2023 Ford Ranger vs VW Amarok Ute Comparison: Shocking Results!

[@CarSauce]

Just want to make a correction, the Amarok and Ranger do not come from the same factory! The Amarok is made in South Africa and the Ranger is made in Thailand. Obviously, South Africa is quite a lot further away from Australia than Thailand - so that might explain some of the more expensive costs!

[@pauldekock5356]

However in S-A both are built in the same factory, in Silverton, Gauteng province.😊

[@peterwest5661]

​@@pauldekock5356If this is the case makes for a compelling argument which factory builds the better Ranger?

[@ptortore]

I believe there's a 5% additional tax our government imposes on vehicles from South Africa, but we have a treaty with Thailand so Fords from there don't get hit with that.

[@Nhla23nhla]

Only Ranget Raptor is made in Thailand, but all other rangers are made in South Africa.

[@jonvanleuven8621]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t we have a free trade agreement with Thailand. Which means all Ford, Toyota, Isuzu and Nissan come into Australia Tax Free??

[@oscarshelukindo5823]

I honestly prefer the luxurious look of the VW Amarok inside and outside.

[@daverae7586]

I couldn't agree more, ford ranger look won't age as well

[@parabot2]

@@daverae7586 The Amarok are junk , they do axels , water leaks etc ( all the time )

[@henredigitalfire07]

​@@parabot2Agreed

[@JohnHill-qx9yy]

I thought these were four wheel drive vehicles. Your review doesn’t mention suspension, gearing, transfer case (low ratio) or any other 4wd related items. These vehicles are simply being reviewed like passengers cars.

[@spxram4793]

same impression here. That's why I mentioned before, if one needs a truck, Ranger Raptor, if a sedan, take some comfy VW sedan. The Amarok does not really add to the market.

[@alanjm1234]

They have the same drive trains so gearing, low range etc will be the same.

[@JBurrow-m3k]

Because that's what they're are mostly used for, on road work vehicle. Off roading is just a weekend hobby. Otherwise they would all be made like Ford Raptors

[@donnieradford4656]

That might be in your case but there are a lot of us that live in rural areas that include roads that are rough with gravel or poor rarely maintained bitumen.

[@nickc6882]

Yeah, but man, it's cool and way nicer, man. 🤦‍♂️

[@paulm5817]

the front i do prefer the Amarok look to teh ranger - a touch more classy

[@PeteSmith-q3e]

I have the 10 speed, bi turbo ranger wildtrack, purchased new in Nov 2018 and after all these years it’s still immaculate and has done 60000 KM without a hiccup, best car I have owned. Built in Thailand and was 39k USD cash

[@CarSauce]

This was a close one! Do you prefer the softer sprung, less premium but cheaper Ford Ranger or the more premium oriented, firmer Volkswagen Amarok??

[@dragankolar9057]

Amarok all the way!!

[@ricardas1985]

Just had Amarok for weekend , and did have ranger last weekend . Amarok all day long , not sure why, but that ford badge it’s really push you off 🤷‍♂️ Amarok looks better to me though ✌️

[@trevorevans7101]

You're Ranger boys, all the way! Amarok looks great I reckon. Ranger looks more like an awesome hardcore tradie ute to me. Amarok is like the building supervisor or the engineers vehicle. Touch screen on the Ranger seemed a little laggy. No USB in the back of the VW is strange. Nice contrast stitching in the Ranger. I'd defiantly get the Amarok, hands down. Your sidekick made constant criticisms of the Amarok without any positives. I think that he must have been born in the back of a Ranger on the way to hospital. Not a great guy for a fair comparison. Actually Id be wrapped with either.

[@wallypop2947]

Couldn’t of said it better myself 👏 👏

[@keepcarsfun]

Overpowered comment

[@nicksloan7398]

Ford chassis, Ford engine and running gear... so yeah the Ford designed VW must be better. 😂

[@youtubevanced4900]

The price is crazy. I bought the midspec Amarok in 2011 called the special edition. Was $44k. I can't believe it's over 80 now.

[@drszoke]

In 2018 the 4wd dcab triton was 29.900. Now it is nearly doubled...

