2023 Volkswagen Amarok (inc. 0-100km/h & off-road) review

[@43LMNOP]

Enjoying my v6 PanAmericana on R18 AT. From South Africa and got mine on 27 March. 🎉 Have already done 6200km to date and no issues at all. Don’t have the same finishing/fitment mistakes on my model. Getting stock of the v6 Amarok or Ranger is 6-8 months now in May 2023, so good luck. Also, in SA the Amarok is specified much better than the Ranger. The Ranger Wildtrak does not have the Matrix LED lights, heated seats or Maintenance plan. At the end I like the look of the Amarok more than the Ranger, outside and inside.

[@seanpereira6961]

Problem here is Aus is that the PanAm is more expensive than the Wildtrak Platinum, at which point the specs are ahead on the Plat. Got a Plat on order, so went through details quite closely. Must admit though, it's better looking that the Wildtrak

[@glengee4462]

Lol, 6,200kms and bragging no issues 😂. Hilux would be 620,000kms before you even would think of bragging

[@georgeszurbach444]

Looks more solid and better finished than the ranger ,interior cabin supérior ,as always German quality can t be matched especially compared to à Ford.

[@43LMNOP]

⁠@@glengee4462 6,200km in 6 weeks... 😂

[@ianweal3081]

​@@glengee4462God you HiLux lovers have yourselves on. My son's got 2 Hiluxs, first a 2.8 lt naturally aspirated diesel, on its third engine. 2nd a 3lt turbo crd, on its 4th engine, 3rd gearbox. They do break, more than anyone wants to admit. He always wanted a Prado, but was put off by unreliable 3lt Diesel engine, however he did opt for the 2.8 Dec 2021 & thus far trouble free I believe. The injectors in the Toyota 3lt more prone to failure than the ZD30 Patrol, just Toyota fan boys choice to ignore that. Unbreakable, what BS. If that were so, how come suppliers of Toyota parts are run off their feet suppling components. Total utter B.S. Marketing gets the vulnerable in.

[@gammah]

That Amarok design looks clean!

[@Anuhassss]

​​@markyes looks better in its own way and besides vw german so it more premium luxury while Ford is american so it has looks but everything else the vw beats

[@Anuhassss]

@markyes raptor is cool though it this case I would by a raptor but if u want perimuim go for a mercedes x class although I'm not sure if mercedes makes the x class anymore

[@Cortinablue1973]

I believe mate, wont be long you guys will be the bench mark for car testing, i like how you guys putting the effort to change the branding on coffee cups and bottles....😂 nice.. Still waiting my Raptor after 10months....

[@Leewee1990]

I went and enquired about a raptor 4 days ago. I was told I’d be looking between 2 and 2 and a half years before delivery. Fml.

[@myleszonneveld4565]

😬 That's absurd how Much are they nowadays, better of just getting a 300

[@aadishetty007]

Looks very different to the ranger. The one thing you forgot to mention about the full gauge cluster on the ranger is that there’s a wildtrak X and platinum which has the full gauge cluster

[@Steveaustin007]

Paul gives the best vehicle reviews on the net.

[@M8YM8]

I never understood why car manufacturers invest all the nice materials on the dash that just gathers dust versus the actual hard part that your leg rests on every time you drive?

[@tersy9862]

I cancelled my order due the the pricing compared to the ranger. I don't think it's worth paying 10k extra for a leather dash. I'm happy with my decision after seeing that fit and finish. I do love the styling and tech though

[@jasoneldridge4738]

10,000 extra for a different badge !!

[@S9RUT]

It's actually a bit better than I expected! But I just don't expect it to be a tough, offroad dual cab. More of a premium pavement dual cab.

[@reubs91]

The previous gen Amarok was one of the best utes in terms of build quality and drive quality. Definitely good off-road too, got unfair flack for no low range but the gearing did everything needed in 99% of situations.

[@S9RUT]

@@reubs91 Have you watched the ute episode on the Grand Tour.... 😆 Still, the Amarok was definitely not know to be an offroad ute, and I think it will follow over to the next gen.

[@reubs91]

@@S9RUT it was driven by Jeremy Clarkson - that’s not a good argument against it.

