2017 Ford Ranger Wildtrak v Volkswagen Amarok V6 Ultimate Comparison | Drive.com.au

We get down and dirty to find out which workhorse is best.
Read More: www.drive.com.au/new-car-revie...

[@medz3398]

You guys didn't mention that the rock has one of the best off road control programs and has an actual rear diff lock

[@brycelucas1283]

Was in the market for a 4 x 4 dual cab, choices for me were the Ford Wildtrak Toyota Hilux and the VW Amarok. Test drove all three, finished up buying the Amarok V6.Have to be honest in saying it was pretty close but in the end , the performance and driving capability of the Amarok was what sold me, absolutely love the vehicle. On a different note, who really gives a shit about the weight of the guys doing the demo !!!!!!!

[@SuperNitmar]

I drove the xlt and was really disappointed, felt slow and sluggish, especially after reading great reviews. Drove the v6 amarok and new instantly this was the the one for me. So smooth and powerful. Great drive way pricing on the highline.

[@johnjrambo5827]

Amarok all the way !!!!! 🤘🏻

[@dratempest610]

They are both great Utes along with the rest of Utes on sale today, anyone of them is better than walking in the rain and trying to pull your trailer by hand at the time, so be happy with what you’re got , they all have there good points and there faults .... just like people, if we were all the same it would be very boring indeed !

[@trevorbush3656]

Only In OZ does the Ranger rein supreme...if you want traditional, go Ranger, if you want the next step in pickups, go Amarok and sorry but after 3 Rangers all used for fun and work never letting me down, I tried the 4motion Auto and the Amarok is just that bit better, this the 2.0BI....order is in for the V6

[@hazza196]

The Amarok also has hill decent control and you guys didn't even say it? Also has diff lock as well coming from an Amarok owner myself.

[@mackenziehilton7386]

Hazza Turk i know the judges where bias they where just thw typical Australian. ( if its not ford its not good they where thinking ) like really these guys are paid and yet they only give an bias opinion not the facts

[@sammatters2343]

Well said Hazza, I see that they have removed the audio where they say, the Amarok does not have a hill decent control.

[@stimo1076]

Just another bias review!!!

[@excelligent9293]

Yeah they miss a lot of important facts.

[@misery8264]

I would've never guessed that Australians take our German pickup seriously :D

[@batukeras2000]

I have to ask, are you lot sponsored by Ford? Yes, the Ranger has some great features, such as standard high level breathers for all transmission components. Hang on, did you lot mention that? NO! Do you lot use four wheel drive vehicles? Really? I work on a mine site. We have Rangers for our surface and underground vehicles. I truly expected them to be very good, and to have a lower life cost per vehicle than the traditional Toyota Landcruisers. Well, I have been very disappointed to learn this is not the case. In spite of the fact the Landcruisers cost a heap more to buy, the life cost of use for the Ranger is higher than the V8 Landcruiser ute in our mine site. I am truly very disappointed. My Ranger (I like to think the Ranger I drive every working day as mine, and treat it as such) has already had a lot of failures that people in every day use would not tolerate. Mine is one of the better ones! Several of your reviewers comments are comparing the vehicle you are currently driving to one particular vehicle. It becomes clear throughout the review that this one specific vehicle is the same one for each reviewer. Surely, if you, as a group, continue to refer your comments about the vehicle you are driving to one other specific vehicle, wouldn't that indicate the specific reference vehicle is most likely the best of the bunch? In the future, how about giving us, the readers, an honest review. By all means, provide your personal subjective views, as these are truly relevant too. If you have sponsorship responsibilities, simply state that clearly throughout the review.

[@trevorbush3656]

They both brilliant vehicles that cover everyone's need who wants an upmarket pickup.....I had 3 Rangers and now an Amarok 4motion Auto, our family was so impressed me placed an order for the V6 as in 4yrs we only had 2 tail lights globes blow on the 2.0tdi...super reliable vehicle used as a reps business car and family lifestyle vehicle. The 4motion is what won me over as it is not used as a 'workhorse' but lifestyle vehicle, perfect for our dirt bikes and dogs. V6 is not necessary but so to is the 3.5ton pulling capacity which is utterly useless in some countries as you may not pull more than the vehicles mass, irrespective of the manufacturers ratings.

the best thing for anyone looking to buy one of these is rent for a week and compare for themselves which one they love most as some reviewers are paid reviewers for marketing purposes. or check review online from owners of vehicle for about 1 year then know what's strength and weaknesses of each

[@rickyracer8717]

My new Ranger Wildtrak arriving soon.... Can't wait! Thankfully I won't have to drag either one of your heavy ass's around with me!! 😂

[@MrPJH11]

Dessert Rider needs all of that 3.5T towing capacity.....

