When planning for a great adventure, you also have to make sure your vehicle is safe and ready to handle any situation. And one of the most obvious things to fit to your vehicle is a bull bar.
Looking for the best bull bar for your Volkswagen Amarok?
We’ve compiled and reviewed 5 of the best bull bars that you can buy in Australia to help make your buying decision easier.
| AFN Bullbar (Full) | Rival Bullbar | Ironman Commercial Bullbar | XROX bullbar | Max Gen II Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Pick  |  | Best Value  |  |  | |
Amarok 2010 - Onwards | All Amarok | Amarok 11/2016 - Onwards | Amarok 4Cyl 02/11-05/17 | Amarok V6 & 4Cyl (09/16 Onwards) | |
Steel | Alloy | Steel | Steel | Steel | |
Powder-coated | Powder-coated | Powder-coated | Powder-coated | Powder-coated | |
12,000 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
50 kg | 70 kg | 80 kg | 65 kg | 90 kg |
Best Bull Bars for VW Amarok Australia
AFN Bullbar (Full)
Our Pick
AFN bull bars are one of the finest on the market and they truly deserve our top pick.
Unlike regular boxy, shiny bull bars, the AFN bull bar has a more aggressive, rugged, yet modern look thanks to its seamless design and satin powder-coat finish.
At only 50kg, the AFN bull bars are one of the lightest steel bull bars in the market. Yet they boast high strength that can handle a collision with just about anything you’re likely to meet in Australia.
Like most modern bull bars, they are airbag and winch compatible up to 12,000 lbs making them ideal for heavy vehicles doing serious off-roading.
Furthermore, they have built-in recovery points that are strength rated.
In saying this, the manufacturers and most serious off-roaders recommend using the designated recovery points on the chassis rather than the bull bar because of their positioning.
AFN bullbars have built-in fog and indicator lights, as well as mounts for spotlights and aerials should you wish to customise your bull bar.
The AFN bull bar is one of the most expensive bull bars on the market, yet they can be hard to get due to their demand.
Nevertheless, if you have some extra money to spend, it’s a great option for those looking for a lightweight, yet strong unit.
Rival Bull Bar
Best Alloy Bull Bar
If you’re looking for a long-term bullbar that doesn't rust or corrode, the Rival bull bar is one option that you should consider.
Unlike your traditional aluminium bull bar which is shiny and looks outdated, the Rival bullbar is powder-coated and designed with lots of edges to achieve a tough modern look.
Plus, it’s made with 6mm aluminium alloy which gives it the strength it needs to handle collisions without the extra weight of a steel bull bar.
It has integrated recovery points as well as an option to include fog lights. Aerial and light mounts are also included.
A few things to note about alloy bull bars is that, unlike steel, they're harder to work with when damaged. If you do cop a big hit to your bar and warp it substantially, it might need replacing rather than repairing, which is expensive.
Another thing to be aware of is that the Rival bull bar doesn’t have headlight protection like the AFN and Ironman Commercial bull bar.
Nevertheless, this is still a solid option for protection against animals with occasional use on off-road trails.
Ironman Commercial Bullbar
Best Value
If you have your eyes set on the AFN bull bar but don’t have the budget to get one, the Ironman Commercial Bull Bar is just as tough but is way more affordable.
They are made with premium-grade steel engineered to handle a lot of force and constructed using the latest 3D vehicle scanning to ensure a precise fit for your VW Amarok.
They are winch compatible with up to 12,000 lbs and are fitted with recovery points to pull your vehicle out of a sticky situation.
The Ironman Commercial bull bar has a tough look that is worthy of the power of the VW Amarok thanks to its powder-coated finish and defined edges.
It also has a built-in indicator light but doesn’t have a fog light like the AFN.
However, it has designated mounts for aerial and spotlights so you can add whatever you like here.
The only real negative here is the hefty weight - you may need to upgrade your suspension if you’re planning on attaching this to your vehicle, the cost of which potentially negates the savings here!
Nevertheless, this bull bar offers good value for a decent price. It’s recommended to those who are looking for the best bull bar but are on a tight budget.
XROX Bull Bar
Honourable Mention
If you’re looking for a serious yet affordable bull bar to handle any job, then the XROX Bullbar is something you most definitely have to consider.
It’s made with steel tubes constructed to provide maximum protection without adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle.
Plus, its 3-piece winged design allows you to fix or replace broken parts of the bull bar instead of replacing the entire bullbar.
The sides are tilted upward giving you better approach angles for maximum clearance on steep inclines.
Furthermore, it has 9 tabs for you aerial, spotlight, and sand flags giving you lots of options for customization.
XROX bull bars are compatible with up to 9,000 lbs winch and have two jacking points.
Although these bull bars are very reliable in terms of performance, they don't look very appealing to me. I’d like more of the modern tough design which I do not see from this bull bar.
Also, it’s made to order and can take 7-8 weeks to deliver, so be sure to order it well ahead of time.
Max Gen II Bar
Designed specifically to handle the Australian off-roads, the Max Gen II bull bar is equipped to handle the best of Australian outdoors.
It’s made with high-quality steel that is designed to handle impact and airbag compatibility to protect you from a collision.
Plus, it comes with 3-piece underbody protection to protect the important components of your vehicle.
It’s winch compatible and is complete with fog lights, spotlights, and aerial mounts which allows you to fit everything you need for your off-roading.
They’re affordable, easy-to-install, and fit new Amarok models. However, the Max Gen II bull bars are quite heavy which may require you to upgrade your suspension.
Before buying this, make sure that your suspension is compatible with the anticipated weight of your vehicle after installing the bull bar.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Bull Bar
Weight
You have to consider the weight of your bull bar relative to your suspension.
Bull bars can affect the overall weight of your vehicle and reduce the vehicle’s ride height. This will affect how it handles, especially in off-road conditions.
If you choose a heavy bullbar with lots of add ons, then you most likely have to also upgrade your suspension which is another added cost.
Keep this in mind when choosing a nudge bar!
Compatibility
In choosing a bull bar that you’ll use for off-roading, getting one that’s winch compatible will come in handy if you plan on installing a winch down the track. A built-in recovery point is also a huge plus.
Furthermore, you need a bull bar that’s compatible with your vehicle’s technology. Modern vehicles have an emergency braking system or front parking sensors that can be affected if the bull bar isn’t compatible with it.
Mounting Points
Are you planning on attaching lots of add-ons like spotlights, fog lights, aerials, and flags? Then make sure your bull bar is equipped with mounting points.
Also, consider the positioning of those mounting points. Does it expose the LED lights to getting struck upon a collision? Or maybe the mounting point of the fog lights will interfere with your view when installed?
VW Amarok Bull Bars FAQ
How much does a bull bar for VW Amarok cost?
A bull bar for VW Amarok can cost anywhere around $1,300 to $3,000 depending on the features, brand, and construction.
Do I need a bullbar for my Amarok?
Australia is home to many large animals, and when you’re driving long distances on open roads, there’s a possibility that you’ll run into one of them sooner rather than later.
A bull bar offers protection for you and the vehicle from a collision that may seriously damage your vehicle and injure you.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best bull bar for your VW Amarok that you can buy in Australia, the AFN bull bar is our top choice.
It’s got an appealing design paired with incredible strength making it perfect for the Amarok.
If you don’t like the AFN for any reason, have a look at some of the other options on this list.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