[@clint2169]

Well, most people are spending 95% of the time on-road, so.... Kind of makes sense...

[@peterwest5661]

​@@reubs91Except when reversing under duress with torque limiter. Not good reversing a van up hill

[@strider88888]

Nice review. I had a petrol Aventura on order mainly cos I wanted the petrol engine to replace my existing V6 Highline. I was prepared to sacrifice a lot of the practical functions of the Highline. But while I was waiting patiently on the order, VW put the price up by 7k to 89k! Also on the petrol the load capacity now turned out to be less than 1t. I ended up cancelling as for a little more I could buy a Raptor, or go to a Ranger Platinum, or even a Wildtrack X. On the Platinum and X the sailplanes aren't just for show. They slide back and work with racks so you can carry things. Where are you VW? Just my take on it, but the combination in the VW that would be more desirable would be the Panamerican with the petrol engine, or if you want to tow and need the torque go for the TDV6. Why - cos is more useful as a ute, you can carry more types of stuff, and you have bar work to tie things down. 18" Wheels - are better for going off-road. Nevertheless I will look forward to the review of the petrol Aventura.

[@43LMNOP]

I got the v6 PanAmericana with 18” all-terrains and loving the package, from South Africa. The buyer for an Aventura is different than a PanAmericana. You are right, for off-road get the PanA model, already has 3mm plating protecting the important underside.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

*Aventura

[@NRD80Y]

VW should offer free option change of wheel to 18” AT for the Adventura

[@yissibiiyte]

All cars in general should have the option to de-pick ride ruining wheels

[@cyclemoto8744]

@@yissibiiyte I believe some brands have that option but can't remember which ones

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks Paul - pragmatics aside I think this model with the ‘Perriwinkle’ blue is one of the best looking in this segment only to be pipped by the Toyota Hilux Rogue in true Red - not keen on the fiddly eccentric gear selector and yes paddle shifts are a great option to preserve safety on downhill runs and keeping your eyes on the road - fuel economy is on par with my 2010 Hilux auto diesel - I’d fit 18” ATs immediately for comfort and handling on/offroad - it will be interesting to see if they’ve fixed the crankshaft issues plaguing Land Rover and Jaguar that also use this Ford V6 Lion diesel - very impressive ascent/descent ability and I can see this being a popular towing/urban/touring and capable off-roader - the elephant in the room is it’s built in South Africa DNA compared to the Ranger’ built in Thailand.

[@mkarafi1]

Great collaboration between VW and Ford to produce an amazing product for both companies.

[@jasoneldridge4738]

It's 100% Ford,unless you count the badges and lights?

[@donnguyen3795]

@@jasoneldridge4738 and the TDI engine

[@F1Tragic]

I am very disappointed with this new model, those build quality issues you mentioned and the reduced storage in the cabin are very poor oversights by Volkswagen. My V6 Amarok has storage under the seats, a generous centre console bin and big door pockets, this thing has none of them. I cannot see myself buying one of these next year.

[@tmfaber]

Some 90s style pop out cup holders too. Trucks should all just have column shifters. Allows for so much more space in the middle for storage.

[@einfelder8262]

MAte you don't want that Lion V6 - it's a time bomb. Crank will break.

[@strider88888]

@@einfelder8262 They do have inherent design issues. Apparently, the block is just a bit too short, hence reports of cranks breaking. However, Ford did a lot of work on that engine before it went into the F-150. So the reports of broken cranks from F-150 use on are pretty rare. My engineering mate recommends not having one past warranty. The existing VW V6 is just such a better engine.

[@einfelder8262]

@@strider88888 Yes, the block is designed for an east-west car with kerb weight less than 1500kg and front drive. Hence the stupid short crank, with very weak links between main and big end, worsened by the oil hole right through the middle of the already fragile casting. Yes Ford tried to fix it for the F150, but they still broke and they no longer use it there - yet they have given it to Aussie suckers.....in a heavy 4wd to tow 3500kg. What could possibly go wrong :) Ask Disco owners about that, they are the worst hit so far.

[@deangrima]

​@einfelder8262 this engine has also been used in the Territory. still plenty on those on the road and have been towing decant loads with a 2.7T towing capacity.