[@koss9488]

None of the VW dealers in the Dallas and Ft Worth area have a Amarok in stock.

[@conradvermaak3278]

I could see you came in more Ford pro than Amarok.

[@oliversimpson42]

I like the Amarok because it not so popular so it’s like your driving in something special plus the ranger is so popular because ford makes commercial vehicles

[@Nathaniel2256Studios]

I 100% disagree about the Ford Ranger being the best of the two. Because I've been in both the Ranger and the Amarok, and let me tell you. I instantly preferred the Amarok The Ranger's suspension was harsh, the interior isn't that great, and it has risky reliability issues. The Amarok is a much nicer ute, with a beautiful interior, engine, ride, handling, and space. My dad loved the Amarok V6 so much that he recently bought one to replace his 2010 Holden Colorado (Isuzu D-Max). Overall, I would pick the VW Amarok.

[@johncanalese588]

Here we go again.......the Amarok loses out because it has a tow rating of 3T again the Ranger's 3.5T! Seriously do you guys peddling this get a buck (or maybe burgers), from Ford Marketing every time you mention it. It means absolutely nothing in the real world. A Ranger hitched to a typical 3.5T load will have Nothing left over to carry people or luggage etc once the tank is filled and to do so would render it illegally over its GCM. And, actually I understand the Amarok is engineered for 3.2T tow capacity but VWA has derated it because of our hot climate. Hey, and in the interests of unbiased and more reputable journalism, why didn't the "reviewer" driving the Ranger actually drive this new to the market V6 Amarok before passing judgement?

[@PlaNkie1993]

John Canalese not worth the read

[@JoelGonzalezA1]

it can tow 3.5 ton... you still have the Truck bed and space for 4 people inside the ranger and luggage... just Saying

[@Sam.G.22801]

derated because of our climate and that doesn't scream out to you that there is something wrong there the ranger was built and tested to handle climate of 180 countries while towing its maximum 3.5tonne 6000(GCM)-2200(kerb weight)-3500=300(left over payload capacity)Ford wildtrak 5550(GCM)-2218(kerb weight)-3000=332 left over payload capacity (2016)Amarock ultimate 6000(GCM)-2216(kerb weight)-3500=284 left over payload capacity(2017)Amarock ultimate you complain about the rangers left over payload at max towing in 2016 of 32kg less than the amarock but the ranger has 500kg higher towing now the amarock has the same towing but 48kg less payload left over bottom line numbers don't lie, people do

[@Kyxmyx]

look at the sales statistics and who's better

[@johncanalese588]

@@Kyxmyx Your comment is entirely empirical and based on unsubstantiated facts. On what basis does larger per unit sales volume of anything mean that it is “better”?

[@kingisback1995]

Something is very strange on Aussie side, always complaining about prices. I don't know why are they just lazy to work or they just hate VW

[@jeffstryker1454]

67k plus and no airbags at the rear wtf VW.

[@kingisback1995]

I don't understand why you Aussie people complain always about prices. Are you lazy to work what's the problem.

[@sasanestorovic9309]

Big deal about the airbags

[@oliversimpson42]

Idk why your complaining about the airbags the newer versions have to shut up you idiot

[@stubbszee2515]

The amarok has 3.5 Ton towing capacity not 3 ton

[@Nathaniel2256Studios]

Depends on the region. In Europe, the Amarok is capable of pulling 3.5 tonnes due to the colder climate. In Australia, the Amarok can only pull 3 tonnes due to the hotter climate and different suspension tuning.

[@yusufnubbybuccas2195]

Amarok better than Ford Ranger

[@snowboxesful]

yeah a c class is used as a taxi in Germany, Austria... in Australia people think its luxury...

