2023 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana On And Off-Road Review | And Load Tested! | Drive.com.au

[@charliefreeman9498]

Had a mate sort me out after selling my Landcruiser . Fell into a cancelled order, with limited knowledge about the car. 2 weeks of driving the v6 is strong, it’s a balanced ride for any car, not just a ute. The styles sound system is more then enough, It’s suv smooth and punchy enough that you’re not bored. Did a 400km drive into the mountains and back the same day. IT’s confidence inspiring on twisties, the dark roads and just super on the highway. It’s unreal

[@Drivecomau]

It does have some really nice balance for on-road, and is good off-road as well. - Sam

[@nagyzita253]

We just ordered one, living in Hungary, we can't wait, arriving in September 🙄 thanks for sharing with us this video!!

[@dannymn86]

I love this type of lifestyle approach to the reviews - well done on the video. Sam - do you mind sharing what area was used to go off-road/camp?

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks Danny, it is right near Liithgow in the Lidsdale State Forest.

[@stefegiliomee]

I wonder why VW didn't call the off-road variant Aventura...for off-road "adventures" and the PanAmericana the road focused version (named after the Pan-American Highway)?

[@Drivecomau]

That makes a lot more sense!

[@davidoconnor9288]

Is it a trouble some car with the engine coming from Tata and all the problems mentioned in earlier comment.

[@RobertMcTiernan]

Great video, very informative and helpful!

[@javery161]

I’ve nearly done 9,000kms in my amarok style and it’s really a nice Ute which is very comfy with loads of power and really good on fuel. Only problem is the lack of cup holders.

[@davereid-daly2205]

"Lack of cup holders"?? Fuck, now I have heard it all , a city slickers lament🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@8888k]

@@davereid-daly2205Not sure what you expect in 2023? Most people buying these cars either just use them as a daily family car, or a tradies car on the way to the worksite. These days, both of those uses are typically seen to require cupholders on the go.

[@tils85]

Can relate, especially for kids water bottles. I know u can get adapters to fit larger bottles, I’ll be on the lookout for something like that.

[@nikoszantas9680]

I agree also small storage under the armrest compared to the older!

[@javery161]

@@nikoszantas9680 Yup. There’s nowhere to put the key.

[@tils85]

Got this exact ute. Absolutely love it! Great review by the way, best one out there 🙌🏾

[@Drivecomau]

It's a great choice. I would be getting either this or Style V6 for Amarok range, for sure.

Good review! Cheers mate! 💯

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks, this was good fun - Sam

[@richardgilmour7472]

Super thorough and entertaining, I really appreciated this review!

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it!

[@angusnz7910]

Hard to like when you know the history of this engine and what’s coming. Do love the look and interior…just wish they had stuck with their own engine.

[@einfelder8262]

Yep, the cranksploder is a bad choice. VW has a better V6 diesel. VW fans are cringing the world over about this abomination.

[@masterq2.033]

If it had the previous Amarok VW V6 ,and to be frank the ZF 8sp I would be happier.I think the Ranger tub is better, and I dont care for the gear selector. I have a previous Dico 4 , but chose the v8 petrol because the "Lion V6" with it's 3 main bearing crank it was suspect. Don't know what they could have done to get round this compromised design. With the VW V6 , you could reliably turn it up to 200kw and 650nm. I'll give is 3 or 4 years of industry use before I'll trade my older Amorok for this. Pitty really because it looks good.

[@perpelle]

The v6 is heavily revised so hopefully the problems are somewhat sorted. The engine is the only good thing from the old amarok, everything else is way, way better.

[@einfelder8262]

@@perpelle Ford stopped using it in the F150 after a very short period, wonder why. Plenty of reports from F150 broken cranks in the US.

[@perpelle]

@@einfelder8262 It would make sense if the internals are identical but we don't know that.

[@codprawn]

I always chuck pallets of stuff in my Ranger. Very handy. Also 1 ton dumpy bags.