[@shreeyansvalluri]

thank you paul amzing content always you should add a segment in the practicatly abt the sun blocker for the driver and passenger

[@refentsechuaka1077]

Amazing video 👌🏼 please do the Panamaricana too

[@BW-nd5uc]

Please could you include whether car has memory for seat position and also whether seat cooling is featured. Just for us soft townies! 😊

[@Rob-tw6yr]

I’d like to see a tow test comparison between these exact vehicles. Using approximately 3ton caravans if possible.

[@jasoneldridge4738]

It's the same vehicle, so no point in doing a comparison?

[@Quozl]

You say in the video that it has a 20ltr AdBlue tank but in the article you say "All models will have an 80L fuel tank. The Amarok does not require AdBlue." so which is it???

[@Gurkanckc]

Not this Amarok but Paul’s videos are great.

[@subazealand9158]

Sad that they put the 4Motion badge but it has same system as in the Ranger. Nothing bad with that system, but 4Motion it has its own reputation, and is one of the few things I applaud Vw

[@robgrant1359]

9:24 no set buttons for temp and stuff, but all can be accessed by voice control so as long as you have a smart phone connected you don't need to take your hands off the wheel... Test drive today and this is a great feature

[@donjohnson2428]

Wish we got this in the US. You guys are lucky!

[@bobogto540i4]

Other than the engine... We do get it. Only difference is here it's called a Ford Ranger.

[@mickzed6393]

The PETROL 2.3T is the pick, i would think. Should be available down the line, including Ranger. Rattler is a snooze fest. How do these things get good safety rating with that poor brake distance? 45m v 35m for a good car.

[@anthonytrump8024]

Great review. Looking forward to the PanA version review.

[@gvr6079]

I'll take that looks but with the previous generation VW 3.0 V6 diesel.

[@braalo07]

I wasn’t a fan of the look when it came out but it has grown on me since. Can’t say the same about the new non-Raptor Ranger shape though

[@angusnz7910]

Love the Ute, not the engine/box. Timer has started till the first crankshaft breaks. Anyone who knows this engine knows what’s coming 😜

[@johnnumbat9782]

Yes you’re spot on Angus and they conveniently don’t mention the electronic gauges failures and overheating 10 speed transmission especially on sand - oh and the awful customer/service culture just like Ford so they should be quite happy sharing the same car sales yard space and workshop.

[@123456678976]

Better than the Ranger...getting one

[@jasoneldridge4738]

No, your getting a more expensive Ranger !

[@chandamusonda6883]

As always a great review. They should add a Rock mode in the off-road menu🪨 New vs old amarok coming up? 👀🛻

[@peterburdett8131]

Hey Paul I’d love to see a review of why a car company can charge $1K for all but white paint. Surely it can’t cost that much?

[@andrewwilliams5337]

Because profit. Same thing with building a house through a volume builder, any extra/upgrade you add will have a big margin slapped onto it.

[@trickster8635]

@@andrewwilliams5337 Wrong, flick a switch in the spray booth to change colour, no cost to do so, it's just pure profit.

[@Aggripah]

From a first hand experience the Aventura seems more refined than the Wildtrack... such a beautiful and well built car.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I notice that VW as per usual with European car brands has put the indicator stalk on the wrong side for a RHD car. Is that the same in the Ranger or did VW go out of their way to make it counter intuitive?

[@cyclemoto8744]

You get use to it, definitely not a show stopper. 21" wheels are much more of a concern

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

@@cyclemoto8744 Yeah we have a fleet of VW Passats at work, after half an hour or so you get used to it. Although I must say, if I had a dollar for everytime I saw a co-worker hit the wipers as they changed lanes followed by them shouting "F*cking Volkswagen!", I could buy this new Amarok.

[@martinbrand7514]

When will you make a video of what you know about the Gwm cannon shanhai

[@theodoreoberholzer6941]

Any plans to do the same test with the Amarok as with the other 12 pickups/utes?

[@trevorevans7101]

Very impressed. I'll be getting one. Probably the V6 Style. The price has dropped and they're offering 5 years free servicing.