[@jansolo7963]

It's actually the E class that's been used as taxis here in Germany. And nearly every police car. But it's just because of shipment and other reasons. Try finding a decent land cruiser or patrol GQ here in Germany. Nearly impossible :(

[@kingofgrip2485]

The Amarok is the better one

[@colinhooper8936]

Ranger best off road

[@saauuzza]

VW.. best to avoid.

[@gasperajdnik5627]

Ford ranger IS the best pikup

[@79denali]

Amarok v6 any day see ya ford

[@ansett7687]

So the Ford has a more "advanced" 4x4 system? Lol. It needed old school low range to climb that hill........the Amarok didn't need low range to do it effortlessly? Within 10yrs low range will be gone. The Rok is ahead of the rest with its clever gearing and 4x4 system.

[@Kyxmyx]

Well 😂 say that again this time with thr latest V6 Wildtrak

[@RAMYBOY91]

vw does the thing automatic without hit any button

[@andresespigareskruger8129]

I wonder wich one of you guys can eat the most burgers.

[@taewiao]

portionwise, they would prefer American, dont they.

[@hermanengelbrecht8513]

Really not a good factual review. I own both a Ranger and a Amarok and to me there is no comparison. Amarok is much better in all aspects.

[@timlowe1336]

vw all the way

[@imwolfmaster8399]

I think the ranger and the vw don't have any load capacity left after that get in

[@DlomoBreez]

mostr powerfull ids v6 amarok..nowadays we buy bakkies for power...v6..

[@automandan]

I'd Take the Ranger oh wait I live in the United States fuck the Ranger is what I need I don't need a big truck like an F 150 a Ranger would do it for me

[@imwolfmaster8399]

I'm in uk and I owns wild-track

[@MrNotebookguy]

Yeah you send me a Raptor I send you the Ranger :P

[@ozzyjim]

F150 is coming with 3lt v6 diesel in 2018 I think

[@automandan]

james dobbie You sir are correct along with a new front end as well along with a new transmission

[@MrNotebookguy]

In 2018 American production Rangers will be sold in the US

[@bleakhollow4845]

Nice

[@jeffstryker1454]

I like both but both are too expensive at 60k plus wtf.

[@KriegerDelfin24]

WTF is wrong with Australia in Europe it can tow 3,5 metric tones and can handle 1 metric ton on the bed. The V6 hast Powerboost up to 180kw. Would you please explain why the towing capacity is less in Australia than in Europe. And why did you guys not mention the Powerboost oder Overboost as some call it.

[@OfficialMINIm]

Brian Reip they just mentioned the normal outputs. Here in Australia overboost outputs aren't considered as the car's max output simply because the power isn't there all of the time. It comes on for a short period of time

[@KriegerDelfin24]

165 kw is the normal power. but what i think is stupid. They say it only can pull 3tons. but it can pull 3,5 ton at any power. Thats why i am asking why is the towing capacity is less in Australia. I could explain the Overboost or Powerboost system of the Amarok V6 but i guess not many would get it or would want to understand it.

[@OfficialMINIm]

Brian Reip not sure about the rating. I thought the same. The cars not exactly light and it has a 6 cylinder Diesel engine. You'd think it would pull more than 3.5 tonne. Perhaps they made a mistake? Or maybe Australian version has been given a lighter or weaker chassis

[@KriegerDelfin24]

OfficialMINIm the old European Spec could pull up to 3.2 metric tons.

[@sumit_john]

Brian Reip VAG derated the towing capacity of the Amarok for Australia. I believe it has got to do with the extreme heat experienced in some parts of the country. Unofficially speaking, the engine outputs and chassis are the same for both euro and Aussie spec Amaroks. VAG doesn't want lawsuits or warranty claims should the vehicle breakdown towing 3.5 tons through the outback. So they decided to be conservative.

[@Bernievids]

You mentioned nothing about how these things tow.

[@caradvice]

We have a towing video on the way featuring the Ranger, Amarok, Hilux and Colorado so stay tuned to our website or our channel.

[@gibbethoskins8621]

Just don't get stuck in sand when you need to reverse the Amarok ...absolutely no torque in reverse and geared way to high. Reversing a trailer, boat or camper up hill ...have fun with that.

[@djp4nfa]

I really like the rok! it's a little too pricey plus no rear airbags. vw dropped the ball there.