[@newzebulon5313]

The front lights need to be bigger on the Amarok But Amarok for me

[@jameswilson4712]

Platinums are out now in Aus, would love to see a review there, I think it will resolve all your issues, like the premium leather. Only downside is you lose the parcel shelf at the front in between the glove boxes

[@robertbosgra509]

I hate the fake chrome in the platinum.

[@wetwaterfish]

You cant compare the style to the wildtrak. It has twintube shocks compared to monotube shocks. The panamericana vs wildtrak is what needs to be compared...

[@FiannKenny156]

17min ago nice as! Thanks matt for your amazing comprehensive videos I appreciate it thank you!

[@craigice9635]

Tyres also play a big part on wet bitumen.

[@alexfrankl7861]

The Ranger has some awkward angles going on from different view points, i think the VW is a better looking vehicle.

[@tshiamoleipego5549]

Eye check is on the way. You may need to wear contacts and spectacles at the same time.

[@theDudeknows]

Well yeah man, thats just like your opinion man.

[@masterq2.033]

Amarok front end , Ranger tub. Amarok interior with Ranger cup holders , Ranger climate control knobs. Old Amarok V6 and ZF 8sp with , new Clone Ranger transfer case giving low range option. Oh and Triton price.

[@Sh1tstir]

😂😂😂😂 triton price now that would be a fantasy of epic proportions and be among the best selling vehicles in the world

[@Serge1074]

Good review guys, thanks

[@brentj_]

Finally a fair price for price review between the both 🙌 I personally think the upper models of the Ranger are better value than the Amarok upper models. Will be interesting to see VW's pricing on parts for the Amarok too. Mazda's pricing was sometimes 3-5 times more expensive for the same part when the bt50 was the sister car of the Ranger.

[@allanbaldock5143]

Re the criticism of the cup holders in the Amarok. You should not be reaching for your coffee while driving, and if parked, it doesn't matter they are a bit harder to get at.

[@Sh1tstir]

So replace the Ranger seats to Amarok ones and you have a pretty ok car. If you want to get really hard core maybe change the instrument cluster or is the space dimensions different. The problem with these tests though is Tyers having one more offroad orientated should and usual dose have louder road noise so tick for the Ranger that it's quite but on the down side having bigger tyer blocks on a hard bitchimum they won't have as match traction. I would have loved to seen the "test" done on both sets of Tyers AT and highway terrains and see the difference.

[@nicksloan7398]

Question... how do you change the space dimensions on what is effectively the same platform... The new amarok is a Ford ranger with a VW badge.

[@Sh1tstir]

@nicksloan7398 dash layout maybe different

[@africanasian9748]

I think the top of range Amarok vs top of range Ranger would be a different comparison

[@danielsebastianrode421]

I only know Austria❤❤❤ Where is this Australia? 😊

[@paulkewley9363]

Great content keep them comming, would like to see more wiki camp reviews on your way around 😊

[@hedydd2]

I’ve bought a Ranger Wildtrak 2.0, the only model available without waiting until next year. No VW’s available for delivery this year either and they haven’t even done the dealer launch yet. Ours [UK] both come from South Africa of course, not Thailand.

[@hikkks]

We've ordered our Amaroks in january... estimated delivery october/november this year.

[@TheMowogman]

Well to answer your question I just brought a 24.5 V6 Ranger Wildtrak. The roller cover was deleted in favour of a factory fitted canopy. The Amarok wasn't even considered.

[@kentaylor2950]

Go the Ranger, it's just a better thought out vehicle. Go the amarok if you want more "style over substance", and want to wait less time. By the way, doesn't the Amarok look alike an older Holden Colarado??

[@rich7447]

With a column shifter you could have the cupholders in the center console where they belong.

[@craggles1969]

The ford raptor is top of the range starting at $96,000, not the wildtrak. It would be nice if the camera man recorded what you point at. (Bad cameraman). I’ve worked in the motor industry for more than 35yrs, and you are extremely picky when checking out the 4x4. It’s a 4x4 for off roading and work, talk about the capabilities of the vehicle, vehicle controls and off road capabilities which is what people watch these for. Remember that this is YOUR opinion .

[@pauldbeer]

Yeh, the comment on "understeer", is laughable! Bloody hell man, these are 2.3-ton vehicles with 230mm ground clearance, what the heck did you expect? Sports car handeling??? WTF!!!!!!

