World’s First Comparison: Amarok vs Ranger 2023! Which Is Best & How Different Is The Volkswagen?

[@chasingcars]

Episode 2 is now available, pitting the Amarok Panamericana vs the Ranger Wildtrak on dirt. Watch next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYK1daWen5qiqqM

[@shadreckmakovere2832]

Ranger is the best

[@nathanp1704]

This was quite a good comparison and I'm glad someone has finally driven them back to back. No doubt that this will surprise all the naysayers who think the Rok is exactly the same as previous ute manufacturer collaborations.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you.

[@bazza2540]

the amarok that arrives heree are built in south africa as well

[@chrisdungey]

I have that exact Amarok on order and is a few weeks away. The only difference is I didn’t do the leather seat upgrade as the stock STYLE seat is shmick and has heating as standard. I have jumped ship from my Toyota Prado long wait and am very happy with the decision. With factory canopy installed on handover we will have a huge grin driving out of the showroom. Very Impressed so far. Good review guys, thanks.

[@shorty7093]

Awesome, Drive away price?

[@gavinjones8594]

After watching your fantastic review I decided to test drive both. I will spend 90% of my time behind the wheel so for me it's the Amarok all day long!. The cabin is far more refined and feels more "car like " than " van like". Whereas the Ranger Wildtrack felt more "van like". The Amarok seats are softer and far more comfortable, which more than makes up for the harder drive. I was divided until I test drove them both, but not any more!

[@nvh1095]

Great review, I have a much better understanding of the differences between the 2 vehicles now. As a current V6 Amarok owner, based on what you said, I would prefer the Ford, but in Wildtrak guise. Ride comfort have always been the biggest priority for me. However, it will be a while before I will have to make that decision, as I will keep my Amarok for many years to come.

[@markrenee08]

+1 for Ride comfort

[@daveoreilly7149]

As a current wildtrak owner Im going VW, the seats especially the rear are really not that good Ive just put a deposit down on a Style with leather arriving next week from SA

[@mayormsuthu1465]

Amarok was always my choice up until now Cos yes I'd still go for it without any doubt.

[@ntobekomncube4299]

I drove both too.. he's right the dampening is so different...

[@rexthesheep]

I feel super seen that you've come out with a comparison video so quickly! Thank you!

[@chasingcars]

You’re welcome!

[@NZsarge1]

Prefer the Amarok inside and out, pity VW didn’t include the steps at the rear.

[@chasingcars]

To be honest, VW probably didn’t know about the step - because they hadn’t seen Ford’s designs!

[@tingsfromyaad3942]

I feel like they could have put it in and chose not to as a means of being different ( seems like something they would do 😅)

[@Malc664]

Another reviewer said that VW chose not to put the step in and that the rear wheel can be used to step on.

[@yslee1401]

Pity VW still has the diesel gate scandal spotlight on their logo

[@NZsarge1]

@@yslee1401 couldn’t care less tbh, a lot of manufacturers were guilty of fudging emissions levels to some degree or another but VW were singled out for some reason.

[@gcousens71]

I am in the dual cab Ute market (like everyone else) and am a non car, non rev head WFT kind of guy. I really appreciated this review. I really want a Ranger but your points on the Amerok were great. For me now I guess it’ll come down to delivery time and what sales person is most helpful. Cheers

[@anthonytrump8024]

Amarok Launch in Central QLd is this Saturday - so we’ll see then. Great comparo. Enjoyed the Canberra Region footage also.

[@chrisdungey]

I have a VW Style on order. Can’t wait. Great review guys!

[@MichaelKallenbach-s3v]

Ich auch ! Den Vorgänger fahre ich jetzt 6 Jahre, einfach top Sehr zufrieden Freu mich auf den Neuen 😂

[@karthsree7904]

Can you do a review of build quality as you go through amarok range I've seen a few videos showing build quality issues

[@brykalaero]

1st time viewing your channel. Love your no-nonsense articulate presentation. New subscriber.

[@chasingcars]

Welcome aboard!

[@jimprovan8866]

Another great review Tom, but can you review the headlights in future please. Some of us do drive at night.

[@chasingcars]

Fair point Jim. I’ll take that on board.

[@zanechristerpher780]

Ranger ❤❤❤

[@darrensmith4661]

Has there been any changes mechanically between them (underbody/ bracing etc)? e.g. Has the casing (bottom tray) for the auto been changed from plastic? Is there any additional under body protection? OR really is this just the same platform with interior and suspension changes? And other cosmetic changes? I would be very interested in the feedback.