[@thabo9218]

Besides the nicer design it’s seems for the money a wildtrak is the better buy. Plus in South Africa it comes with 20 inch wheels as an option

[@43LMNOP]

Yes but Ranger in South Africa does not have heated seats, Matrix headlights or a full digital drivers display.

[@hedydd2]

Lack of heavy duty tie downs in the bed. Massive reach to access and remove a load requires the use of a long handled shepherd’s crook or hook, otherwise a climb into the bed. Here in the UK the Ranger is now being delivered but the Amarok is factory order and unlikely to arrive here much before the end of the year. The big elephant in the room is the well proven Ford V6 diesel. Well proven over many years to have a high proportion of snapped crankshafts. The basic short design means it’s very difficult to avoid this weakness and it would be good to have 100% assurance through a 200,000 mile warranty on the crank.

[@robmay4525]

You didn't say which one you liked the best, Did traction control work better in the Rok??? Also It appeared to be lacking USB ports??

[@bakras007]

This would be a better comparison to the Ranger Platinum coming out soon..hopefully!!😂

[@samy4288]

Design wise, it looks stunning with this blue colour! Can't wait for the patrol engine 🎉

[@ADGNet]

Probably wouldnt have the patrol engine in there..

[@siddharthpottapenjara1597]

Bro he probably meant petrol

[@brownhairydog6472]

5.6L V8. Shit yeah

[@BenMay]

I put a contract in last year with expectation of delivery q3/4 of 2023. Now being told delivery for pan American or adventura is q1/2 2024!!

[@lebohangmokoena2254]

The rear indicator light is way too small

[@michaeldevery9444]

saw that. it is so tiny. shouldn't be legal

[@paulzennaro9844]

Paul, why don’t motoring journalists ever mention the persistent issues with VW’s poor reliability. These reviews leave buyers exposed….

[@jasoneldridge4738]

It's 100% Ford.

[@perpelle]

They couldn't even bother with a different key? But....Finally an amarok with low range, difflock on auto, airbags in the rear, keyless and a decent wading depth.

[@43LMNOP]

The Bugatti Veyron had a VW key… the VW brand has shared platforms across Porsche, Bentley, Skoda… for years…

[@brocksinclair66]

The manual amaroks always had a low range

[@perpelle]

@@brocksinclair66 Yeah, the manual one. Proved my point.

[@brocksinclair66]

@@perpelle tilted

[@DavidAnderson-x8s]

VW service costs are insane in my experience. Will these be any different ?

[@donbrashsux]

🤔.. No

[@paulrenaud8286]

VW have matched Fords servicing costs which average are between $330 to $415 per service for this new model.

[@jasoneldridge4738]

Take it to a Ford dealer then !

[@gkaye63]

Paul great review as always mate... any chance you can go 3 minutes without mentioning the ranger though? We know you bought one you dont have to keep mentioning them

[@adimw]

$$$ I'll stick to a Wiltrak

[@bastiandermor2038]

It looks cool

[@frankcasey1673]

Great video Paul 👍

[@davidrobinson579]

I can’t believe you let VW off the hook when doing the high speed testing, when the Vehicle became so floaty that the o/s/f tyre left the surface (dangerous/unsafe) another famous Manufacturer failed the TUV Elk Test, and they had to go back into production to make their vehicles safe. This version of the Amarok, The Aventurs is mainly for families, and will stick to the Highways. I don’t it’s safe until further proper testing.

[@charlie2king]

Is it the same chassis as a ranger??

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Would be interested in the review of the 2.3l Turbo - Paul any news on this ?

[@acquiredtargett6015]

I'd lean more towards buying the Wildtrak but not by much more. But man that VW dominated the hill. Also, did you put up a video on what ute won the Award for the of the year? Or did i miss it.

[@Cisco_24]

Good review Seth. Good review.

[@leonardobucci6801]

Me gustaría ver comparaciones de dimensiones con la anterior Amarok y nueva Ranger

[@sassall4284]

So good how this has a normal diff lock button

[@NRD80Y]

The previous model Ranger had an S mode selection so not sure why they couldn’t add a sport mode to either of the new Ford/VW models

[@Adam-wp6eb]

Can you review a 2023 corolla ZR sedan hybrid? There's literally no reviews on KZbin!

