Volkswagen Amarok 2024 review: lift kit and accessories tested

The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok‘s honeymoon period is almost over.

Launched this time last year, the Amarok built in a partnership with the T6.2-platform Ford Ranger , raised the bar in a stagnant segment and has held up well after multiple rounds of testing.

But for a great share of ute buyers, the showroom purchase is just the beginning. Unlocking its true potential, and making it suit your needs is a matter for the accessories.

Like many brands, Volkswagen has recognised Australia’s internationally renowned off-road accessory industry and worked with them on many products to create a laundry list of lifestyle, general use, camping and off-road accessories.

Most notable among these is the addition of a 40mm lift kit, developed by Volkswagen’s local division alongside ARB’s Old Man Emu suspension subsidiary which aims to retain the Amarok’s famous road-holding while also increasing its breadth of ability off-road.

Chasing Cars sampled Volkswagen’s accessory range both on and off road, towed a 3.1-tonner caravan and spent the night in a roof-top tent to find out which accessories are worth considering, and those that fall short of the mark.

Lift kit and other off-road accessories

Let’s start with the fun stuff first. We sampled the mid-spec Amarok Style grade with a multitude of goodies such as the V6-only snorkel ($1120), full underbody protection ($1655) and the 40mm lift kit ($3820). All prices include the cost of fitment.

It’s worth noting that the snorkel is technically a raised air intake and doesn’t affect the Amarok’s 800mm wading depth, you’ll need to relocate the diff breathers if you plan to use your Amarok as a submarine. Still, it’s certainly peace of mind and can keep your intake away from corrosive red when you head out bush.

To test out the rest of the equipment, we travelled up to Toolangi State Forest in Victoria to tackle some tracks that I highly doubt would’ve been conquerable in a stock Amarok.

The lift kit and underbody protection are a match made in heaven, the latter is somewhat of a no-brainer, and by covering all the crucial mechanical components it gives the driver the freedom to explore safely.

In stock form, the Amarok