It is the new Ford Ranger’s twin.
The Amarok will not come to North America.
The new Ford Ranger is expected later this year.
Sadly, for North America, and despite the all-new 2023 Volkswagen Amarok practically being a reskinned Ford Ranger, it still won’t make it to our shores but it’s worth looking at.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok | Photo: Volkswagen
Powering the new Amarok will be Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine capable of 297 horsepower. This will be the only petrol offering as the other four powertrains will be diesel-burners sourced from Volkswagen’s still extensive collection of TDI mills. Transmission options will include both a 5- and 6-speed manual, and a series of automatics ranging from 6- to 10-speed units. One of two available 4MOTION AWD systems will be standard with all versions.
Thanks to the Ranger’s T6 ladder frame and powertrain selections, the Amarok will be capable of hauling up to 2,645 lbs and towing over 7,700 lbs. The midsize VW pickup will measure all of 5,350 mm or 96 mm more than the predecessor model. The wheelbase grows to 3,270 mm, an increase of 173 mm. The gains are made in usable space, both inside and out, as the truck’s overhangs are shorter than on the previous model.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok | Photo: Volkswagen
The key to properly marketing any new truck is improved off-road capabilities. The Amarok’s fording depth has increased from 500 to 800 mm. The aforementioned shorter overhangs have also improved approach and departure angles which now stand at 29 degrees and 21 degrees respectively.
The cabin is replete with the latest tech from the German automaker and features either an 8.0-inch or a 12-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.0-inch or 12-inch touchscreen depending on selected versions in both cases, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok | Photo: Volkswagen
Ford will be responsible for assembling the Amarok and it will be done at the Blue Oval’s South African plant. In exchange, VW has licensed their EV-dedicated MEB platform to Ford which will underpin a few EVs expected in the coming years. And although the Amarok will not be sold in Canada or the US, Volkswagen has hinted that a small truck is coming and will be badged as a Scout.