[@andyg3752]

With ranger you don’t need to click and swipe up you just hit the button on screen exactly the same as you did on the amarock.

[@dawnandtracy]

You didn’t mention anything about the assist reverse parking mode?

[@sebtrident]

G’Day Paul, the matrix LED Headlights on cars these days are absolutely shocking! I’ve done a heap of night driving lately and I’m constantly being blinded by higher end car with Matrix LED Headlights and when I flash them to turn their lights down because there bloody bright I get blinded because they are down but because of the Matrix setup the edges of the Headlights are still on high beam and it’s very uncomfortable and very dangerous at night time to drive around people with Matrix LED Headlights, yes I do love the idea of Matrix LED Headlights but the Matrix System sensors need to have more distance so other people aren’t being blinded!

[@Huskerfan69]

I like it.. not sure if it will make it to the US, but I am looking for a smaller truck very soon.

[@irenedeguzman8238]

Would you rather buy the Style variant if you have to buy one?😅

[@RaidenBiH]

@CarExpert i have chance to order VW Pan Americana V6 and Ranger Raptor (290 ps EU). If you could make time travel, would you pick Raptor again or the Amarok? Thanks

[@matthewboonzaaier]

does it still have the "off-road" function which changed how the traction control worked and and off-road abs , amongst others, on the previous model? It was a very nice touch but haven't seen any mention of it anywhere yet

[@m2ngwa89]

it has the offroad modes to replace the off road modes.

[@roguetrader08]

Paul, ibthink i heard you say something like the Ranger doesnt have the petrol alternative... Is the Raptor not included in the discussion?

[@djfunny007]

Good day, I am planning to buy a new vw amarok 3.0 v6 (2023) style model for 37K GBP in SA. Do you reckon to get the old Vw amarok V6 3.0 or the new 2023 amarok v6. I am very confused after reading the comments on this post regarding the 2023 vw amarok 3.0 V6 has reliability issues (crank issues). Can someone please clarify what is the best option rather to get a new vw amarok 2023 3.0 V6 or old version vw amarok 3.0 v6. Some mentions it is better to get the ford raptor 2.0? I am not keen on ford, i would prefer a german made vehicle rather than a Thailand. Is the new vw amarok 2023 made in south Africa has german or Thailand engine? Please clarify?

[@hentiebeukes5319]

They do not mention side inpak airbags for front or rear seats. Do they have these safety features?

[@hamzaadan9131]

But does it come in the R trim

[@unintentionallyfire]

27:21 - lane assist wasn’t active, amber icon on the instrument cluster

[@einfelder8262]

Should point out that both the Ranger and this vehicle run the same transmission which overheats at the drop of a hat. You absolutely MUST fir a transmission cooler if you want to drive on sand or tow anything.

[@jeffreymaringa-g5u]

I have my amarock but my problem is the top speed,the top speed is 185 while the maximum speed is 240.

[@ih8ubarney322]

Can you get the car jack out with a baby seat installed on either side? Haven't NEEDED to access my jack with my n80 hilux, but still baffles me that its not possible with the child seats we've had.

[@SamsoMedia]

When will you review the Ranger Platinum

[@mrtonysantos]

you should try the door close test with the window open

[@jm-river4573]

No usb ports in the back? That's surprising!

[@dolguldur4706]

This is when you realize previous gen amarok is better...

[@Geebvs]

Why better?

[@HughRussell06]

If this simply had the powertrain from the old one (VW V6 TDI + 8 speed ZF auto) then it would be better

[@dolguldur4706]

@@HughRussell06 you sir know what im talking about..sadly they have to join ford in order to save money due to not many people buying amarok worldwide

[@saddammalima8458]

​@@dolguldur4706 they are stupidly overpriced and unreliable unlike the Toyota and Isuzu we use

[@masterq2.033]

​@@HughRussell06 My thoughts exactly.

[@Sofiya-lov]

You did a good video. car looking nice

[@tempestv8]

Finally the Amarok gets a transfer case with the automatic transmission.

[@trevorevans7101]

Very impressive-I want one!