[@refentsechuaka1077]

Finally a proper review 👌🏼

[@Drivecomau]

Cheers mate, glad you liked it. - Sam

[@will40294]

Great review, can’t wait to get my Amarok Style

[@hedydd2]

Of course people carry pallets at times. I carry these, 600kg and 1000kg tote bags and 1000litre IBC’s in the back. Plus tow 3.5 tons even more regularly than heavy loads in the tub. The video shows it carrying a ton tote bag and it carries that fine. Must admit that I may use these things more as designed more than most people and I’ve broken four or five rear leaf springs on my 2014 T6, almost always while lightly loaded, which is puzzling. Last one was a couple of months ago when towing an unladen trailer [weighing about 1200kgs] and the axle actually moved back on that side causing the vehicle to crab steer markedly. Of course the new generation of both brands have very different leaf springs to my 2014 and it is to be hoped that not only have they improved the ride markedly [which they have] but also improved the durability of the springs. I own both the 2014 and a 2023 model of ‘the other’ brand.

[@hedydd2]

I like that the Amarok has retained the clamshell bonnet of the older Ford T6 models. Compare it to the new and older Fords and you will see what I mean. To be honest I prefer the simple design of my 2014 Ranger T6 to any of the updated ones including the New Generation and Amarok model’s exterior styling.

[@junaidkadwa5637]

I love this bakkie it's the best bakkie in the market

[@k_plax]

Nice review and good to see it taken offroad. Not sure it was worth the dig at others at 14:47 though. That guy lifted the game for AU reviewers and made Drive and carsguide pick up their act

[@Drivecomau]

Cheers! It's not a dig, just explaining why we do things the way we do it to be honest. - Sam

[@k_plax]

@@Drivecomau fair enough 👍🏼

[@Nae395]

Hey, can you fit in this if your over six foot, these twin cabs usually made for little men with height issues?

[@henkstols9326]

Im 6.1ft and fit easily in the L200 and MQ Tritons I had. I noticed in the SWB Pajero I am struggling to get comfy.

[@Nae395]

@@henkstols9326 agreed most fella's are five foot that drive these.

[@Drivecomau]

You won't have any issues from the driver's seat. If you tend to sit a long way back from the steering wheel, then a six-foot plus character in the back might find it a little tight. But that's the case for all utes, and most cars for that matter - Sam

[@martinvaneeden3403]

Nice review mate, which tracks did you test the ute?

[@Drivecomau]

Cheers, it was Lidsdale State Forest

[@noelyoungman3353]

I still can’t take my eyes off the suspension setup of the Raptor. A diesel Amarok with coils all round would be a total winner. Get video. Possibly the best I have watched for the Amarok.

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks, appreciate it. I agree, Raptor suspension is next level. But this (and Ranger) does feel very good. - Sam

[@Shoota211177]

Great impartial review!

[@Drivecomau]

Cheers!

[@poshladdie]

❤ loved this review - that campsite looked spesh. Cowboy seats in front looked s*+t Reckon I’m gonna get the VW Adventura petrol. Subscribed ✅

[@stephenborg4105]

great video… keep up the great work, im driving a 2018 Dark Label, took the panamerican for a drive, didn’t feel excited for some reason Will take for another drive 😊

[@Drivecomau]

What didn't you like about it? I still get the appeal of the old Amarok by the way, especially with the V6.

[@xolanindlela6094]

What a very informative video, thanks for off-road driving, can you please tell me what color it is.

[@Drivecomau]

The Amarok shown in this video is finished in Dark Grey Metallic.

[@xolanindlela6094]

@@Drivecomau thank you

[@calvinsinvula1731]

Great review. Both ford and amarok make a great pair. My biggest worry though is that transmission oil temperature. I hear it happen to overheat a lot and that ute is built for though and work but why that shit? Are all utes like that? I currently use the traditional nissan np300 2,5 tdi double cab. Even land cruiser 4x4 system doesn't come close to it. It doesn't have the overheating transmission bullshit. It's biggest problem is zero comfort.

[@Drivecomau]

I haven't experienced any overheating, only noticed the transmission cooling fan coming on (as it should) after some four-wheel driving. But I like the fact that you can see the exact trans temp, and keep an eye on it. - Sam

[@TheNuggo01]

one of the questions that I have, is how is the fit and finish, i've seen in other vids that some of the fits don't line up like the old model, around the door frame and the middle console being loose and flimsy. I love my old Amarok, but im not sure if im in a hurry to go spend that sort of money for the upgrade, and are they going to bring out a canyon or W series??