[@JakeBullit123]

Had my current 180 Rok for 11 years and it's still a solid drive. I can't see the Rangerrok having the same longevity. I'll stick, thanks.

[@Hemanfreeman536]

The Amarok looks better IMO. The question is who will be the better brand for after sales service when things go wrong?

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Good point, I have heard horrendous issues with VW not having parts and having to wait weeks for these from friends that drive various VW, it does look like a nice ute

[@sbGOM]

Could be a race to the bottom. Neither manufacturer has a stellar reputation for customer service.

[@joshlouw1]

Guess it depends where you go. I am on my 3rd Amarok since 2014 and never had any issues with parts or service at Westco Motors in Cairns. I will probably keep my 2019 V6 for a while still with only 44K on the clock, but I am open to take a look at either way. Who knows..!?

[@lukegilbert7985]

As a multiple Amarok owner from 2012 , first an APR tuned 200kw 300tsi petrol 4x2 dual cab I bought brand new for $25k, then a 2016 Atacama, finally a 2019 Highline V6 with Blackpack. None of them cost more than $55k (i'm a good buyer). It's not the money with these new Amaroks it's the desire, I'm trying to like them but the old ones looked cool, sleek and attractive. They drove like SUV's too. This new Ranger in a disguise is just a ute, a regular ute hardly distinguishable from the rest of them. Maybe I can buy one and get some paintwork done or do something else to make it more appealing? Who knows. Also historically VW dealers and VW Australia offer some of the worst service of any motoring brand, so an early car that needs to see a dealer frequently will be a nightmare.

[@richardevans5147]

Tom with the difference in ride and suspension, which will be better when towing a 3t van?

[@dumil3]

Great video, great review. Good that they didn’t get to crib notes from each other 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@SouthAuckMarine]

It's a shame they didn't reuse the TDI out of the amarok/touareg. The facelift touareg does, but I guess cost measures to produce something come into play. Are there any figures in Aussie into how many preorders there are compared to ranger?

[@yslee1401]

VW diesel gate? No way Jose

[@Heinwestenraad]

Any dust issues in the cabin on these two utes while driving on gravel

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks CC - while I like the Amarok the deal breaker for me is that the turn indicator binnacle is on the left hand side - this drove me nuts with my previous VW Golf.

[@sbGOM]

Very funny John. Currently in the UK and despite being here heaps of times, the "opposite" barnacles still drive me nuts! Currently driving an MG HS. Oh dear!

[@brasilsurfguru]

the indicator lever is the deal breaker....lol

[@johnnumbat9782]

@@brasilsurfguru yes it’s actually not a laughing matter BSG as affects safety as a distraction and it was also mentioned by the reviewer

[@danielbodkin7540]

Left hand indicator is a deal breaker on any car for me, how do you indicate and change gear at the same time? get and Automatic! Ok then how do you hold your take away food with your left hand whilst its on the passenger seat and indicate?

[@johnnumbat9782]

@@danielbodkin7540 my point exactly Daniel as I like driving manuals - a shame because VWs and BMWs are really nice to drive most of the time.- I’lm happy with my Hilux.

[@skatewaverider]

Personally prefer the VW l feel it’s more plush and better finished off Great review 👍

[@deanrwilson]

Great review.! You always make more sense than the others..!

[@davidpearce859]

Thanks for a great comparison. My question is related to towing a caravan, so which is better for that job? Let’s say a loaded van weighing 3300kg to 3500kg?

[@chasingcars]

They will be very similar in terms of towing performance, but there is a key difference for those towing at the very heavy end of the capacity. While the GCM is the same for both at 6400kg, the Ranger is 61kg lighter. For trailers above 3100kg, the Ranger can carry 61kg more payload, which could be useful. For trailers below 3100kg, normal payload limits apply, which are slightly better for the Amarok (1031kg vs 1022kg).

[@Sabumnim666]

Would like to see the ranger platinum against the top Amarok as these are both Euro spec in how the fit them out.

[@petercallingham5657]

Really great review. Thanks!

[@chasingcars]

You're welcome.

[@larsthor9691]

Excellent comparison Tom. Thanks

[@chasingcars]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching.

[@craigelliott5028]

Biggest issue with the VW is the cup holders in the front centre console….that would drive me nuts every morning with the daily coffee (they change that it’s the VW all the way)

[@sirpalee]

Looking at some detailed interior reviews of the amarok, it looks less practical and more messy than the ranger. Not sure why they couldn't keep the ranger's layout, it's so well thought out.

