Why Amarok NF Owners Start Upgrading Straight Away

The new generation Volkswagen Amarok is a serious piece of kit straight out of the box. You get a punchy V6 diesel, a grown-up interior, and enough towing capacity to make your mates jealous. But if you've spent any time on Australian roads or tracks, you already know that "stock" only gets you so far.

Most Amarok NF owners start thinking about accessories within the first few weeks of ownership. It's not because anything is wrong with the ute. It's because you can see exactly what it could become. A canopy for gear storage. Flares to cover those wider tracks. An exhaust to wake up that V6. The bones are all there and you just need to build on them.

This guide covers the most popular upgrades for the Amarok NF and helps you figure out what's worth doing first, what to spend up on, and what you can realistically fit yourself on a Saturday morning. Whether you've had your Amarok for a week or six months, these are the mods worth knowing about.

Fender Flares: Stay Road Legal and Protect Your Paint

The Amarok NF runs wider than most utes on the market, and when you start adding bigger tyres or a mild suspension lift, those wheels can push past your factory guards. In most Australian states that means you're looking at a defect notice if a traffic cop catches you. Fender flares sort that out before it becomes a problem.

The EGR Fender Flares for the Amarok NF start at $849 (exclusive pricing) and come in matte black or colour match to your ute. The colour-matched option costs a bit more but it looks genuinely factory when done right. These are designed to go on without drilling into your guards, which saves you a lot of grief and keeps your paint warranty intact.

Even if you're not planning a lift or oversized tyres right now, flares are worth putting on early. They protect your lower guards and sills from stone chips and mud every single time you drive. It's a small upfront cost for a lot of long term protection, and they give your Amarok a noticeably more aggressive look while they're at it.

Tub Cover Showdown: Soft Tonneau vs Roll Top vs Hard Lid vs Canopy

One of the first decisions most Amarok owners wrestle with is what to do with the tub. You could leave it open, but anyone who's driven through a Queensland downpour with a load of gear in the back knows how quickly that goes wrong. So the question isn't whether to cover it. It's which cover makes sense for the way you use the ute.

The entry point is the EGR Soft Tonneau Cover at $849.00. It's a solid choice if you want basic weather protection without committing to anything permanent. It folds back quickly, keeps your tub dry during everyday use, and doesn't add much bulk or weight. If your Amarok is a daily driver that occasionally gets loaded up on weekends, a soft tonneau does the job without overthinking it.

Step up to the EGR RollTrac Manual at $2,449.00 and you get a full aluminium roll top system. It looks considerably sharper than a soft cover, it handles heavy loads on top without flexing, and it's genuinely secure when locked. If you want something that looks as good as it works, the RollTrac is the one to get.

Then there's the EGR Load Shield at $1,899.00. It's a hard lid with a flush finish and more security than a soft cover, without the full height of a canopy. A great option if you carry tools or gear that needs to be locked away but you don't need to stand up inside the tub.

And then there are canopies, which deserve their own section entirely because the decision between CORE and GEN3 is worth spending some time on.

CORE Canopy vs GEN3 Canopy: Which Is Worth the Extra Money

If you're going full canopy, you've got two strong options from EGR for the Amarok NF. The price difference between them is $1,250 and it's worth understanding exactly what that extra spend buys you before you make the call.

The EGR CORE Canopy comes in at $3,899.00 and it's built in Australia from ABS plastic. You get slam latches on the rear, dual lift windows on both sides, and frameless tinted glass all around. It looks factory, it's secure, and for most owners it does everything they need a canopy to do.

The EGR GEN3 Canopy at $5,149.00 takes things further. The hardware is noticeably more premium, the sealing is tighter, and the overall fit and finish genuinely rivals factory accessories from the dealership. If you're using your Amarok for work every day or you just want the best result possible, the GEN3 is worth the extra spend.

For most weekend warriors, the CORE delivers outstanding value. But if your ute is your livelihood or you're building something you want to be proud of for years to come, push the budget to the GEN3.

Exhaust Upgrade: What the Torqit 3 Inch Does for the V6

The Amarok NF V6 diesel is already a strong engine. But the factory exhaust is restrictive by design, and that holds back both power and efficiency. Fitting the right exhaust is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do because you feel the difference every time you put your foot down.

The Torqit DPF Back 3 Inch Performance Exhaust for the Amarok NF V6 is $1,599.00. Running from the DPF back in 3 inch stainless steel, it reduces back pressure and lets the V6 breathe properly.The result is better throttle response, a deeper exhaust note, and improved fuel economy on the open road.

Once you've driven your Amarok on a 3 inch system, going back to factory is something you simply won't consider.

What to Buy First: A Suggested Build Order

Start with the fender flares. At $849, it's the most affordable item on this list and it has a genuine compliance purpose. Get these on early, especially if your ute is going anywhere near a highway patrol stretch.

Next, sort out your tub setup. If you're unsure whether you want a canopy long term, start with the soft tonneau and live with it for a few months. If you already know you want a canopy, skip straight to the CORE or GEN3. Spending money twice on tub covers is a lesson you don't need to learn firsthand.

After the tub is sorted, look at the exhaust. The Torqit at $1,599.00 transforms how the V6 feels to drive every single day. This is the kind of upgrade that makes you smile every morning when you fire it up.

Installation: What You Can DIY and What Needs a Pro

The EGR fender flares are a no-drill design and a handy person with basic tools can have them fitted in a couple of hours. Tonneau covers and the RollTrac are similarly manageable at home with a full morning set aside.

Canopies are worth having fitted professionally. Getting the alignment wrong means you'll be fighting leaks and rattles for as long as you own it. Pay for a proper fit once and you'll never think about it again.

The exhaust is also a relatively easy DIY, although a decent exhaust shop will have your Amarok done in a morning and you'll drive away wondering why you waited so long.

Ready to start your build? Shop all Amarok NF accessories at RedTrail 4x4.