[@Drivecomau]

I'm not sure about Canyon, and W-Series not confirmed but I think they would be mad not to. Could help take the car to the next level - Sam

[@MrJCpine]

Where did you guys go camping?! - Great Review

[@Drivecomau]

This was the area around Lidsdale State Forest and the Coxs River, near Lithgow in New South Wales. - Sam

[@Mbrown755]

Great review. Love to know where you tested? What track and the camp spot?

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks, it was out near Lithgow. (Lidsdale State Forest)

[@craigbaxter8568]

Thanks for that.

[@Irfbermuda]

Can we upgrade with Mud tyre 35*12.5R20?

[@morrisonsitsha323]

❤❤just love the vee dub feel

[@trevorevans7101]

Great review

[@Drivecomau]

Thankyou!

[@rudylepore]

Does it shudder in 1st and 2nd gear while carrying the 1tonne,and do they have the tail shaft vibration which some but not all Rangers have?

[@bouchechhamdi816]

How does it compare to the Hilux ? i am choosing between the two at the moment

[@paulredfern2252]

Payload?? how did u calculate axle load? The payload included the fuel, people inside the vehicle and any accessories like towbars etc. I would suggest your about 200kg over your payload limit given 2 people in the cab and fuel in the tank.

[@stevetipene3319]

What payload is left with a 3500kg trailer out back?

[@Johnny-lt5ib]

I love these videos

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks!

[@jaysonblake1321]

Do you think next gen raptor wheels would fit onto a next gen amarok?

[@Drivecomau]

I can't see why not. I'm sure this new Amarok has stud-style hubs, in comparison to the threaded ones on the old Amarok. But I also didn't take the wheels off. Offset might cause some issues, however. - Sam

[@TheVix211]

I’ll get the Falcon maker brand!

[@Drivecomau]

haha!

[@Nae395]

One in forty will hit the dirt. Five in forty may hit a suburban house building site for storing old mates lunch box and Thermos whilst he puts a few nails in a frame. 34 in forty will hit the private school drop off zone.

[@einfelder8262]

The idiot has spoken, Australia's master know-it-all statistician.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Your stats match mine, spot on😅.

[@Nae395]

@@perpetualgrin5804 😊

[@Drivecomau]

Facts, from the bureau of hypothetical statistics - Sam

[@aussiefarmer6012]

Most will probably be at the back of the dealers with a broken crank, stuffed gearbox or electrical issues and won't be driven anywhere.

[@kentaylor2950]

Is it only the all terrains that make this a better off roader than the amarok Style? And do the amaroks support the same ARB mods as the uh, other car makers ute?

[@Drivecomau]

There's a different suspension tune as well, softer and more compliant in comparsion to other grades. -Sam

[@darrenmorgan5849]

I think it’s time that car reviewers need to actually physically measure the difference between the new an d the old model Amarok. You would be in for a surprise at just jaw little real difference there actually is. The old model is a huge 115mm wider in the cabin and in the rear tub. The old models tub is only 3mm shorter, so nothing really. Also the front and rear door openings are actually larger in the old model. The old model is quite a lot roomier and definitely has more height. As for the leg room, it really does depend on where you have the front seats set. There is a difference;I have measured the Ford Ranger XLT and at the most is 30mm in front and 20mm in the rear. So not a huge difference. I am 178cm tall but I lift the front seat up to almost the highest setting, so I do t need to move it all the way back. So there is still enough room (but only just) for me to sit in the back seat. I also like the way the old model drives, and I found in comparison the new model is good, but nothing to really rave about. I prefer the motor/transmission in the old model; and the security of have all time 4 wheel drive, not part time depending on electronics. But I guess this is progress.