[@Cous1nJack]

That’s your biggest issue? I hope your diamond shoes are ok?

[@-zerocool-]

Great comparison!

[@teddym2808]

You can get an actually fast Ranger though and interior is better laid out. Since I don't think I would ever take this kind of car to the track, I think I'd choose the Ranger Raptor in this case vs the top spec Amarok.

[@trevorevans7101]

Based on recent experience Amarok for me.

[@mbingham10]

Is it a Ford engine or Jaguar, if it’s the latter it mat be a cause for concern with the Jaguar Land Rovers reliability issues any thoughts am I wrong

[@chasingcars]

It is an engine that Ford initially developed in collaboration with Peugeot way back in the early 2000s, and it has had many upgrades and changes since that point

[@daveknight743]

Its the Ford lion engine isn't it? Used in all the landrovers and jaguars at 3 ltr. Do you know if they have strengthened the crank shaft and plastic manifolds as these are the common things to go on these engines? Great review thanks from UK.

[@mapp0v0]

Was this a Vw ad? Not paying much attention. No idea why utes are so popular.

[@chasingcars]

Er, no? Both utes were given due praise and criticism - perhaps you not paying much attention meant you didn’t notice that fact.

[@mapp0v0]

@@chasingcars could be right

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

If you don't understand why these vehicles are popular, then why are you watching the video if you are not interested in them ?

[@paulm5817]

the AMAROK looks a bit better on the outside and the inside - that review alone is enough for me Amarok it is

[@mwantebeexpertsurvive672]

Essa é pra dar só alegria, quando compra e quando vende!

[@edub8803]

Why doesn't our US version get rear climate vents???

[@dewetrobertson1752]

Will pick the Amarok by a mile less rattles and better road holding tested both

[@calvinsinvula1731]

I have watched plenty reviews but no journalist seems to know the style variants. So far I have learnt the style comes in either bi-turbo 2 l 154kw or 3.0 l 184 kw v6. But what seems more confusing is that the other style comes with 3 bar led day time at the top of the headlights and a hallowagen indicator at the tail. Where as this one you reviewed comes with full led day time lights and full led at the tail just like the Aventura. Also in the next review could you clarify the differences between the Pan Americana and the style v6. Is there another difference apart from the blacked out wheels and sports bars of the pan americana? They say it's off road focused but I don't see how it differs from the style v6. Any difference in suspension tuning? Thank you.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, the Panamericana has an entirely different damper to the Style, so the ride is quite different - a bit softer but still controlled.

[@calvinsinvula1731]

@@chasingcars thank you. And what about the style variants? Why the other v6 style come with hallowagen buld indicator at the tail? Is it according to markets perhaps?

[@webeto5902]

0:36 - that green jacket; I WANT IT!

[@LyfovRyan51]

Just ordered the Amarok Style Unfortunately it doesn't come with the V6 in NZ. Hope to take delivery in a week.

[@Kruse1]

For the win, physical aircon controls and remote start to pre-cool the car in summer.

[@chasingcars]

Not bad functions.

[@sondanbasa9502]

I am now undecided which one to choose. quite well understood the differences. thanks for video.

[@mvubu6823]

Who's service department would you rather deal with?

[@vanningaround8468]

Love the Amarok so much, I want one right now. It's way nicer than the Ranger IMO.

[@onthepipe]

I have a 2019 V6 Amarok Canyon and I love it's sporting handling (as compared to an equivalent year Prado, which is soft and vague). It looks like VW have continued this characteristic which is good. The VW interior looks again the class leader by miles. As for external looks, I'm still unsure which I like better, VW do need to drop that ugly x-treatment to the front bumper area.

[@chasingcars]

Over to you! Which ute / bakkie matches your own tastes better?

[@zaamuro8408]

Amarok looks way better so thats my choice!

[@chasingcars]

Hmm. How’s it unfair to compare vehicles just because one has a 12 month wait list, that may grow or shorten at any time, depending on various factors? It isn’t.

[@johnychua2462]

Waiting on Tesla Cybertruck 😁

[@BomberFletch31]

If I needed one, Ranger would get my vote. I'm unashamedly biased, though, I'm a Ford fan and have owned nothing but Ford in my 24 years of driving and owning cars.

[@chrishowe2935]

Amarok for me, for all the reasons you mention. Plus, I just don’t like the way the Ranger looks - trying too hard to look like a big American truck (for obvious reasons, but still…).

