How Does The New Amarok Stack Up Against The Favourite Ford Ranger? | Drive.com.au

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Do you want a Ford Ranger but can’t abide the long waiting times? We have the answer, and you might just be getting a better value ute in the bargain.
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Price & Specifications
02:22 Design
05:11 Front Seats
07:24 Back Seats
07:53 Tub
08:54 Driving
13:52 Interfaces & Infotainment
14:36 Final Thoughts
#volkswagen #fordranger #towing
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[@babeyoulove1883]

Love the VW's design... They nailed it.

[@kentaylor2950]

Disagree with the amarok style vs ranger sport comparison. It would make more sense to compare: Style V6 with leather upgrade vs Wildtrak V6 with premium pack, very similar price, Pan Americana vs Wildtrak X, off road focused trims, Aventura vs Platinum, top trim levels

[@samsearle4433]

That is spot on. I have the style with leather. Disappointed that you couldn't option AT tyres on the style whereas they are stock with the Pan Americana so had to do that.

[@tempestv8]

I like the squarer looking wheel arches on the Amarok compared to the circular style on the Ranger.

[@davidoreilly9627]

Sold my 2022 wildtrak and pick up my style this week.

[@mehmettemel8725]

Considering it was late model what made you sell the Wildtrak?Was it mechanical issues,was thinking of buying one?

[@aaronkhan7094]

I have to admit you're right. The 10 speed box! WHY? I like the look of the Amarok over the Ranger. Other than that they are the same except for the head lights and the indicator... I can live with that.

[@vanningaround8468]

VW nailed the interior of the Amarok and it would be my pick too. I doubt I’m alone though and I reckon you’ll see alot more Amaroks on the road than you’re expecting.

[@351tgv]

except for the on-screen climate control. that said you can use voice commands however its not in natural voice, its a command based system so you will need to learn those commands.

[@tyzon00800]

About a many as those who follow you channel 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@calvinsinvula1731]

I like your honest review. I use to hate this new amarok over the partnership with Ford when it came. But I got to understand it's just the better ford ranger. You won me over your verdict. I too would like to be exclusive. Ha ha haaa.

[@darrensmith4661]

What about then design with focusing on reliability compared to the rest of the market? What would be the cost to have either of these utes over a 300,000km life span compared to the competitors?

[@masterq2.033]

Fit the old Amarok V6 and 8sp ZF . The Ford tub and climate control knobs. Then Id want one. Dont care for the shifter in either.

[@AgricUltra]

But I do totally agree that the Amarok is the right choice. The best comparison I heard recently was that the Amarok is the Site Supervisor’s vehicle, while the Ranger is for the Tradie. There’s a definite class difference between them, and that’s what you eluded to at the end.

[@user-uy2sg8vw4s]

The driver seat in the Amorok is much better. First thing I noticed comparing both.

[@dannyroberts9217]

Would these comparisons be similar if the Amarok was released first? The easy lower tailgate has been in the vw v6 since 17. The Amarok also had 4 wheel discs and a great v6! The new electronics are a great addition, which are needed for todays drivers.

[@351tgv]

the issues with the previous gen Amarok were very clear, sure it had the VW go to TDi V6 and a ZF 8-speed torque converter but so did many other VAG vehicle products, the VW fans are going to have to understand that there was no way forward for VW to goat it alone, ZERO, there was talk that VW and Mazda were going to work together on updating the (then generation) Amarok however Mazda opted for the far safer method of going with Isuzu whic gave them only a mild styling make over and near zero in terms of road / off road development (fact as the Mazda is identical to the D-Max for on and off road driving). This new gen Amarok is leaps and bounds so far ahead of the previous gen, owners and fns of the previous gen can either accept it or they can move on to a different brand, VW are not concerned as they were going to withdraw from this market segment so be happy that they stayed and went with a partner that allowed them to go as far as they have in terms of on and off road development and styling and function unlike Mazda which did not bother with on and off road driving development, even the pervious BT50 drove differently to the ranger where as the new one is a D-Max in a different dress. The next big one will be how Mitsubishi Triton owners and fans react to the new Navara based Triton.