[@BryanM63]

The front of the Amarok looks way better than the Ranger

[@Klistern2]

They both come down the same assembly line, one just has stiffer suspension do differentiate it from its clone and the market audience is different. The VW is aimed at the guy who drives to his office job and lives in the suburbs, which is probably the home of most utes anyway. The Ford xlt is a great work ute tho and good price range for a commercial vehicle with a couple grand of extras.

[@YusufGinnah]

They don't Amarok is produced at Uitenhage in South Africa Ranger is produced in Thailand

[@ricardas1985]

Amarok all day long , if you cover all badges eco booms ford then hmm not sure .

[@randellestoque3266]

Amarok looks good compared to ford. More stability when driving. Amarok is more quieter aswell. Amarok is just expensive and premium. Its a european car vs american so choose which one u like

[@TheAllEngineering]

Comparison between the Ranger and the Clone Ranger !!!

[@junaidkadwa5637]

Amarock is the best van in the market

[@markmuscat110]

horses for coures, had two Rok.s will have 3, all this comparision provides is your opinion.

[@EscapeAcres]

You should revisit this and compare the prices now.

[@aljeeper3292]

I know they come with different tyres but would the VW be better if it was riding on the larger tyres. I really would've liked to see a comparison between the two top of thr range model and believe it maybe a way truer comparison 😊

[@TheoEclipse]

Would be interesting in a seperate video, though the point of this video was to compare what you get for a similar price/value.

[@alanheather8441]

Would of been better to compare the panAmericana vs the ranger wildtrak

[@kentaylor2950]

From what I understand, the panamericana only adds all terrain tyres, black decals and some minor cosmetics for an addition 4-5k

[@alanheather8441]

@@kentaylor2950 from what I’ve read it all so has different suspension

[@louisswanepoel1420]

@@kentaylor2950 More extras and slider at the back

[@CarSauce]

Maybe, it’s more expensive though. These are almost identical in price, so I think this is a fairer comparison.

[@kentaylor2950]

@@alanheather8441 same suspension, possibly a different tune. But all the mechanicals are the same parts.

[@lesegomolotsi6577]

Weren't you biased against Amarok even before this review/comparison?

[@adambalzan2488]

Maybe you should have tested the top of the range Amarok.How do you compare two different models when one is top of the line and the other is middle range 🤔

[@leonleese4919]

I had a sirocco R 280bhp 2 litre petrol. You would have thought it would have had a cruise control. But no needed a password for the cd player. Same for phone answering hand free. Had I known what I didn’t get I would have had a BMW 1 series

[@rooftopstudios]

In the end it comes down to styling...when you're paying over $65K I think a little extra aint gonna make a difference if you're comparing apples...I prefer my premium apples ie Pink Ladies over Granny Smith. So in my humble opinion the Amarok gets the nod purely because it's designed better for the family as well as the tradesman that I am...umm...I'm both. Great Vid.

[@nicksloan7398]

Even though the Amarok is a restyled Ranger... in fact it is a Ford ranger with a VW badge.... fools and their money.

[@KLEINY666]

I have looked at both Amarok and Ranger. The Ranger had much better finish on both inside & outside. In my opinion, I believe the Ranger is better value for money. It was an easy decision to purchase my 2022 Ranger XLT.

[@deltav1984]

Is it just me who found the changing of what he was wearing switching between the b-roll hilarious!? He even had different jackets on at fhe start with the ranger grill part 😂😂😂 Hilarious 🤭🤭

[@philiprogers1626]

The Amarok looks more premium, the front end I feel will age slower than the Ranger which looks a bit F truck 2020. The Ranger is fresh at the moment but Ford are moving the F truck along in the US so maybe the Ranger is past design. The centre console on the Ranger is better laid out but needs a bit of extra finish since this doesn't change from the base spec to the Platinum. It looks like the VW gains a tray 240v socket which is certainly missing in the Ranger.

[@trevorevans7101]

I agree with you totally.

[@Sh1tstir]

My Ranger has usb sockets and genuine 240 volt socket with an inverter as standar, enough amps to charge 18 volt batteries on a rapid charger or power a 83ltr fridge freezer, this is on a xlt variant to be fair why it was deleted on the wild track is a little bit wierd or maybe because the focus of the vehicle is slightly different in regards to Tradie vs Mums taxi.

