What the changes mean for caravanners and touring travellers
Volkswagen Australia has confirmed updates for the 2026 Amarok ute range, bringing back the Dark Label variant and placing a stronger emphasis on V6 diesel power. The 2026 Volkswagen Amarok promises exciting improvements.
The updated line-up is due to arrive in Australia later in 2026. As a result, Volkswagen has simplified engine choices and sharpened the Amarok’s focus on buyers who tow caravans, travel long distances, or rely on their ute for both work and touring. The 2026 Volkswagen Amarok is aimed at meeting these specific demands.
What’s new for the 2026 Amarok
Dark Label returns as a V6-only variant
Volkswagen will reintroduce the Amarok Dark Label to the Australian range as a V6-only model. This inclusion enhances the appeal of the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok.
Power comes from Volkswagen’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which produces 184kW and 600Nm. The engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Rather than changing hardware, Volkswagen has used the Dark Label to introduce styling updates. These include darker exterior detailing, black wheels, and revised interior trim finishes.
Four-cylinder options reduced
At the same time, Volkswagen has scaled back four-cylinder engine options across the Amarok range.
The bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel will no longer be offered locally. Instead, Volkswagen will continue to offer a single-turbo four-cylinder diesel only in the entry-level Core variant.
Beyond that, the range will rely largely on V6-powered models. While Volkswagen has not outlined its reasoning in detail, the move reflects ongoing Australian demand for higher torque and stronger towing performance in the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok.
What this means for caravanners
Towing remains a key strength
For travellers who tow, the Amarok continues to offer competitive figures.
V6 variants are expected to retain:
- 3,500kg braked towing capacity
- Strong low-speed torque for highway and hill towing
- Full-time all-wheel drive rather than part-time four-wheel drive
Together, these features keep the Amarok among the stronger dual-cab ute options for caravan and trailer towing.
For travellers weighing up tow vehicles more broadly, our guide to what to consider when towing with a Toyota Hilux outlines key factors that also apply across the wider ute market.
Touring comfort and accessory compatibility
Volkswagen builds the current-generation Amarok in South Africa alongside the Ford Ranger. Over time, the model has earned a reputation for on-road stability and cabin comfort, particularly on long touring days.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has not announced major dimensional changes for the 2026 update. This means existing canopies, drawer systems, and touring accessories should remain compatible, which will matter to buyers with established setups.
Where the Amarok now sits in the ute market
By prioritising V6 power, Volkswagen keeps the Amarok in a smaller group of dual-cab utes that offer six-cylinder diesel engines in Australia, including the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok.
However, as emissions regulations tighten globally, manufacturers face growing pressure to reduce engine complexity. Even so, Volkswagen’s decision suggests confidence that Australian demand for high-torque touring and towing vehicles will remain strong in the near term.
That shift does come with trade-offs. Buyers should expect fewer lower-priced variants across the range, while Volkswagen has yet to confirm local pricing.
What travellers should know
- If you tow regularly, the V6 remains the strongest option
- If you want a four-cylinder engine, availability will be limited to the base model
- Volkswagen has not yet announced Australian pricing
- Final specifications may still change before launch
Volkswagen Australia has not confirmed exact on-sale dates. However, deliveries are expected later in 2026.
Bottom line
The 2026 Amarok update focuses on refinement rather than reinvention.
By streamlining its engine range and centring the line-up around V6 performance, Volkswagen is targeting buyers who value towing strength, touring comfort, and long-distance usability.
More detail on the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok is expected closer to launch.