[@trevorevans7101]

Excellent review. Love both but would take the style!

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

Have a 2017 Amarok, based on this, another Amarok for me. UNLESS, price difference where I live, Ireland, is large.

[@666dualsport]

the vw is a beast the same as the old one---

[@javery161]

Awesome review. I pick up my style with leather tomorrow. 🤙🏻

[@chasingcars]

Nice

[@patrickwoodyatt8509]

What happened to the 4x4 systems? Amarok had the 4motion system. Ranger had a conventional t-case. Are they sharing the same system? Which one? They keep the separate systems? That is very important to the ride quality. The rest is marginal.

[@sondanbasa9502]

10 points, very good.

[@moyzie5495]

great review guys and I know it can't be helped but I kept loosing the vehicles on the corner full of rubber wire chunks from the burnouts.

[@rememberthefallen1970]

It's crazy that the U.S. is by far the largest purchaser of trucks and yet we don't have this Volkswagen

[@gusteevte5665]

The same with the Ranger Raptor?

[@acde9355]

Can you share some opinions about the effect that the federal government has reduced the threshold of the asset write-off scheme?

[@Aaron.13]

Having to go through a digital display to change ac fan etc is just dumb! Physical buttons and knobs are so much better for things people want to access quickly without searching through a menu whilst trying to drive..

[@markscott2215]

Hopefully this platform sharing exercise will work out better for Volkswagen than the Mercedes X-Class based on the Nissan Navara. Like that example, the ranger will of course sell in much larger numbers as it’s a little cheaper, better supported and most punters won’t care about the amorak’s benefits in some areas.

[@tsakitx8190]

The xclass was such a lazy move from a brand that build the iconic G Wagon

[@brendonrobbins6759]

The X Class was a pig in lipstick with a silly price tag. And further, the base underpinning Navara was hardly a seller to begin with. At least VW have started with arguably the best base dual cab ute on the market.

[@TwoHemiViewer]

Diff locks ???? Would love to see video of suspension with wheels off.

[@PomAsanee]

You should compare with ford ranger wildtrak.

[@JS-kh5xe]

Will we ever get the Amarok in Latin America?

[@andyz9455]

Tom sounds like catching a cold 🥶 take care

[@chasingcars]

All better now.

[@scottbrodie2543]

As a FORD guy, I would only buy the Ranger.. Even if it's a close 2nd to the Amarok in this mid range guise.

[@RocketRod63]

Good comparison. The styling for me is the Ranger. I have the white Ranger Sport V6 & it is fantastic. I’ve put Simmons 20” rims & the Raptor bonnet on it 👍👍

[@pete5044]

😂😂😂

[@samdavidson8918]

This is a really detailed, comprehensive test. I love my current 2020 Amarok V6, it really is like a car, drives like car, lovely place to be, except some of the internal software is looking dated. Shame the new V6 is a Ford lump.

[@rotteneffekt4416]

2016 pre facelift T6 here. Hydraulic steering, I drive it like it were a Focus 😂

[@kylebutler7142]

I feel like women will like way Rangers drive and handle with light steering and softer ride. Very good for long trips and city driving. Are towing and payload numbers similar ? I'd go with the Ranger for being keener priced also.

[@julianalderson3938]

Surprised didnt know was a vw ford x. Thanks

[@davehogan6401]

Are Amaroks having the same engine/electrical issues as the Rangers?

[@chasingcars]

Hard to say since they’ve just been released and are also sourced from an entirely different factory (South Africa rather than Thailand)

[@gradesixrapidsonly8453]

I guess it would come down to how you are treated if something goes wrong. VW have history, as do Ford. I have a 2021 Ranger Wildtrak, so will wait until the second generation of these before considering a purchase

[@leoesposito8762]

great video both very nice so yeah like you said take them both for a drive see what you like best.

[@chasingcars]

Always a good idea to test drive.

[@Mikelennon78]

Ranger looks better to me.

[@benbarnard8280]

You should listen to the tester

[@joshuajones5507]

Nope

[@Mikelennon78]

@@joshuajones5507 Yep.