[@christianvogler3384]

Más linda la ford

[@gasperajdnik5627]

I have a 2020 ford ranger wildtrak

[@brendankauffman8879]

2020? MY20 in any vehicle wont come out until June/19 built

[@gasperajdnik5627]

@@brendankauffman8879 yes I have a 2020 I buy it in Slovenia

[@brendankauffman8879]

It doesn't matter where you buy it from. MY20 do not get built plates until June. I use to work for Ford

[@shawsie5780]

Well my 2015 wildtrak went through 3 engines, blown turbo hose, 5 broken fuel caps and 2 broken drivers seats all in 70000km, worst car I've ever owned!

[@juanmarin754]

Ian Shaw well mine has 62.000 km and never broke not even once. I do 160 180 km/h almost every weekend and it runs just like the first day.

[@sabram2192]

Best car I ever owned you sir brought yourself a lemon and you just didnt give up on squeezing every last drop lol

[@kieranperry9685]

Amrok for people that don’t get there hands dirty at work and use a note pad. Ranger for men getting dirty at work. END OFF

[@trevormbala3633]

Thanks for your input. Next?

[@89tuber]

but this ute can do 3.5 tonnes.. Oh let me settle this for you! How annoying. Yes, it can do 3.5 ton, but you'll have to potentially kick out your pot-bellied friends from the cabin if they are too fat and make them walk! - ok, I'm exaggerating here, but all the extra at the back will cost you on the tray or even in the cabin if you're going to max it out on the tow bar. I am willing to be corrected tho.

[@bigthang-on8458]

After owning 3 Hilux was a massive fan and loyal to the badge thought I would never change..I looked at the new Hilux thought it looked terrible smaller engine all gone plastic they have lost it for me so went to look at these two had them both on test for a full week. The Ranger was a clear winner by a long way I ordered a 2107 model have had it a year done 17.000 hard miles and it incredible I would not swap for any other vehicles ..its tough powerful comfortable and looks manly unlike the Amarok which is very cute....maybe suited the gentleman builder instead of the working builder the switch gear on the Amarok put me off to cheap and nasty.. My Wildtrak pulls a 3 ton trailer daily you dont know its on thats the test...Buy the Ford its far superior and I know,

[@GroHouse]

I find it hard to believe you can't feel a 3t trailer behind any car....who are you kidding mate!!? Far out what are you smoking... Get your dick out of your arse. Jesus.christ. get ferrrked.

[@tonyk9071]

I am sorry but this is a bad review and missed to many key points of both trucks

[@salvxnb168]

Bias much lol. Unbelievable proof that you can’t trust any of these reviews!! Driven both and own the amarok purely because it’s 1000000000 times smarter, quieter, better off road and don’t even get me started on how much better the amarok drives over that other big heap of shit

[@snowboxesful]

(the fords actually a mazda shhh)

[@amirhossainzadeh3951]

It's actually the other way around.

[@markleach1866]

Must be casual Friday.... seriously, what a joke.

[@nicokwapper]

No one ever speaks of build quality. The ranger is shit in comparrison to the amarok. In the garage there was a new one standing with the worst paint job I have ever seen on a car, and there was duct tape hanging out of the engine bay. The dashboard was mis aligned as well... it's cheaper, but is is inferior build quality... Amarok for me!

[@jansolo7963]

An Audi A6 Quattro will do a better job than the Ford ;)

[@Beema41]

Both these vehicles are sold by companies that don't give a shit about their customers or after sales service. Go Japanese!

[@thebeerhunter817]

and their sense of unreliability new cars especially diesels are heaps of crap.

[@paulrobot9063]

hhhhhmmmm less time in the pub

[@calvin3989]

This was bias review.

[@coureurdebois]

VW wins

[@colinhooper8936]

The amrok has no rear air bags and its not better of road than the ranger

[@thepoint4788]

its not an european amarok, its a german, like mercedes, bmw or porsche

[@Nathaniel2256Studios]

Germany is a European country dude!

[@ozzyjim]

how can anyone go for a amarok over a wildtrak when it doesn't even have rear airbags meaning it can't get a 5* ANCAP ratting . This was NEVER going to be able to compete with the wildtrak especially given the 10k extra they're asking. The lack of low range show how far removed from a real 4wd it really is. the ONLY area it exceeds the wildtrak is peak power/ torque but even then that ranger has a longer curve of usable peak torque through the rev range.