[@mo0rd]

Woah posted 21 seconds ago. Nice!

[@CarSauce]

You’re early!

[@NightReaperDownUnder]

Meanwhile I just quoted both of these up and the Amarok style with leather came in $8000 cheaper than the wildtrak

[@Nerkumsized]

Thats interesting 👍🏻

[@espaudio]

Nice “Ranger” overdub 😂. Seamless 👌👍✌️

[@grahambarry3521]

Regardless of who designed what in in the ford and the amarok, ford was contracted to build the amarok. If there are any fit and finish issues with the amarok, then blame ford for shoddy workmanship. Not VW. my 10 year old amarok has had no problems. Dealer serviced at all times. Dealer is customer friendly, unlike the ford dealer when i owned .y first and last ford. A 1985 bronco. Great vehie,ousy service ddpartment.

[@peterwest5661]

Hi CarSauce, Your pinned comment says Ranger Thai built Amarok SA built. One person has answed this comment that the Ranger and Amarok are both built on the same production line in SA. If this is the case what version comes to Oz? No two production lines can be exactly the same especially when you factor in the human element. So poses the question which Ranger is a better build?

[@brentonl2631]

Think he means South Africa!

[@markymark8472]

Australian rangers are all built in Thailand, Vw Amaroks are built in South Africa

[@aileensampson2641]

They are built in south africa

[@adrianhillyer8247]

Rangers are built in 5 main plants around the world, 2 in Thailand, Sth Africa, Argentina and Michigan. Australian Rangers come from both the Thai plants. VW Amaroks are only built in Sth Africa

[@mathewthomas1164]

Ford is the way. My 2023 Wildtrack is incredible.

[@gazzaeabc3805]

VW looks better, let's see which has the best resale and is the most reliable/durable

[@ruperttimms1893]

Great review. Thanks guys. Can the seats for the Ranger actually be called “leather”? I understand from a Ford dealer they are mostly vinyl with some ‘accents’ of leather. Thanks

[@gerrycooper56]

That would be vegan leather - plastic.

[@TheVeneco]

I got the same ranger I’m an very happy camper

[@bongakhumalo3095]

Great job

[@douger1517]

Can you review Iveco Daily E6 50c around the same price as these utes.

[@stephendooley9386]

Amarok better & has everything of the Wildtrak - with the optioned extras

[@nicksloan7398]

So basically, it's a Ford with lipstick... the Amarok is a Ford ranger with a VW badge... both produced in the same factory.

[@maxwood192]

You commented on the Ranger leather seats, that maybe the leather may not be the best you could have. My son has a older ranger with leather seats, the leather seems to be harder rather then softer, still comfortable to sit in. He has four big teenagers who hammer the seats, the leather is showing no real size of wear. I was always quite impressed with that leather.

[@TheoEclipse]

I just bought a 2019 Ford Wildtrak and I personally really like the seats, they're very comfortable and like you said feel durable which is something I want with the type of work I do (manual labour so I'm always dirty and throwing around my work gear). It does have a small tear on the side of the driver's seat which has some leather repair stuff peeling off, though that looks like the previous owner probably accidentally cut it with something sharp like a tool rather than a tear from everyday use.

[@johannesruddek9544]

I totally agree with the seats in the Amarok! Much more comftable and a bit more premium. But just a little bit! In germany the Basemodel of the Amarok costs 20000€ more then the Ranger and i like the Design of the Ranger a lot more. Brings me to the conclusion that for me the Ranger is better.

[@samsearle4433]

But there are models above the Wildtrak. Wildtrak X, Platinum and the Raptor?

[@DylanWilbert]

I like the looks of both. I like Ford, but I really do like the looks of Volkswagen.

