2023 VW Amarok To Get Five Engines And Two Flagship Trims

Volkswagen announced more details about the upcoming Amarok, which will arrive at the end of 2022 with Ford Ranger underpinnings and improved specifications compared to its predecessor.

Starting with the highlights of VW’s announcement, the trim structure will begin with the entry-level Amarok, continue with mid-range Life and Style, and lead to not one but two flagships – the off-road-focused PanAmericana and the road-focused Aventura. Reading between the lines, the Amarok PanAmericana could be similar to the high-spec Ford Ranger Wildtrak, definitely not as wild as the Ranger Raptor. On the other hand, the Amarok Aventura could resemble the previous-gen Ranger MS-RT with a sportier bodykit, larger diameter wheels and a more road-focused chassis.

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Design-wise, the Amarok will have a redesigned body compared to the Ford Ranger with the exception of the windows, roof, door handles and mirrors. In the official photos the pre-production prototypes are camouflaged, but Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commerical Vehicles, gave some details on the design, following earlier teaser sketches.

The pickup will come with standard LED lights (optional IQ.Light LED matrix headlights), an X-shaped design on the front end of high-spec models, an upright bonnet, Amarok wording on both ends, half-round wheel arches with pronounced fenders, and 21-inch alloy wheels shod in all-terrain tires.

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The new Amarok will measure 5,350 mm (210.6 inches) long, making it at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) longer compared to its predecessor and only 4 mm (0.2 inches) shorter than the mechanically-related Ford Ranger. The 3,750 mm (147.6 inches) wheelbase has grown by 175 mm (6.9 inches) compared to the old workhorse.

In most markets, the Amarok will be available in a four-door double-cab configuration, while selected markets will also get a two-door single-cab variant. In any case the rear bed will have enough space for a euro pallet between the wheel arches. Payload will be up to 1.2 tonnes (2,400 pounds), and towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes (7,000 pounds).

The engine range will consist of one petrol and up to four diesel options. VW says they will have four or six cylinders, with a capacity between 2.0-litres and 3.0-litres. Buyers will have the option of RWD, on-demand AWD, or permanent AWD. VW has previously confirmed a V6 TDI engine with “plenty of power and torque”.

Inside the cabin, there will be a digital cockpit and a tablet-style infotainment which in earlier teasers looked pretty similar to the Ford. However, the dashboard will be redesigned incorporating large storage compartments. Optional equipment include leather-look surfaces with decorative stitching, an exclusive sound system, and comfortable seats with 10-way electric adjustments. Moreover, VW says three adult passengers will comfortably sit at the back. The automaker also promised more than 30 driver assist systems, 20 of which will be completely new to the Amarok, which likely means they will be shared with the Ranger.

The rollout of the new generation VW Amarok will begin in the first few countries towards the end of 2022. The pickup, which was developed in Germany and Australia, will be built in South Africa.