[@medz3398]

The older rok is way wider like you say. But there is more in the back seat with me keeping the same seating position. I had next to no room in the back seat in the old amarok. The older rok had a better v6 and was amazing on road. Unfortunately VW didn’t want to make another on its own, despite selling near 900,000 units in 11 years. More than they did with Tuareg

[@Drivecomau]

I agree on width, but not on second row space. New Amarok is way better in that regard. - Sam

[@samartz]

Well done on the ford jar, makes it a bit funnier than your standard car review 😅

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks. Did you pick up on the nod to the old Top Gear video?

[@samartz]

@@Drivecomau Oh really, what time in the video??

[@Drivecomau]

@@samartz Right at the start, when we put the label on the jar...

[@hedydd2]

The full size driver instrument panel with fake analogue instruments is a nice upgrade from the Wildtrak models but all the information is included on that, in a different form. Both brands have made a great job of making their vehicles look and feel different. Far better effort than Mercedes made with their failed attempt to disguise the Nissan Navara base model and to market a slightly retrimmed at a ridiculous premium price. As long as VW keeps the price competitive with the Ford giving the specification that matches the price, they will sell very well. The Pan Americana is a superb specification, probably a bit too high at a too high price for most business and mixed business and private use buyers. The more both brands sell the better, because there will be more choice of accessories and a better availability of spares well into the distant future along with more people gaining the experience to maintain and repair them as they mature.

[@busuulwajulius4852]

Am inter interested in the vehicle how can I pay and were are particulars of the vehicle

[@jordigrau_wildlife]

Great adventure vehicle! Can we say it's as good a 4x4 as a defender?

[@mumbachabwe8881]

Can you also please review manual versions of these vehicles, unlike automatics only..

[@Drivecomau]

We'd love to, but in Australia at the moment the Amarok range is automatic-only, so it's all we can review.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

I wonder if you were actually a little over the Payload with yourself & the 1T of Sand??

[@Arlaat]

Driver seat is on the wrong side, why?

[@Lifecanvas0]

At this price I want to see heads up display, at least 20 inch wheels. Thank you

[@__PJ__]

Pitty they dont have remote start like the ranger and my 2014 VF ute.. why remove a feature like that?? 🤯

[@henkstols9326]

I am confused on the braaiing or barbie you guys did, why put meat or whatever that was on open flames?

[@Drivecomau]

It was coals until the fat dripped on them hehe

[@Johnno1979]

Apart from the front and rear being a little blah, the biggest issue for me is the last of manual controls for AC and audio below the main screen. VW missed a trick on this by trying to be too different to the Ranger.

[@nave.imperial]

Hi. Greetings from colombia. sorry by my english. In my opinion, the v6 Panamericana is a very great truck for the of road and is confortabless than ford ranger.

[@geoffhallimond3711]

I've got the old amarok v6 and love it but I wouldn't and can't see why you would go for new one I would go for the ranger 3.0 at least its not pretending to be something else

[@brucesieverts1236]

just waiting for the after market modifications to come out. apparently some of the Ford ones will not fit the VOLKSWAGEN. I'll be waiting for the next 12 months before I pass my verdict on the danger wagon !

[@Drivecomau]

ARB has a bullbar already, but I'm not sold on how it looks to be honest - Sam

[@BAH1981]

Great review, but your overloaded lol you added 1 tonne of sand you definitely don’t weigh 31 kgs lol 😂 but your review was the best so far

[@Drivecomau]

Good pickup! I have been talking to Volkswagen about this, and you are right. I assumed (incorrectly) that payload includes a driver and some fuel, which is the way most carmakers calculate.VW use tare weight (and I can't find a kerb weight online anywhere), so true payload in comparison to other utes wouldn't be so high. I would have been over by about 60kg in the end. When I get kerb weight from VW I'll update.

[@nyoko555]

beautiful...

[@unwoke1652]

Oh, the BT-50 has been a rebadged D-MAX for quite some time now, while you might think it was still a Ford (which it never was, as the Ford was a Mazda.). My best Ford ever also was a rebadged Mazda. Now, over to TLC 300......😂

[@codprawn]

No usb in the back? Waste of time for kids. My Ranger also has a 240v outlet. Very handy.