[@Blade43]

If I was to do a comparison between the two solely on the front fascia, the Amarok wins especially the daytime running lights, the Fords aren’t nice, the Amarok is definitely the better looking from the front, but of course that’s only my personal preference, but I don’t like chrome, so the Ford wins in that area, but of course it will all come down to a lot more than that, it will be interesting to drive both, nice review but I could tell you were favouring the Amarok 😂

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

Wish the Amarok is available in US

[@AlexSmith-ln1tv]

Shit yeah! Canberra boys holla at ya boi

[@buncha5651]

Unless you are a tradie why would you want a dual cab ute especially a $70,000 one ?

[@chasingcars]

Road presence would be one reason

[@kylebutler7142]

Towing, touring, shopping, taking the kids to school...basically anything and everything.

[@RocketRod63]

My is used for towing my 2.5T caravan 👍👍

[@adamphillips7115]

I got one for touring / travel. Fuel economy is barely different to an SUV whilst having the off-road benefits.

[@buncha5651]

@@chasingcars Being a wanker is another reason.

[@paulhatfield498]

The tray design on these modern Ute's seems so impractical. Try fitting a swag with a decent mattress in it under that cover. 40 litre Engel would fit either. And those stupid spots bars.. what's the point point?

[@iankennerley7746]

Definitely the Amarok is hands down a much better ride there’s no comparison!

[@jamesoldman3021]

Disappointed with this merger. Always thought VW had more class than to go with Ford.

[@ashleynel451]

I prefer the trusted FORD

[@benjaminmanning4726]

Looking forward to seeing the Ranger vs Amarok in a Moose Test...#ChasingCars maybe arrange for us

[@nkosinathimahlangu520]

Both assembled at Ford Silverton plant in South Africa to the world 💪

[@darrensmith4661]

Then that is a real concern.....considering Fords quality control issues during the manufacturing and assembly process.

[@chasingcars]

Amarok is sourced at Silverton for Australia but we get our Ranger from Thailand.

[@darrensmith4661]

@@chasingcars thanks for the info. let’s hope there is better quality control than the ford

[@RocketRod63]

My Ranger Sport came from Thailand

[@craigice9635]

@@darrensmith4661 it comes from Ford.

[@lilychu9657]

Didn't mention the wheels & tyres 🤔

[@chasingcars]

They’re identical in size and type across both vehicles

[@mbasatiti9870]

The pity is that this Amarok doesnt look like the great Amarok we’ve always known, hope its reliable

0:08 Thank you, I guess I have been living under a rock.

[@chasingcars]

Not anymore!

[@tersy9862]

I was shopping around for a ranger and when yoy look at the prices between fhe sport and the wildtrack V6 there is only 4k in it. Youd have to be a fool get get the sport. The catch is though you cant actually buy a wildtrack V6 so i think ford jacked up the price of the sport V6 as they actually have stock

[@johnno6334]

Canberra loves a skid

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Yeah, and guys would choose the BT-50 over D-Max; or not realise how many tranny bits are shared among Hilux / Scorpio / BT-50 / D MAX / etc. And people buy the badge, not the ute. That is downright daft, sometimes. Would they do the same with computers that share mixed hardware, go after branding? That would even be sillier. While many are built by either Clevo or TongFang.....

[@kentaylor2950]

If I had to choose between the Sport or Style it would be the Amarok but, I dont really feel like its a good comparison. Price wise the Style with those leather seats is more comparable to the Wildtrak with premium pack. I think the upcoming Wildtrak X should be compared to the Pan Americana as they are both the offroad specific versions and the Ranger platinum up against the Aventura. In terms of price perhaps that makes more sense? And the Raptor in a league of its own for now. Still a great video and thanks for the comparison.

[@trevortaylor7702]

Shame vw used the suspect ford 10 speed transmission , may cost them in the long run

[@kakoiigaijin]

Congrats on the exclusive, Tom. VW for me in this one.

[@julesmarwell8023]

no way will I ever buy another vw. vw australia is a disaster to deal with... they are happy to get your money. then you're on your own

[@jeremygeduldt936]

Ute in Australia they love them also bakkie we call it they say dualcab we South Africans say doublecab .

[@marwenfarhat]

ranger's lights front and rear look much better

[@ggff5580]

awesome video, but personally i prefer more driving and off road than talking about features and equipment.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough, but frankly plenty of buyers of these pricey rigs care very much about equipment and tech. I try to keep it balanced.

[@mtadc1545]

@@chasingcars would have loved to see an off roading review of these two.

[@mr.forster2939]

Tom, when will John Law your best reviewer be back ?

[@chasingcars]

John Law doesn’t work for Chasing Cars any longer, so he won’t be.

[@theodaniel4246]

Ranger is the best