[@dannyroberts9217]

Having all the electronics is a big step forward and made the Amarok much more desirable as this is what the previous model needed to be more acceptable. Add this to the previous model, with its better performance, you would have had a different opinion perhaps. I think the new model is the better looking vehicle overall.

[@matthewwhelan3209]

I just got my Amarok style last week in NZ and it has 12V power in the back. Maybe they have just added it.

[@Aaajjjjjjjjj]

Amarok’s grey plastic grill is giving me Mitsubishi vibes.

[@titanx04]

Eventually you do get used to lh indicators but why? It Would also come down to who is going to provide better service and handle warranty claims better.

[@mikej863]

I’ve driven them all and I’ve gone Amarok. Both the Style and PanAmericana smashed the Sport and Wildtrack through twisting roads at 80-100k/hr. The Fords were lazy through the bends and the Amaroks feedback through the wheel was much more responsive, but you are paying more for the brand.

[@gunrich0624]

Excellent review. Wish you touched up on the different build quality of these two.. I have driven both and I found VW build quality is significantly better than the Ford.. specially the interior. In the Ford there were too many misalignments in the body panels and dash panels and looked like a rush job.. did anyone else notice it?

[@glennbutler6310]

Good point Richie. Build quality can be different when they're built in two different plants on different continents. Interestingly, the VW's bonnet shutlines weren't as good as the Ford's, but I gave VW a pass on that because I thought it might be early production issues. If we get more Amaroks with variable panel gaps we will definitely bring it to viewers' attention. - Glenn

[@LIFEat110]

I have found the opposite, in particular the vw glovebox. For me the fords feel more solid.

[@tempestv8]

What is the servicing cost for the VW? I am tipping the scheduled services will be considerably dearer for the VW. And what about insurance costs? Somehow, I won't be surprised if the VW costs more to insure. Would be interesting to find out the cost of VW parts compared to Ford.

[@Drivecomau]

We use a leading insurer for quotes and got a comparative comprehensive quote of $1796 for the Ranger compared to $1916 for the Amarok, based on a 35-year old male driver living in Chatswood NSW. Quotes may vary depending on your circumstances. Servicing costs were a closer match with the Ford costing $1716 over five years, and Volkswagen $1800 for the same timeframe. You can find these details and more side-by-side data at www.drive.com.au/reviews/2023-ford-ranger-v-volkswagen-amarok-comparison-review/

[@Leon-lp9fl]

The wheel arches stands proud to and it must have lower wind resistance

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Australia needs to update their regulations and allow 220-240V in the rear of SUVs and Utes (well, in any vehicle really). 12V is handy but we want 230V AC.

[@deontreadway2484]

I'm having a few issues with a new style, and battling to find the correct answers.... South Africa

[@leoesposito8762]

nice one Volks but well i still like the Ford..

[@neilroberts7457]

I have a 2022 px111 last made. 2.0 litre bi turbo. Driving east gippsland to melbourne and return regularly get 6.9 litres per hundred at 100..110 kph. I. Not sure a 7 speed would get better

[@bryanburrows4247]

Is the towing capacity the same, I tow a 30ft caravan with the TDI550 with no problem and believe that the TDI600l be better what doe the Ford have?

[@Drivecomau]

Towing capacity for the Amarok and Ranger is a maximum of 3500kg in both the V6 and four-cylinder models, which is the same as the Amarok TDI550.

[@blakerangerraptor]

Is the "Panamerica" the model up or down from the "Panamericana"?

[@glennbutler6310]

Haha yeah, fair cop. Panamericana is such a mouthful, I got too tired saying it so I lopped a syllable off. - Glenn

[@blakerangerraptor]

@@glennbutler6310 fair enough haha!