[@TheDrago1882]

Extra cost of Amarok put me off, glad I went for the Wildtrak. Definitely more user friendly

[@paulocouceiro35]

12:05 , They do a bad job, they try to value the Ford Ranger, because the VW has a USB and USB C charger, but they don't mention that, they are always saying bad things about the Amarok

[@louisswanepoel1420]

Well from the African specked Amarok the Amarok drives softer and really feel the the comfort of the previous generation. Looks wise I prefer the Amarok! This is how is biased

[@austrobok2958]

These two reviewers were obviously biased, could hear it in their comments from the beginning.. Wonder if it had something to do with Ford lending them the Ranger for a couple of months? 😳🙄

[@ozbound6608]

how are the seats in the ranger, for comfort

[@Markus01ful]

Go for Amarok. The suspension set up is really better! And the design is really amazing. For example the steering wheel is covered with a much higher leather.

[@georgepappas4628]

You do realise that the Amarok is really a Ford Ranger made in a Ford factory

[@louisswanepoel1420]

@@georgepappas4628 You do realise, VW had a big list for standards and improved a lot of things from tech, engine and gearbox. Most things was send to Germany for improvement. VW did not jump on the ban wagon and say hay Ford you go and build the new Amarok and we will sit on the side line. Thanks to VW all the Ford fans got a better Ford, so at the end of the the day it was a couple of years in Australia where the engineers from VW and Ford came together and brained stormed to get the type of product you prefer today. While the Germans are sitting back humbly for Ford to take all the glory. My honest opinion it's the first time that an American vehicle puts out the power to the ground thanks to the German Engineers.

[@georgepappas4628]

@louisswanepoel1420 That's rubbish as the engineers you speak of that worked in Australia worked on the interior and exterior styling. All the structural and mechanical side was completely done by Ford. The VW guy's were integrated into the project and chose what suspension calibration they wanted ect. I would because my brother in law worked on the project and is still there.

[@louisswanepoel1420]

@@georgepappas4628 seems like you and your brother knows nothing. Since I work at VW. Are you really so gullible to think that VW with the best engineers in the world will sit on the sideline and have no request / input? There was a first video made in Australia where they literately stated there are standards that Ford should follow and a list of agreements what should be in the bakkie. They worked a couple of years together to get the end product so that it can work like this. Australia stated that VW did not just jump on the bandwagon. So get your facts straight before you listen too your brother. Did you ever see any muscle car beat any Germán vehicle? Good example the 3.2 Ford could not even keep up with the 2.0 btdi reason the Germans know how to put the power to the ground. Yes I do agree they did use the platform engines and gearbox, but reliability would be a lot better now with the input of the engineers of Germany. To leave you with this what engine is the v6 and where did you think did the btdi come from?

[@georgepappas4628]

@louisswanepoel1420 Sorry tou have no idea what you're saying. VW has the worst engineering with hopeless reliability. I worked at a VW dealership for 6 years and the products are rubbish.

[@KloofAurora-fh2bb]

Amarok yes please

[@georgeszurbach444]

Australia the only country in the world who believes the ranger is the best mid size pick up truck ,so funny!

[@miclinda256]

🤔 if some one now!! Its them….. and vw is alabout plastic now days

[@conmihelis7692]

Toys for girly boys not for working men. Still they do have plenty of room in the back for a handbag.

[@stuartkcalvin]

The Amacock has only one reversing light. No LWD and the handbook recommends against jump starting. I could go on but I won't.

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Vw looks heaps better, pity about its ford motor...

[@connorvee3852]

Amarok on looks

[@TheoEclipse]

You're mentioning about the comfort of the Wildtrak when driving and I couldn't agree more. I recently bought a used 2019 Wildtrak in pretty much immaculate condition with 68k kms. I test drove a Pajero sports as well as the Ford and there's just no comparison, the Ford is so comfortable and like you said it feels luxurious. And yeah it's *very* quiet in the cabin which I attribute to apparently the Ford has some sort of noise cancelling system inside the cabin.

[@robertbosgra509]

Well the v6 next gen wildtrak is even quieter.

[@bernardmccann7676]

They fill it up with soundproof Matt and charge you triple get a gwm

[@manghezijordanlubisi117]

Ford ranger is more luxurious than any other trucks that I have driven in South Africa presently Iam driving XLT manual it very nice

[@Viju489]

Buy both

[@strapper_d]

Based on VW's poor customer back up, I'm getting a Ranger

[@damienfrizzell9394]

why u dont use the gears? driving sporty in auto sux

[@ruscador1]

ranger wildtrak all the way

[@murkeyterky6852]

The Ranger seems like the better option, if you don't mind people smirking at the "I'm hard compensating" look American blokes seem to have the strong need for in their "trucks"...

