Amarok PanAmericana vs Ranger Wildtrak V6 Comparison! Which 4WD Model Is Best?

Off-road focussed comparison of the 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 and 2023 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana V6, including the VW’s unique suspension.
These two utes / pick-ups / bakkies share the T6.2 toolkit platform, and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine with 184kW (246 hp). But the two are remarkably different to drive, especially on-road - even if they are similarly good off-road.
The Amarok and Ranger compete with other utes, like the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max, and GWM Ute.
0:00 - Ranger vs Amarok comparison
0:18 - What is the Amarok Panamericana?
0:38 - Amarok styling
0:55 - What is the Ranger Wildtrak?
1:14 - Ranger styling
1:30 - Pricing
2:20 - Why do they look so different?
2:43 - Interior differences
2:59 - Ranger interior
5:00 - Shared T6.2 platform
5:54 - Amarok interior
8:28 - Back seat differences
9:23 - Ranger tray
11:33 - Amarok tray
13:21 - Running costs
15:15 - Driving the Amarok Panamericana
19:59 - Driving the Ranger Wildtrak
24:05 - Verdict and winner
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.
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Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching! The pricing I mention in the video was correct at the the time of filming. Which of the utes would you go for? -Tom

[@user-vo4tc7ug4y]

The interior material quality is better in the Amorok perhaps but the interior layout of the Wildtrack is more beautiful and much more practical. Ranger exterior is hands down beautiful. The ride quality is more softer in the ranger which is a plus for most drivers. A sporty drive perhaps only significant for car journalists. The Wildtract also cheaper. I think the ranger is a better car overall

[@Staff7A]

Amarok for me thanks

[@Leon-lp9fl]

You stayed true to a testers values. Thank you!

[@johanneswehrmann]

The presenter does a great job with his reviews. Well done and a big thumbs up mate! 👍🏻

[@Johnny-lt5ib]

In these specifications, Amarok for design all the way, but Ranger for practicality like physical buttons for climate functions, roller shutter included (not even an option on VW), usable rails on tub, FordPass app, tub step, 12V in tub, those Ford Matrix LED headlights seem to be getting a good wrap. I’d prefer the VW too, but just can’t pass up the other Ford inclusions as an everyday vehicle.

[@Johnny-lt5ib]

So looking forward to this from Tom. Great work guys

[@chasingcars]

Thanks so much.

[@OldTimeyGraeme]

I like your videos mate Well done Thanks for that

[@michaeldarcy8581]

This is one of the best reviews I have watched in recent times. I'm in the process of arranging a new lease vehicle as my current lease ends later this year. Last week I finally got to drive an Amarok, and although it wasn't the Pan Americana, which are almost as hard to come by as the Ranger, the Amarok Style I drove gave me a good idea of what to expect. And to be honest, I have not had the chance to drive a Ford Ranger. Every time I've made enquiries over the last six month the feedback has been there are no vehicles to test drive. That has been a little frustrating. That being said, when I climbed into the Amarok the first thing I noticed was the internal layout just made sense. And the reason for that is that I currently drive a BMW and I'm moving into a sports ute and the Amaraok has a very similar layout to the BMW. To be honest, once you've driven a European car it's very hard to go back to a non-European vehicle. The other vehicles I looked at and/or drove were not European and they just lack the refinement. So for me, it's the Pan Americana hands down.

[@stevo7415]

Good to C you made a choise - most tests dont - well done

[@chasingcars]

Thanks. This one was clear enough for me. That said, both are excellent vehicles at the top of their class, so I wouldn’t begrudge anyone choosing the one that came second!

[@ReddPepperVoiceActor]

Is it just me who keeps hearing 'ALAN SHEARER' whenever he says AVENTURA? Thanks for an interesting comparison video 👍🏽

[@jag5695]

We have the old Amarok in the family, went and looked the new one, the center unit was very flimsy and has so much plastic. Felt cheap for a 80k plus ute.

[@alexxxp89]

Not sure what plastic you are on about . Ford in every spec vs amarok has alot less plastic then Ford

[@vincentd8381]

i think wildtrak comes standard with towing kit?

[@louisswanepoel1420]

Hi in Africa we get all the V6 models in the 2 liter models as well. The PanAmericana we get the models with the roller shutter or with out and 12V in the Cab as standard. I have to say in the test we have done the Amarok in every aspect is more comfortable in every way off-road and on road. I think both them are the superior to other rivals and they are both aiming for the throne and have to agree the Amarok nudged for first place. As I understand, this V6 engine came from the Land Rover Discovery 4, if it's true its an excellent engine and really want to know if the BTDI engine is also from ford since it seems like the the pre generation from VW's BTDI....?

[@brendonrobbins6759]

After test driving various grades of both (I settled on the XLT V6 as a price versus wait time proposition) I found the VW more style over substance personally - I actually use these vehicles as intended.....as a work ute. But if you are the type to turn up at work in RM Williams and puffer jacket then the VW interior is likely to win you over. They're both more than adequate vehicles to live with.

