Amarok competes in some global markets with comparable mid-size pickup trucks, such as the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Chevrolet/Holden Colorado/S-10.

[12] It was teased as the Robust Pick-Up concept in September 2008, wrapped in a search and rescue (SAR) vehicle colour scheme; the design was said to be 95 percent resembling the production version.

[16] In September 2010, it was decided that 40,000 Amarok pickups will also be produced annually in Hanover, Germany for the European and small volume markets from mid-2012.

The Dark Label model is fitted with the 178 bhp (180 PS; 133 kW) 2.0-litre BiTDI engine, generating up to 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) of torque and offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg (7,100 lb).

In the UK the lowest power output was dropped in favour of the 201 and 254 BHP models, the latter has an overboost to 268 and can hit 62 from a standstill in 7.4 seconds.

[needs update] In late 2018 a more powerful version of the 3.0 V6 TDI was produced (190/200 kW & 580 Nm) to compete with the new Mercedes Benz X Class V6 CDI.

[26] The facelift included a new revamped interior, which matches closely to the Volkswagen Transporter (T6), slight upgrade in equipment, new headlights and front grille, but the most notable difference is the introduction of the then-new 3.0 V6 TDi engine.

[27][28] An online photo leaked in December 2023 of the front end of the new Amarok in Volkswagen's Argentina factory on the production line.

Compared to the 4Motion system, the low-range gearbox provides proper low-speed crawling ability and an overall much more rugged driveline for the type of off-roading that is common in Australia.

[32] In a frontal impact, the cabin remained stable, and protection for the head, legs, knees and femurs was rated as "good".

[33] The side pole test showed significant force transferred into the dummy's ribs resulting in weak protection.

Testers also noted that force was transmitted into the dummy in a way which would not be handled by a human, resulting in a minimum marks awarded for chest protection in a side impact.

[34] It does however lack more advanced features found on newer vehicles such as autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.

[39] For the U.S., it would likely necessitate moving production or building a plant somewhere in North America, to avoid the chicken tax enacted to light commercial vehicles.

[45] The Polar Expedition variant was designed to promote the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games in the remote areas of Russia.

Three of these trucks were built to carry nine people 9,942 mi (16,000 km) east by road from Moscow to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the Kamchatka peninsula.

The team replaced the front and rear suspension with long-travel, heavy-duty shocks and massive tires with deeper ridges for extra traction in deep snow and ice.

For added safety, the interior was fitted with a roll cage and navigation equipment to make sure the team didn't get lost.

[45] Rumoured platform spin-offs include a five to seven seat SUV to compete with Nissan Xterra and Toyota Hilux SW4 to be built in Brazil for the South American and European markets.

[46] The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced plans to phase out other vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, in favour of the Amarok to move to a single type of truck for peacetime operations.

SAR Pickup concept also was equipped for Lifeguards with: four mobile CB radios, flashlights, first aid kit with a defibrillator, binoculars, two safety helmets, removable neoprene seats for hard wearing, and a blue light roof module with integrated searchlight.

Possible production features that were on the concept: radio navigation system controlled by a multifunction touch screen, differential locks, cable winch and the rear logo opens the tailgate.

In several African markets, the base specification engine is offered, which is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI producing 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp).

[66] The 154 kW (209 PS; 207 hp) Amarok diesel is equipped with a standard 10-speed automatic gearbox paired with a e-shifter (shift-by-wire).