Volkswagen Amarok review

We know what you’re going to say here, and yes, we agree – the interior of a properly useful pickup truck should have more buttons. The Amarok’s cabin is dominated by a portrait-mounted central screen which is 10 inches in Life trim and 12 inches in all others. 

Almost everything is controlled through said screen, including the drive modes, climate controls and navigation. You get a few shortcut buttons underneath, but to make meaningful changes you need to prod away. Not ideal when you’re wearing thick gloves or proper work gear. 

If you’re not trying your best to keep warm then it’s a fine and responsive screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in, but this does seem like an oversight from VW, particularly given that Ford has retained some physical climate controls under the screen in the Ranger.

Other things in the Amarok are simpler. You get proper buttons on the steering wheel and it’s just two short presses to turn off the lane assist system. We’d like to see a little more in-cabin storage if we’re being picky, but in general it’s a good place to sit with comfy seats, a chunky gear selector and nice leather and contrast stitching in the higher spec versions. Worth noting that both the PanAmericana and the Aventura get a fantastic Harman Kardon audio system too.

There’s more space in the rear seats compared to the previous generation thanks to the longer wheelbase, and there’ll be no complaints about headroom either in the front or back.