Volkswagen’s Amarok->ke3451 is no doubt a popular midsized->ke1695 pickup truck->ke242 in many global regions, thanks to its sleek looks, wide variety of powertrains, and its very veedub interior. But for 2016, Volkswagen->ke94 is adding a new limited-edition trim to the Amarok’s repertoire. The Amarok Atacama is designed to give customers extra features without sacrificing any of the truck’s capabilities.

Named after the Atacama Desert of South America->ke2111, the Amarok Atacama uses more alliteration than proliferation of parts to attract attention. The truck doesn’t have any special mechanical bits or drivetrain upgrades, like tires, horsepower improvements or a raised suspension. It does, however, offer trim-specific features like bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, and several appearance upgrades.

Exclusive to the trim are Vienna leather seats, and the Amarok’s recently upgrade steering wheel is also present. Dual zone climate controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system come standard.

There are plenty more features on the Amarok Atacama, so continue reading for the full rundown.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen Amarok Atacama.

Exterior

The 2016 Amarok Atacama is easily spotted with its xenon headlights, special 19-inch “Cantera” wheels, and blacked out B-pillars, roll bars, and rear bumper. Most obvious is the black graphic running along the bottom of the doors and onto the bed with its integrated “Atacama” logo.

Three colors are offered on the Atacama: Candy White, Deep Black, and the exclusive Horizon Blue.

Otherwise, the Atacama edition looks the same as a standard Amarok. The truck has a two-bar front grille with a smaller lower grille with integrated fog lights. A skidplate-like molding piece helps protect the bumper from scrapes and damage. A high departure angle helps keep the bed from gaining trail scars. Large fender bulges keep mud and rocks from escaping the wheel wells.

Out back, a spray-in bed liner comes standard on the Atacama, as does a lockable tailgate.

Interior

Note: interior from 2014 Volkswagen Amarok Power Concept shown here.

Things inside the Atacama edition are also exclusive to its trim. Those Vienna leather seats separate the Atacama from lesser Amaroks while giving the truck a decidedly upscale feel. The Amarok’s new steering wheel design features redundant controls for the infotainment system. Coming standard on this trim are Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone climate control, and Volkswagen’s RNS310 satellite navigation system.

Beyond those upgrades, the Amarok’s interior has all the standard trimmings of a Volkswagen. A clean design with intuitively placed switches make operation a breeze, storage compartments holds plenty odds and ends, and a decent sized rear seat gives the Amarok the ability to haul five passengers.

Drivetrain

The Amarok is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, but the Atacama edition is only available with one – the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. The engine makes 177 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a respectable 295 pond-feet of torque between 1,500 and 2,250 rpm.

Those who like to row their own gears will be happy with the Amarok’s standard six-speed manual gearbox. For folks more accustomed to only operating two pedals, the truck is available with an eight-speed automatic. Regardless of transmission choice, VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive comes standard.

Prices

The Amarok Atacama carries a base price of £26,850, or roughly $42,010 U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates. That price doesn’t include VAT taxes. That price falls nicely in line with other luxury trucks here in the U.S. market, including the GMC Canyon SLE.

Competition

GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon->ke1781 can still be considered new to the midsize truck market since its 2015 model year introduction. In its most luxurious appointment – the SLE trim – the Canyon offers heated leather seats, navigation, power everything, and a potent 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The V-6 packs 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque and is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. 4WD is optional.

Prices for the Canyon start in the low $20,000 range, but climb quickly with the higher trim levels and added optional equipment.

See our full review on the 2015 GMC Canyon here->GMC Canyon.

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma->ke1042 is the now the newest truck of the bunch, having been launched for the 2016 model year. The truck enjoys some very extensive updates that include a new exterior and interior design, all-new 3.5-liter V-6, and a strengthened ladder frame. In its range-topping Limited trim, the Tacoma offers many of the same features as the GMC->ke32 and Volkswagen->ke94.

The Tacoma’s new V-6 offers up 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. While that’s less than the Canyon, Toyota says most of its customers aren’t concerned about towing or hauling capacities.

Prices for the new Tacoma start at $23,300 and climb into the upper $30,000 range for the Limited trim.

Read more about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma here.

Conclusion

The small updates to the Atacama edition brings new life to Volkswagen’s Amarok. Sadly, the automaker fails to see a profitable market here in the U.S., so the Amarok in all its trim levels is absent. Still, truck buyers in other markets should enjoy the added luxury->ke505 and exclusivity of the Atacama edition.