[@mackenziehilton7386]

james dobbie i dont agree mainly the amarok is a better develop car it may not have i low range but it makes up for this with its 8 speed dct gearbox witch is actually far superior than fords system any where and yes it may be more expensive but the two they where comparing wernt the best options the 2.0 litre 4 cyl engine amarok is better than any 5 4 cylinder engine in its class. the ranger is good it just cant really be compared to something as good as a german car because germany make the best cars and thats why its better than the ranger on road and off road because it has the same quattro system from audi wicth is the best 4wd system in the world at the moment iv driven both a ranger and an amarok and the rangers 4wd system is a pig on road compared to the amarok the reason it lost was because the reviewers where a typical Australian guy who only likes ford and was quite narrow minded towards the amarok because he thought the ranger was the best even before looking at the spec sheets. also the two models they where comparing where wrong the v6 ultimate edition is actually a luxury vehicle if not a work horse like ford if you where looking at a fair compassion you need to compare the 4 cyl not the v6 also reviewers that aren't bias towords the vw so in the end the ranger is a cheaper and not as well designed car as the vw and really you would have to be numb to buy the ranger even if it weren't the high end models because unlike the ranger the vw has the same engine and drive train gear box ect unlike the ranger so why buy the cheaper and more horrible one. wicth is not as good in any model the vw is more technically advanced in the base model than the too of the line ranger.

[@medz3398]

james dobbie having driven both. The 2lt amarok engine drove better than the ranger engine. The v6 just leaves it for dead. The amarok is amazing on road and has no problems off road. Heaps of videos show it has no problem.

[@ozzyjim]

It's funny how the extra cylinder seems to be a positive but not the fact that's it's a smaller engine tuned to produce more power n torque. I drove a hilux before a ranger and I have no allegiance to any brand. I call it as I see it . I can not for the life of me buy a car for 70+k that has no rear airbags no matter how good the engine is. That is a deal breaker and negates any other reason why the aamrok could be better I wouldn't do that to my kids. Let's hope VW have told the truth about the engines emissions this time.

[@medz3398]

james dobbie it's only 70k because people will pay it for the first batch. The high line v6 is $65,000 but good luck getting one. Anyway the 2lt amarok engine was actually the fastest from 0-100km against a ranger without a load, with 500kg in the back and 500kg in the back and with 500kg being towed. It's a testament to the vw Diesel engines and gearboxes plus all wheel drive. As for Diesel gate I think you'll find that fiat and chrysler recently got pinged and merc and BMW are currently under investigation. You're making it out like it's a serious fault of the car, majority of owners don't actually care. I agree that they dropped the ball with no rear airbags.

[@pg88corfu]

Med z And what about the Nissan navara in the last version twin turbo 2.3 with 190 horse power? 0-100 km 10.9 sec about the same as 3.2 Wildtrack. also the ride quality of the NP300 is superb as the main platform is borrowed also from Mercedes to build their first ute next year. I mean how would you compare it with the V6 Amarok and the Ranger Wildtrack?

[@lukehall3487]

Who is going to clean them now 😂

[@RegularBenHur]

That VW is one ugly fukin truck Like something from the 80’s

[@franferrario7425]

Nop it does NOT compare to the #1 "Hilux" RELIABILITY and DURABILITY

[@medz3398]

Fran Ferrario hilux reliability stopped in 2003. They have their fare share of problems which is why a lot of companies are switching to other cars. People are stuck on this mindset that they're unbreaakble which is untrue

[@ozzyjim]

Hilux dropped the ball when they failed to A: improve to a 5 * a cap rating in 2013 and lost all government buyers due to all new government vehicles requiring it and B: failing to improve stability ( check out moose test).

[@medz3398]

james dobbie Toyota likes to use whatever is cheapest for them, they call it "reliability" it's why you still find 4 speed autos in there 2016 corollas

[@chrisandshazza01]

The world has caught up to the Hilux. The hilux reign is over. Toyota can't even get the thing to pass the moose test with 265 boots on. It's still a beautiful ute and very tough, we drive them everyday for work in the Pilbara in some of the most horrendous conditions so I know. I would own a Hilux but the days of it being in a league of its own are over. The Amarok/Ranger/DMax etc are all just as good nowadays.

[@pred8512]

Fran Ferrario but sounds and drives like a TRACTOR who would pay 60+orc for that