After more than a decade in production—the typical lifecycle for a pickup—the Volkswagen Amarok has undergone a complete transformation. The next generation is built on the same architectural approach as the Ford Ranger, signaling a new era for the model where a shared platform underpins both trucks.
The early camouflage hides the front and rear silhouettes, making the exact relationship between the two designs less obvious. Yet the side profile tells the full story: redefining the body structure and reshaping the bodyside is far more involved and costly than modifying styling cues or lighting alone.
From this point, the Amarok steps away from being a standalone, unique model and enters a space where it mirrors the Ford Ranger closely in its fundamental design. The cab’s front panel architecture and the vertically oriented information screen in the cabin are strikingly similar, underscoring the collaboration—whether intentional or market-driven—between the two brands.
German engineers have introduced distinctive touches, including a redesigned steering wheel that emphasizes digital precision and a central console arrangement that appears with a compact, lower control block. These elements, visible in the photographs, hint at a fresh interior philosophy for the Amarok that prioritizes ergonomics and modern technology.
Power options span a range of diesel configurations, including a four-cylinder line and a turbocharged V6 3.0, offering ratings from 150 to 250 horsepower. In addition, a gasoline option rounds out the lineup, with the EcoBoost 2.3 delivering a remarkable 302 horsepower. While exact performance figures were not published yet, the new model promises a level of responsiveness and vigor not previously associated with the Amarok family.
The transmission lineup is expected to be robust, with four-wheel drive configurations available in part-time or permanent modes and a spectrum of gearings including 5- and 6-speed manuals, as well as 6- and 10-speed automatics. Such a range is designed to appeal to both everyday drivers and those who push their pickup into more demanding terrain.
Off-road capability is a highlighted strength of the new Amarok, with water fording capability reaching up to 800 millimeters at depth. Inside, the design supports adventurous use; when the crew camps in wild locations, the roof can serve as a sleeping area. In static setups, the vehicle is engineered to support a roof tent, with a stated payload capacity of around 350 kilograms on the roof, enabling four occupants to access elevated shelter without compromising stability.
- In the development of a new generation full-size Tundra pickup, Toyota Motor took an unexpected step by replacing a high-mileage SUV with a fresh platform, signaling a strategic rethinking of how a robust, durable pickup can be refreshed without sacrificing reliability.
- Details and impressions about the Amarok can also be explored in related digital coverage and automotive discussions accessible through official channels and automotive press outlets.