2026 Volkswagen Amarok W600 priced above Ford Ranger Raptor in Australia

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The Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw is back, and Chasing Cars has driven it already.

The Amarok V6 W600, to give it its proper name, has been priced at $91,990 before on-roads. VW is offering only two optional extras that can inflate that: metallic paint ($1100) and an electric roller cover for the tray ($3450).

That’s $1300 above its nearest rival, the Ford Ranger Raptor. Ford and Volkswagen collaborate closely on utes and vans; the Ranger and Amarok are all but identical underneath.

This means Walkinshaw, the Dandenong-based engineering company and racing team that was the power behind Holden Special Vehicles, has found itself working on a Ford.

This is Volkswagen and Walkinshaw’s second ute together, after the previous-generation Amarok spawned the Amarok W580. Chasing Cars has confirmed a third-generation Amarok is coming, though not until at least 2029.

In sharp contrast to the Ranger Raptor, and accepting how ultra-utes tend to actually be used, Volkswagen and Walkinshaw have optimised the Amarok W600 for road use. The biggest change is bespoke suspension, employing frequency-selective dampers from Dutch specialist Koni.

Modified steering is said to enhance cornering stability, as does a newly-developed rear anti-roll bar.

The tyres are a statement of intent – Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. Standard-fit on many sports cars, they’re overtly intended for tarmac, showing the Amarok W600 is meant to be the best ute on the road, not off it.

Other changes include a unique front bumper, full-width daytime running lights (bringing the Amarok in line with other VWs), unique 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically deployable side steps and new pedals, doorsill plates and floormats. New dual side-exit exhausts sit behind the rear right wheel.

Otherwise, it’s largely as per the existing Amarok Aventura. The three-litre turbo-diesel V6 remains, producing 184kW and 600Nm, as does the 10-speed automatic, permanent all-wheel-drive and 3500kg braked towing capacity.

The W600’s 954kg maximum payload is a slight drop from existing Amaroks; the Panamericana variant can lug 985kg.

A Harman Kardon speaker system, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, 360° cameras and adaptive cruise control are all standard, as is Volkswagen’s ‘Savona’ grade of leather.

Our editor-at-large, Nathan Ponchard, drove a late-stage prototype of the Amarok W600 last month, and came away very impressed. Expressions of interest are open now, and Chasing Cars has asked Volkswagen Australia when sales will begin.

2026 Volkswagen Amarok: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• TDI600 Style: $73,740
• TDI600 Style cab chassis: $77,740
• TSI452 Style: $73,740
• TDI600 Panamericana: $78,990
• TDI600 Aventura: $82,990
• TDI600 W600: $91,990