[@ejandersen2878]

I'd have to agree with you about ride comfort and bounciness in just looking at the video. Where the Wildtrak seemed to be pitching all over the place, the Amarok looked as smooth as silk.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, you can feel that ride control difference.

[@chefsquab1527]

So nice to see someone give the Amarok the credit it deserves. Other reviewers seem to have a huge bias towards the Ranger. Even though they say all the better things about the Amarok.

[@user-qf8bw5lw5f]

I will never buy another ute with a plastic tray liner. I have had utes with both plastic and spray in and the spray in is so much better. So for me it is a Amarok Pan Americana or Ranger Raptor.

[@plrooks]

Great comparison! How do you rate the experience on and off road between the Amarok Style and the PanAmericana? Very interested in your feedback on the different suspension and tyres in terms of comfort, "sportiness", body control, road noise and off road characteristics, thanks!

[@mehmet_rafi]

Waiting for an answer 🧐

[@dazz90]

I personally think the Ford looks better than the VW. The Ford has a few key features the VW misses such as Ford app, roller shutter, step & extra cup holders near the air vents. Plus the VW central cup holders are awkwardly placed. But I do love the look and feel of the VW seats, and the dash of the VW is much nicer. I just wish they both had paddle shifters!

[@kentaylor2950]

Tow bars standard on Ranger not an optional extra. Ford Ranger is my pick, just has so many more features that make it more practical. The Volkswagen Colorado seems to only have a fancy leather and bigger instrument cluster, for over $2k more while having less equipment on the tub.

[@grantmitchell7198]

It’s funny…. Oh tow bars standard on the vw … yet it didn’t have one.. did it fall off due to the African build quality?

[@stephenmalzard2053]

Ranger is far better in every way 😊

[@jonathanmcgrath8074]

Please can you elaborate why?

[@tempestv8]

is there a Ranger Platinum equivalent in the VW Amarok lineup?

[@captaindasbomb6862]

The Aventura

[@RocketRod63]

I much prefer the Ranger. I bet you the VW designers wished they could have had a sneak peek of what the Ford people were up to 😂 VWs dearer price tag, indicators on the LHS, awkward front cup holders in centre console, no step on the rear tub, no standard tub cover, lack of dash cup holders……🤦‍♂️

[@matta9432]

I like the amarok more the only thing i dont like is the back sports bar make it imposible to get anything out over the side

[@richardevans5147]

Which will tow 2.5t better?

[@beaviccoon470]

Probably about the same but the suspension in the amarok is a bit stiffer so probably won't sag quite as much but neither will be too bad

[@jonathanmcgrath8074]

Platinum vs aventura Tsi

[@Deatomizer]

Have you guys actually ever owned an VW? The only good thing about the Amerok is that it is based on the Ranger.

[@grantmitchell7198]

Those overhead switches you brush over are fantastic in the ranger , no messy wiring in the car to run accessories… So you spend 80 pluss on a ute and all your gear gets wet still in the back ?? So best add another few grand to the vw for a roll top cover. Next time you should just wear the vw cap and t shirt they gave you 😂😂😂

[@chasingcars]

Brush over? It was literally pointed out as a negative that the Amarok doesn’t have them! If I wanted to ignore it, or I was biased, I obviously just wouldn’t have brought it up.

[@grantmitchell7198]

We can not wait for the towing video …. 😂😂😂😂 if we can catch it before it comes down

[@joebyrnes3773]

VW Amarok for me the inside just craps on the Ford. Think their top spec 4 cyl petrol is a sick option no DPF issues winning. Time to amp it up. Raptor vs Aventura petrol 4cyl vs v6

[@martinholden8480]

As I live in country Australia before I would buy either of these Utes I would have to know if the electrics in these Utes are European based or Asian based as European electrics are just too hard to fix if you don't live in a big city, I would have to tilt tray for hundreds of Kilometres to get any European electric issues looked at. I would most likely buy the Amarok over the Ranger if the lights and wiper controls were on the opposite side of the steering column like the Ranger have them.

[@trickster8635]

The electronics/computers in all modern utes whether Toyota, Isuzu, Ford or whatever are no-go zones for backyard hacks. All of them are tilt-tray candidates! Get used to it, because they are all going that way, even the beloved Landcruiser. The days of hot-wiring the HQ ute are long gone.

[@tomsimmonds9237]

That’s the dumbest reasoning I think I’ve ever heard 😂 what makes euro electrics any different to Asian electrics!

