience.
The petrol Amarok’s appeal lies in its affordability. Compared to its diesel counterparts, the petrol variant is priced lower, starting at approximately $55,490 for the base Core model in Australia, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers. Additionally, petrol engines typically have lower maintenance costs than diesels, which require more complex emissions systems and servicing. With global petrol prices stabilizing in 2025, thanks to increased oil production from OPEC+ countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia, the timing is right for Volkswagen to introduce this budget-friendly option.
Design and Features
The 2025 Amarok, built on the Ford Ranger platform, boasts a bold and modern design that sets it apart from rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max. Its muscular proportions, sleek LED matrix headlights, and chrome-accented grille give it a premium look, particularly in higher trims like the Aventura. The Aventura TSI452, the top-spec petrol model, features 21-inch alloy wheels, an electric roller tonneau cover, and a stylish sailplane, enhancing its lifestyle appeal.
Inside, the Amarok offers a refined cabin that rivals premium SUVs. The Aventura trim includes leather seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dashboard layout is intuitive, though some controls, like climate settings, are buried in menus, which may take some getting used to. Storage is plentiful, with dual gloveboxes, a wireless phone charger, and a spacious centre console. The Amarok’s interior feels like a step above traditional utes, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want a vehicle that doubles as a family car.
The tray dimensions are practical, measuring 1,544mm long and 1,224mm wide, though the electric roller cover in higher trims reduces usable space slightly. With a payload capacity of up to 974kg and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, the Amarok remains a capable workhorse, even in petrol guise. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the 800mm wading depth, six drive modes (including Mud, Sand, and Towing), and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine is the star of the 2025 Amarok, delivering 222kW and 452Nm through a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it has less torque than the 3.0-litre V6 diesel (600Nm), the petrol engine feels peppy and responsive, especially in urban environments. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0-100km/h time of around 7.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest utes in its class. The 10-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, though it can occasionally hunt for the right gear during aggressive driving.
On the road, the Amarok impresses with its car-like handling and refined ride quality. The double-wishbone front suspension and leaf-spring rear setup strike a balance between comfort and capability, absorbing bumps with ease while maintaining stability when loaded. Steering is precise, and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, thanks to improved sound insulation compared to the previous generation.
Off-road, the Amarok holds its own, with excellent traction and a rear locking differential as standard. The petrol engine’s lighter weight compared to the diesel V6 gives it a slight edge in agility, though it may lack the low-end grunt of diesel for extreme low-speed crawling. Fuel economy is a trade-off, with the petrol Amarok consuming around 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle, compared to 7.2L/100km for the diesel Style variant. For buyers prioritizing performance over efficiency, this is a worthwhile compromise.
Budget-Friendly Appeal
The 2025 Amarok’s petrol variant is positioned as a cost-effective alternative in a segment where prices have been creeping upward. The base Core model, priced at $55,490, undercuts many diesel competitors, while the top-spec Aventura, at $82,990, offers premium features at a price comparable to high-end Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux variants. Volkswagen is also offering attractive deals, including drive-away pricing and financing incentives, to sweeten the deal.
Running costs are another advantage. Petrol engines require less frequent servicing than diesels, and the Amarok comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, providing peace of mind. In markets like Australia, where petrol prices in June 2025 hover around $1.50 per litre in major cities like Sydney, the Amarok’s fuel costs are manageable, especially for buyers who don’t cover high annual mileages. For comparison, diesel prices are slightly higher, averaging $1.60 per litre, further narrowing the cost gap between the two fuel types.
Market Context and Competition
The 2025 Amarok enters a fiercely competitive market, facing off against established players like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton. While the Ranger shares its platform with the Amarok, Volkswagen’s unique styling, premium interior, and petrol engine option give it a distinct identity. The HiLux and D-Max remain diesel-only, appealing to traditional ute buyers, but their base models are priced similarly to the Amarok Core, making the petrol variant a tempting alternative.
The Jeep Gladiator, with its non-turbo V6 petrol engine, is another petrol-powered competitor, but its higher price point (starting around $70,000) and less refined on-road manners make it less appealing for urban buyers. The Ford Ranger Raptor, with its twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, is a performance-focused option, but its $90,000-plus price tag puts it in a different league.
Volkswagen’s decision to offer a petrol engine aligns with broader market trends. In the U.S., where diesel utes are niche, petrol-powered trucks dominate, and the Amarok’s 2.3-litre engine is already available in Ranger models there. In Australia and other markets, the petrol Amarok could attract buyers transitioning from SUVs or sedans, as well as younger drivers who value performance and style over diesel’s towing prowess.
Environmental Considerations
While petrol engines are less fuel-efficient than diesels, the 2025 Amarok’s 2.3-litre unit benefits from modern turbocharging and fuel injection technologies, keeping emissions relatively low at 236g CO2/km. This is higher than the diesel’s 199g/km, but Volkswagen has implemented measures like a 10-speed transmission and ECO drive mode to optimize efficiency. For buyers concerned about environmental impact, the petrol Amarok may not be the greenest choice, but it’s a practical option in regions with limited electric vehicle infrastructure.
Volkswagen is also exploring electrified options for the Amarok, with rumors of a plug-in hybrid variant in development, though this is unlikely to arrive before 2027. For now, the petrol model bridges the gap between traditional internal combustion engines and future electrified utes, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok with its budget-friendly petrol power is a bold move in a diesel-dominated segment. With its potent 2.3-litre turbo engine, premium interior, and competitive pricing, it appeals to a wide range of buyers, from tradies to urban families. While it sacrifices some fuel efficiency and low-end torque compared to diesel, the petrol Amarok delivers a refined driving experience, versatile capability, and lower upfront costs. As Volkswagen continues to innovate, the 2025 Amarok stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a modern, stylish, and cost-effective ute.