[@AussieBronco]

Looks better than its ford parent

[@Nae395]

Nice ford

[@Drivecomau]

It certainly is nice. - Sam

[@colinamor]

Can anyone tell me how do CAR company's sleep. The outrageous pricees they are charging $70.000 +for utes from main line car company's. I would never consider a Chinese made ute but I am pleased they do every sale they have teaches Ford , Isuzu, Mazda, V.W. a lesson. Time will come when they not sell overpriced cars

[@einfelder8262]

Have you bought lunch lately?

[@perpetualgrin5804]

The ' mark-up ' on these utes must be a very big number.

[@ianweal3081]

Unfortunately I think this will work against us, as people are still reluctant, just as you are to buy Chinese, hence most still pay big bucks for major utes. So, Chinese brands will sneek up in price rather than major brands meeting Chinese market pricing. I'm not a ute buyer, but I'd certainly give the GWM Cannon serious consideration if I were. The interior is really well laid out and so friggin comfy and people whom have purchased them rave how good they are. I actually followed one today towing a van, it was surprising how well it pulled that van from standing starts, all this from a supposedly underpowered second rate vehicle. The only way the big guys will stop ripping us off is when the mentally swaps and people use their smarts and adopt Chinese brands, especially when you think about it, you'd be able to replace the Chinese ute in a couple of years, getting a newer upgraded/featured ute and still have change in the bank as opposed to buying a major brand ute. Yes I would by Chinese myself but I'm not a ute buyer.

[@philjohnson725]

Why does it have road tyres? It should be offroad tyres or all terrain tyres. Not road tyres.

[@unwoke1652]

Wagyu just means "cow" in Japanese. Chai means 'tea.' Masala means 'spices.'. When I taste a really good steak, shall I care whether it comes from Kobe, the Free State or Herefordshire? No. I care about the taste. I might add some very limited spices to my tea and enjoy it, whether someone else is calling it chai tea while it really is masala chai. I will still enjoy a well prepared raw tuna steak, whether it is called ika mata or not. What's in a name? People swear by that Fanboy Appliance. They don't know that, for very long, Isuzu built their Diesel engines, or that Mazda currently sends them V6 motors, or that the very famous Lexus V8 was a Yamaha unit. Over here the rebadged Suzukis outsell the actual Suzuki. Why? Idiots sweat by their badge. So inept, so dumb, mentally in deficit. Meanwhile, somewhere in a shed, machines churn out nondescript car parts for the lucky dip. People swearing by brands don't know stuff. ASPW seemingly didn't know that many TLC's came from China, Brazil or any of six other nations, fitted in factory with GM and Mercedes-Benz engines, especially in the FJ45. 😂😂😂😂 Yeah, mate, gimme that badge. It makes little boys sleep well.

[@Ford-Explorer606]

These collaborates here give me nightmares . Vw and ford have to focus a lot on their own products, that are cool but they can indulge in improved versions further but cross production should be killed at any cost Plus both have to improve their reliability to the greatest extent

[@Drivecomau]

I'm really interested to see how these modern utes go over the long term, in regards to reliability and durability. Hopefully, they are really good. - Sam

[@Ford-Explorer606]

@@Drivecomau it's a great video demonstration by sam. Get your point but Still I doubt their long term reliability even though I had great experiences with both ford and vw . But the no of lemon cars are more than no of good cars produced . I've heard cases of vws dashes going haywire and ford's 10 speed automatic transmission having issues of fire .. also their resale value depreciation is more faster than superman with cryptonite which proves why the hilux is still better

[@TheGTKing1]

VW is abolishing itself If I buy a VW it's because I want a VW and not a Ford

[@alphabravo3304]

Looked at one today, V6 no extras, 87 grand, my opinion needs bigger wheels, factory wheels look to small for height, rear end flimsy plastic down near rear bumper, no power outlet in the tray, I thought it was quite narrow sitting in it, seats were narrow, I drive a highlander SUV 7 seater, it 4x4, wider overall and loads more tech for around 65 grand. Overall incredibly overpriced, probably because they are built in South Africa, import costs would be a killer.

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

Drove a Style on 20". Axle Tramp (probably worse on Aventura 21's). Waiting for delivery of my Panamericana with 18"

[@nugenx]

Looks a bit like the Colorado

[@muddertruker]

I really wanted to get one of these but why did VW give it that w@nk name (Pan Americana)?