[@zanechristerpher780]

Ranger for me

[@brentj_]

Left hand indicator would drive me nuts! No climate control buttons will get annoying. That brake controller is badly placed hard to get to. No power in tray. I'd go leather seats over bi-led headlights. To be honest the comparison between the 2 tested is spot on. Ranger sport is a better value option imo. $8k cheaper than the Pan America! Practically the same vehicle!

[@richardeycken]

Welcome to Werribee South! 😂

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

I Would pick the one with the more comfortable seats 😂 that's as nit picky as I would get

[@NANKEL1]

Any turbò lag?

[@samsearle4433]

My style has leather

[@RocketRod63]

One thing that also bugs me is that the hood release is on the passenger side!!!

[@jerrymyahzcat]

That’s normal for Euro vehicles.

[@dannyrexknight]

VW as a company are a nightmare. Not for me.

[@heisenberg6442]

Ford is 10 times worst then Vw. Ford has a lack of customer support. They have the most faults and recalls from all car brands. Its a mess up, even the Ford ceo has admitted that his factories need to be set up better

[@brendonrobbins6759]

VW here are already quoting "at least 6 months" wait for anything but the povo models so your point about "walking in a getting an Amarok straight away" are a bit off the mark. I've been keeping across the new model release as I'm in the market to upgrade my current ute. If my last Amarok ownership was any indication, servicing is noticeably more expensive - unless they've come into line with Ford's pricing schedule. Head to head I owned both models, both 2019 models and the VW V6 Amarok was 30% more expensive to service than the 2L XLT Ranger. And then customer service (stuff like getting a courtesy car during a service) is not a patch on Ford in my experience: Ford ask you to fill the car up when you return and VW the 2 times I actually got a car I had to pay rent for it and fill it up. Lastly, as a car reviewer, making flippant comments about the gearbox having 3 speeds too many without any explanation or justification as to why you think that is the case (IMO) kills your credibility somewhat - you may be right, but your delivery was very poor on that point.

[@glennbutler6310]

Fair points all round, Brendon. VW's capped price servicing suggests it won't be excessive to service for the first five years. As for my credibility being killed by "3 gears more than you need", in hindsight that was flippant, I agree, but it was based on my three decades of automotive experience. In the heat of the moment, my brain appears to have got caught between the two brilliant ZF autos of the last two decades - the 6-speed and the 8-speed. No-one has done it better since. Not Mercedes with its 9-speed, and definitely not GM/Ford with the Mustang / Everest / Ranger 10-speed. Thanks again for your feedback, I've taken it onboard.

[@LordSothMajere]

I think I'd stay with the Ford tbh.

[@gregjacques3159]

I considered the Amarok purley from an interior design point of view, as I like the exterior on both. However I was put off by the HVAC system being only on the screeen, no back step, no rear power and apparantly VW are even worse than Ford at customer service.

[@kylebutler7142]

He said the interior wasn't much chop because it looks piecemeal and has no fries holder or manual climate controls. No power in the tray, no step. 10 speed has 3 too many gears? It's a 7 speed with 3 overdrives! Improves fuel economy. Yet he chooses the Amorok due to brand snobbery. 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂️

[@glennbutler6310]

Hey Bro, how's the family? When are we going to see you next? Cheers - Glenn Butler

[@kylebutler7142]

@@glennbutler6310

[@ryanwehl4720]

Should be comparing the VW Pan America with the Wildtrack they are the same price point, Wildtrack would win hands down.

[@iBlogGadget]

If you watch the video they were meant to have an Amarok Style but VW swapped it out at the last minute.

[@glennbutler6310]

@@iBlogGadget Yep, you're 100 per cent right. We didn't actually have any choice in the Amarok spec. We were told what was available, and then even that was changed last minute. - Glenn

[@351tgv]

@@iBlogGadget - then do not do the review.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

@@glennbutler6310 I bet they did that as the knew the lower spec’s Style would lose badly to the Ford.

[@waynemarshall1100]

WHY ????

[@i.g.2416]

Wil get the Ford because that that vw ain’t sold here HAHAHAHAHA

[@rich7447]

Not enough interior space, especially in the back seat, in either.

