New VW Amarok and Ford Ranger – The biggest differences

South Africa loves its bakkies and it will soon be receiving exciting new versions of two of its favourite models – the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok.

The Ford is scheduled to go on sale locally before the end of 2022, while the VW is set to make its debut in the first quarter of 2023.

What makes these particular bakkies interesting is that they were co-developed in a joint venture by Ford and VW, and both will be produced right here at Ford’s Silverton Plant in Pretoria, which recently received a R15-billion overhaul.

With the first Rangers already making their way off the production line, and the Amarok no doubt soon to follow, it’s helpful to understand exactly where these siblings differ.

What’s the difference

It has been confirmed that South Africa will receive three trims of the standard Ranger, consisting of the XL, XLT, and range-topping WildTrak, as well as the high-performance Raptor halo model.

The powertrain line-up comprises one of three engines – a 2.0-litre diesel variant in either a single or bi-turbo configuration, and a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

The outputs of these engines are as follows:

2.0-litre single turbo – 125kW/405Nm
2.0-litre bi-turbo – 155kW/500Nm
3.0-litre turbo – 184kW/600Nm

The Raptor will then receive its own 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol drivetrain with 292kW and 583Nm.

There will also be a number of different transmissions, depending on the selected drivetrain.

The single-turbo models will be offered with one of three boxes – a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic – while the bi-turbo and V6 variants will receive the 10-speed automatic.

For the new Ford, an electronic rear differential is also standard across the range, and the bakkie now uses one of two four-wheel-drive systems, depending on the model.

This takes the form of either a part-time system with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, or an “on-demand” 4WD system with 2H, 4H, and 4L, as well as a “4A” automatic mode for high-traction surfaces. Up to six terrain modes have also been included.

This time around, the Ranger has a maximum payload capacity of 1,191kg and is certified to tow up to 3,500kg. The approach and exit angles now measure 30 degrees and 23 degrees, respectively, and its wading depth is set at 800mm.

It also has a length of 5,370mm and a wheelbase of 3,720mm.

Shifting focus to VW’s creation, the new Amarok will be sold in five trim levels – the entry-level model simply dubbed “Amarok,” the mid-spec Life and Style, and the top-of-the-line Aventura and PanAmericana.

Regarding its powerplant selection, the South African market will see a choice of three diesel engines – a 2.0-litre single turbo, 2.0-litre bi-turbo, or 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, just like the Ranger.

VW has yet to provide the official torque figures for these drivetrains, but here are the official power stats:

2.0-litre single turbo – 110kW
2.0-litre bi-turbo – 150kW
3.0-litre turbo – 184kW

Additionally, the German carmaker has confirmed that, in South Africa, the Amarok will be exclusively paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

For its foundation, the entry-level Amarok comes in rear-wheel drive whereas every other model ships with the brand’s part-time 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Notably, this new double cab offers five different driving modes comprising Normal, Eco, Sand, Dirt, and Snow, and selecting one of the off-road settings will automatically engage low range and put the vehicle in 4×4 mode.

As opposed to the Ranger’s single top-of-the-line trim, the VW gets two range-topping options namely the Aventura, which is more orientated towards city life, and the PanAmericana, which is meant to be the serious off-roader of the group.

On the topic of capabilities, VW has stated it has improved on the previous Amarok’s approach and departure angles of 29.5 and 23.6 degrees, but has yet to reveal the actual angles.

The new bakkie does, however, have an improved wading depth of 800mm, a towing capacity of 3,500kg, and a rear tray that can take up to 1,160kg.

It’s also longer than the old car at 5,350mm, and its wheelbase has grown to 3,268mm.

How they compare

Here is a brief summary of how the new VW Amarok and Ford Ranger compares:

Criteria	Ford Ranger	VW Amarok
2.0-litre single-turbo diesel	125kW	110kW
2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel	155kW	150kW
3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel	184kW	184kW
Towing capacity	3,500kg	3,500kg
Load capacity	1,191kg	1,160kg
Wading depth	800mm	800mm
Length	5,370mm	5,350mm
Wheelbase	3,720mm	3,268mm