[@masterq2.033]

AH , The Clone Ranger.

[@Drivecomau]

😅

[@351tgv]

True, driving around proving ground just shows how lame the opposition is. Also Sam and James do the best videos for Drive.

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks, appreciate it! - Sam

[@blueenduro5060]

Iv got the older amarok that engine is a beast. This is a ford so it’s a no from me.

[@Drivecomau]

Old Amarok V6 definitely has some good punch!

[@jockwar]

It looks great but reviews on VWs customer service is 💩so won’t B going near it 😎

[@the369truth]

The only thing in this Amarok that is VW is the badge. All the new features means nothing. It sports a Tata V6 diesel engine from india and despite the higher specs the previous V6 VW still outperforms this tata engine so don't be fooled. That engine is also used in Landrover TDV6, new Ford Ranger and they suffer from catastrophic engine failures. Issue being poor bearing lubrication starvation (design flaw) that cause bearing seizure and crankshaft snapping in two pieces. Being a VW owner for over 40 years it is quite a disgrace that VW has descended from a class product to what i would call junk.

[@MPKING3-y4w]

Yeah and so what this is still from Volkswagen and Amarok is my faveroute truck so if you have something to say say it to me you jear me

[@positivepete4265]

The ranger is the top selling vehicle in Australia for a reason. Boomers like you voted Labor and sold your properties to the chinese. The last person we need to take advice from about all things "catastrophic" is from the likes of people like you. Go back to the nursing home, boomer. I'm sure albo has some goodies there for you

[@davidoconnor9288]

Was very tempted to go see one of these until I read this, is all this negativity true re this new Amarok?

[@positivepete4265]

​@@davidoconnor9288 I know one person who has it and said he had some leak in the first few weeks of ownership and it was hell to get it fixed by VW. They are probably like ford, no warranty honouring and just shitty customer service.

[@paulocouceiro35]

Bllha ...bhla...blhahaa.bhlaaa...

[@mattc9096]

1031kg payload? Yet another Ute that falls outside the outdated and obsolete ATO salary packaging rules..... And honestly, again with the heated but not vented leather seats! Guarantee more Aussies wasn't the seats cooled for 3/4 of the year than heated for two months.....

[@Mikelennon78]

This is the yuppy version of the FORD RANGER.

[@tonybennett638]

WV / Ford what a combination best of both bad worlds...

[@Drivecomau]

Proof will be in the pudding, after a few years in the hands of Australians. - Sam

[@brad0973]

Do not buy a VW - the after sales service from the factory is shocking (South Africa). I have both the Style V6 & the Pan Americana V6. The style has an irritating and horrible wind noise from the top right corner in the window, they told me it was normal "bakkie/truck" noise. The Pan Americana was purchased/ordered without a test drive (the Style is an awesome vehilce apart from the Wind noise intrusion) and this was a mistake. There is a horrible shake/vibration which the Vehicle has under power at both low speeds and higher speeds. This can be felt through the accelerator, seats and steering wheel the most. Without pressing the accelerator there is zero shaking (only happens under power). VW took the vehicle in for testing, adjusted the propshaft positioning etc. It proved to be of zero help. They then reverted back from the factory and said this vibration is a characteristic of the Vehicle (Pan Americanas) and it is completely normal. Which is a load of nonsense...the Style V6 has none of that vibration and I have driven another Pan Americana previously - none of this vibration. They have since brushed it off and said their is nothing they can do further to assist. I have had nothing but pleasure from the Style V6 for the past 75000km's, but I dread something packing up - these guys will hang you out to dry.

[@paulredfern2252]

Fakery sports bars, if u want them and use them sure fit them aftermarket, but i dislike sports bars they have no use just prevent access to the tub. Why??

[@codprawn]

I don't see the advantage of a VW version. The Ranger is cheaper and better equipped.

[@tyzon00800]

Avery very expensive ford clone

[@Drivecomau]

The Ford's not so cheap either, unfortunately.

[@joxzoom]

FORDWAGEN.

[@Drivecomau]

Rangarok

[@starlxrd868]

no thanks sorry, it looks like an offbrand np300 and ranger