[@tyzon00800]

What a goose 2 reasons that he will buy the vw pay the price with vw and don’t wait as long, and too many on the road and you won’t find it in the car park , no idea this bloke no wonder car expert is the leader in this car reviews segment, drive is so far off the money it hilariously funny😂😂😂😂😂 Here’s a tip people buy the ranger because it the leader by Far in this market

[@glennbutler6310]

My point was that when two vehicles are so closely matched, the reason for choosing between the two comes down to personal choice. - Goose

[@heisenberg6442]

Here's another tip. Ford has the most faults and vehicles recalls by almost double of Vw. Ford also lacks customer support. I know someone who had previously bought a new Ranger and there was a fault with the trunk. They took it to Ford and they refused to touch the vehicle even though he even offered to pay to fix the issue that wasnt even his fualt

[@tesla_models]

@@heisenberg6442 faults are there in every single company nowadays

[@heisenberg6442]

@@tesla_models Yes but choosing certain car companies can minimise the chances of you getting a reject model

[@tesla_models]

@@heisenberg6442 but that isn't the case anywhere in this world nowadays. Not even Toyotas are building quality stuff like they used to. I had people in the states who were confident about Toyota reliability and had very capable tundras. But they are having turbo wastegate issues before 1 year of ownership The bz4x is bought back because of its wheels falling apart. Fault located even in Toyotas and hondas too Better buy a vintage or an old car

[@jsnmrtn]

Amarok looks nicer, Ranger is more practical. Tough call

[@tyzon00800]

Not at those prices

[@jameswilson4712]

It’s not a better car 0:30

[@adrianlowe1873]

I suppose for me it all came down to the Volkswagen costing more than the ranger equivalent, for not a whole lot extra. I.e. style costs $4k more than the ranger sport.

[@AgricUltra]

PanamericANA…. Get it right.

[@moto.bushrider7215]

Sorry, but it should be a wildtrak up against this vw then it would be a better comparison and a different outcome as similar price but the wildtrak has much better features.

[@Drivecomau]

We'd originally aimed to put the Ranger Sport up against the Amarok Style, but Volkswagen switched us into the PanAmericana at the last minute, so we had to make do with this match-up. As you can see we've called out those differences where they appear though, and it its core, the mechanical and engineering package is the same.

[@tesla_models]

Ultimately both are the same . Id rather get an original vw

[@heisenberg6442]

Vw is a bigger company then ford in terms of company assets right?

[@tesla_models]

@@heisenberg6442 yes vw is no 1 followed by Toyota in turn followed by mercedes and then ford

[@heisenberg6442]

@@tesla_models Yeah bro but I guess it all depends on which company has less faults then the other companies to minimise your chances of getting a reject model.

[@tesla_models]

@@heisenberg6442 yes i had great experience with all companies etc gm

[@HondaMonkeyMan]

Indicator on the left. No thanks.

[@Gonzarelli]

you get used to it pretty quick

[@craigice9635]

I stopped watching after that. I don't get it, a car built and developed in a right-hand drive country for a RHD country, and they still can't get it right.

[@marcjohn7416]

​@@craigice9635 do other euro vehicles change it to suit country? I've a Jetta that's right hand drive and it's on the left. Same with the Audi I owned but they are from the same company. As said before you get used to it really quickly except when you drive two vehicles with different arrangements 😂

[@masterq2.033]

All Euro cars have it on that side. It's not wrong, just different, and you get used to it.

[@351tgv]

@@craigice9635 - remember there are no stupid questions just stupid people. in the UK which are RHD countries the vast majority of car have LHD indicator stalks. Also VW will sell this car in majority KHD markets so its better for them to develop LHD bias for most things.

[@Jeffs8247]

VW? No thanks...

[@gregwilliams5891]

Ranger wins for sure

[@triniexpatgolfer4397]

VW pulled the style so could you not get an ‘eggs vs eggs’ comparison. I don’t need to watch anymore. Ford must be laughing at that one..