[@HOSPlTALLER]

Ford looks like a beast!

[@MrPlanet911]

VW on looks

[@Malc664]

Ranger wins. I honestly don't think of the decor colours as I'm driving or at all. Gotta have soft points for the elbows though. Air vent cup holders and separate aircon controls are important for the win.

[@paulhanahoe-sp4hn]

Ranger Wildtrack pp comes with upgrade sound system

[@DazLethlean]

Ranger for me 💪

[@phetoleenockkgokane9669]

I pick up Ranger ❤

[@kalin41]

Really? Does the Amarok have a 200mm narrower tub?

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

It looks like he’s put on some conditioning.

[@michaelappeah3575]

The V6 Amarok really rocks...Amazon is the best

[@divergentus]

Amarok styling will survive longer - more classical.

[@stevebosun7410]

Ranger all the way!!!

[@lenmaclean6046]

Much prefer the look of the Amarok it just looks classy and tough. The Ranger looks like a try hard f-truck no class.

[@Spoon2006]

If im going to spend that kinda money on a truck I wouldn't expect the interior to be coming apart. I had a vw tiguan and the DSG box died plus other various electric faults. Now I have a ford Ranger limited on a 17 plate and it's superior in most ways. Don't get me wrong the vw is nice but too many electrics that could go wrong. Since buying the ranger I've not looked back

[@jeremygeduldt936]

This 2 Utes or based on each other bought build in South Africa.

[@pauldbeer]

I think I prefer the Rock! All-round, the difference is so much when one drive them, they aren't comparable! The Amarok is just crazy when driven! Just so different and so much better!!! I have a 2022, 2.0l Bi-Turbo Diesel Stormtrak, and it is lovely, but it does not come close to my son's 2023 Pan-Americana, when driven, not to even compare the interior. It's like night and day! Yet I prefer my Stormy to the new Wildtrak. I really do! Both in looks and drivability!!! Your negativity towards the Rock is so obvious it stinks! More noise, Really man!! The basic design of these vehicles are exactly the same, with the VW just adding more noise dampening and higher quality materials. Build in the same factory even! The assumed build quality issues, is just odd, as I can assure you there is none in my son's Pan-Americana, None! These cars come from the same factory here in Pretoria, where I live, and when the same engines are chosen, the drivetrains are exactly the same, with a markedly deferent suspension! It is the feel and experience, that is very different! The Rock being way better! So much more car like and feel of luxury!!! That Rock is so much more, if not better, than most SUV's! And that Pan-Americana's leather seats, feel and drive experience, is just awesome!

[@sbGOM]

Don't agree with the looks. Think the Amarok looks much better. It's a modern symmetrical and pleasing to the eye. Looking aggressive - and yes I know, that is important to buyers in this segment - for the sake of being aggressive, just by adding chunky bits doesn't mean great design in my view. But, hey, I'm not buying either. There's so many other practical passenger vehicles in this price range for those who'll never see a dirt road, let alone a track that requires the use of the transfer case.

[@Nathaniel2256Studios]

Wouldnt have either of them, the original Amarok is still the best ute of the bunch.

[@ianmansfield8885]

the Amarok interior looks good but it's a V W..they typically look boring and deteriorate quickly in OZ

[@o.h.opp.6707]

Here in Namibia, we get so hot that i prefer my a/c blowing over my cup holders

[@guillermobarreras8752]

Ranger and Rangerok.

[@americanrambler4972]

I liked the old Ford ranger (2011 and older). I had high expectations for the new ranger. Then it finally arrived back in the states. I was disappointed. It’s a tone more expensive than the old one and it seemed to be a watered down euro car with a too short small box than a proper ford. Common! It’s a pickup! You need a six foot long box at least. Not the suitcase size 4 to 5 foot boxes you get now. I hope the new 2024 model ranger with the new design is better. Currently, I like the Ford Maverick AWD turbo much more. The VW Amarok just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t care how good it is or not. I cannot get past the old VW Passat styling.

[@graememcclelland3762]

do you guys actually think about what you're going to say before you roll the camera? 12.30 to 13.25 or is that normal