[@robertallum6509]

can't wait to see if 4WD 24-7 put this in the ute line up this time or come up with more bulls&it. have had a 2ltr then the 3ltr 8 speed auto for 7 years 150000km no problems. towed 2ton boat 3 People back of ute full of stuff still got 16ltrs Per/100km over 2200km trip

[@brendonsweeney4162]

There was no adjustable tie-down racks in the tub like in the wildie?

[@helloreviews]

old v6 vs new v6 comparison !

[@teznejensel9099]

❤❤inlove with this model 😍

[@fullmetal11441]

How is it in comparison to Hilux? GR Sport x Amarok Aventura V6

[@asimoford4994]

You guys should test the new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado....

[@theblitz1687]

10 speed automatic but what type? dsg or torque conv.?

[@jacquespotgieter2700]

Do the rear seats have lateral air bags this time?

[@d_onthebitefishing6811]

Ordered Pan Americana , pick up in June

[@Samb0o0o0]

When did you order if you don't mind me asking how long is the wait

[@d_onthebitefishing6811]

@@Samb0o0o0 in September 22 dealer allocation stock

[@NZsarge1]

It’s been said that the PA is the sweet spot in the range

[@43LMNOP]

Enjoying my PanA v6, already has 6200km on it.

[@NZsarge1]

@@43LMNOP so far so good?

[@Zahkeymarley]

Can we have drag between this new v6 model and old v6 model

[@akent46]

Do they come with a spare crank shaft?

[@Peter_T123]

Will you show the petrol version?

[@charliecheshire4111]

Will there be an Amarok that competes with the Raptor?

[@IBLOWN]

Does anybody actually know the payload of each model? I dont understand why its so hard to find when most of the sales will be businesses.

[@megabags5524]

What was the other car you blurred out?

[@2democrat]

just want know where is that place doing offroading?

[@Fekillix]

I wonder why more trucks don't have "2L" mode. I wish I had it on my Hilux for reversing with a trailer (it's a manual). You can even add it yourself by modifying the wire harness. As the front diff engagement is separate from the HI/LO in the transfer case. So for the manufacturer it's super cheap to do.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Probably because 2WD is a pointless mode anyway. Saves negligible fuel (there have been many tests most can’t even tell the difference or it’s so small it’s nothing). Why have a 4WD if it’s not actually 4WD? You want 4WD for towing. You want 4WD for traction and grip. You want 4WD for acceleration. And you want 4WD in gravel and off-road. I fail to understand why 4WDs aren’t ALL permanent 4WD. Mine is and I never have to “put it in 4WD”, I just drive it.

[@Fekillix]

@@jerrymyahzcat Because pick up trucks don't have a center differential. If you use 4WD on asphalt you can grenade the transfer case. Luxury 4WD vehicles like the land cruiser have a center diff that locks when you need more traction. And AWD is different to 4WD.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

@@Fekillix yes you can ruin the transmission without a centre diff - that’s why you have a centre diff. AWD/4WD they are just all different variants of driving 4 wheels (or all wheels if you have 6 for example. A 6x6 is 6WD or AWD also). “PickUp Trucks” as you call it SHOULD have a (lockable) centre diff. Leave it unlocked for driving on asphalt. Many vehicles are now coming with 4A (4Auto) for exactly this purpose. 2WD (2H or even 2L) on a 4WD is, as I said pointless, redundant & not required. Any 4WD Pick Up in 4WD mode IS AWD as All the Wheels are driven. It’s just enabled differently than what people call an “AWD”. These are all just terms and are meaningless on their own. What’s important is what system a vehicle has and how it works rather than the name of that system. LandCruiser is hardly what I’d call Luxury.

[@Fekillix]

@@jerrymyahzcat Trucks are already expensive enough, and if you add a center diff you need s center locker too, or it's a downgrade. AWD doesn't make sense on heavy duty vehicles. I don't want more maintenance and things to break. AWD is more complex than 4WD, with a clutch based transfer case.

[@cyclemoto8744]

21" wheels on a ute is ridiculous. Thanks for the content

[@enochromeo3208]

Could you do a review of the ineos grenadier ?

[@jeffreymaringa-g5u]

What maximum speed those this amarock can drive?