[@fragu123]

…in Germany street pricing sees the Ranger with a 15% advantage…😮

[@pauldunwell1318]

Towing kit in the uk is none standard it’s £2 add on😢😢😢

[@josemj9415]

Brand value Amroke

[@darrenrizzo1432]

Terrific comparison, both vehicles have a target audience and are class leading. However, I think each to their own on which 😮 ute to purchase and have as a daily. For daily practicality, value for money design quality I choose Ford Ranger. No basic physical climate control buttons on VW is a big fail, taking eyes off the road for this dangerous, lucky the vehicle has lane keeping. Centre console bin on VW too small. Poorly positioned centre console cup holders (set back too far on VW) not practical also no push/swing out cup holders on vents like Ford and the Ford also get's the French Fries holder to console VW does not get this. No electric roller or manual on VW disappointing, or side access steps to tub. VW has less useable electronic ports for rear passengers, too. Yes VW has the full size driver guage cluster much better than Wildtrak, yes the seats on VW look very plush and supportive, but personally I think they are a bit hard to sit on in comparison to Wildtrak softness.The VW seat bolsters are also to high, if you are a big heavy man or women you will crush the driver and passenger bolsters on entry and exit like pan cakes if you drag your bottom over seats. I have seen this happen first hand on a PanAm with only a few thousand klm crushed driver bolster. The stiching on VW seats is lovely. However, stitching is bulky and pertrudes and could get caught and warn in years to come could be a problem. Beautiful soft touch dash on VW and door trimmings definitely nicer than Wildtrak dash and door cards. If you like a slightly firmer ride and spirited driving than you may prefer VW, for me though I still prefer the Ford suspension tune for it's ride as a daily. Over all look Ford Ranger 100% they are basically a miniature F truck design very appealing to Australians that can't afford an F series or don't want such a big vehicle you can basically have a cheapmans Ftruck😁 Buy a Ford Ranger Platinum if you can afford it, if this is the mid size class of truck you are chasing. Platinum has all the fluff/trimmings worth the extra coin, great value for money. Platinum is superior to Wildtrak, PanaAmericana & Adventurer.

[@the369truth]

The Tata V6 TD engine used in both is a weak point. Also used in Range Rover TDV6. Bad design and known for catastrophic failures.

[@harleyboo6951]

VWs up front payment for there servicing plan is a con job, they use to do the same with there extended warranties. You pay up front when you buy the car new but if it's written off or stolen VW don't refund the money you haven't used on servicing.

[@1PokerMan]

wildtrack is superior in every way, especially in the quality of materials and fittings

[@babeyoulove1883]

Amarok is far better in terms of design.

[@kentaylor2950]

As long as you dont like practicality and ergonomics

[@CraigScott111]

Plus too me looks like the took visuals from an older Holden Colorado

[@1PokerMan]

it is subjective

[@marcjohn7416]

I like the Wildtrak better. Rounded wheel arches. Buttons for climate control. No sockets in the tray. No powered tailgate cover

[@marcjohn7416]

@@babeyoulove1883 I realize my response was all over the place 😂 but I guess you'd know what I mean. The Amarok isn't available in my country anyways

[@saddist1Gtown]

Asking for comments is one thing but to reply with snarky remarks when your viewers give their honest opiniion is another. Again I have to say this particular reviewer seems to go into his reviews with a pre-determined mindset and then conducts the review to prove his point. The underwhelming tone he adopts when he describes the Ford is a stark contrast to his almost amorous fetish when he's in the VW. Neutral? Nah....

[@chasingcars]

After extensive road testing and a clear justification according to criteria, I’m happy to stand behind the result - especially when Ranger has been given very high praise (by me) in the past - our back catalogue is right here on the channel for you to consume. Pre-determined opinions, unnecessary snark and accusatory tone? That’d be your comment, not my review. Naturally, you’re entitled to your opinion, and I’m entitled to disagree with it.

[@surflix4306]

he sounded neutral to me, sounds like you prefer the ranger, he prefers the Amarok . Great comparison . Everybody wins.

[@neilblyberg3052]

Can't see any snarky remarks here... apart from yours. I drive a Wildtrack V6 and it's great at what it does but some silly mistakes too, like a reversing camera that has no protection and is blurred every time it rains. I prefer the look of the VW, but rear step and auto cover won me over for daily living

[@saddist1Gtown]

@@neilblyberg3052 What are you on about mate? I do not have anuy preferences when it comes to these two trucks but feels that a reviiwerer ought to show neutrality. He was from the off wetting his chops over the Amorak which is a Ford like it or not. It isn't the first VW Ford tie up I had a Galaxy which was shared with VW who produced the Sharan and Alahambra and the Galaxy outsold both put together and still there are more Galaxies on the road than those two. Shows the build quality of Fords are as good as the others these days but bias continues agains one of the best manufacturers of cars in the West but being down under I supposed you and others here look at things with a narrow mind. Let's someone pit two like for like models and put them through the toughest test and see which one loses. My money would be on the Ranger because folks who buy the Amorak are limp-wristed and mamby pambies who would treat it like a car.... Doubt me?

[@surflix4306]

@@saddist1Gtown wow... mammy pambies, you're hardcore...lol

[@Carlos-of5cv]

Would never buy a vw.Convicted criminals

[@grantmitchell7198]

He won’t reply to that… vw won’t allow it

[@chasingcars]

Sure, I’ll reply. VW don’t pay the bills here - Budget Direct does. There’s just nothing that I can add - people have their reasons for or against buying from certain brands. That’s fine.