Volkswagen has finally revealed the upcoming 2023 VW Amarok and the new Amarok features a whole host of changes compared with the outgoing model. Even though the Amarok is not a US best-seller as most US customers are interested in US-made and Asian-made pickups, the 2023 Amarok hopes to change that. So, if you want to know all about 2023 VW Amarok, be sure to read this article!
First of all, we do need to point out that the new Amarok is not coming to the US which is a shame as it shares its platform with the extremely successful Ford Ranger, but with its own identity and design. Engine-wise, the 2023 Amarok gets four diesel and gasoline engines, all of which are powerful, sophisticated, and relatively efficient.
Design-wise, the Amarok looks brawny and commanding and a lot different than the Ranger. The interior gets a large vertical infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster. The upright dashboard does look similar to the one in the Ranger but is cladded with higher-quality materials throughout.
We can expect the new Amarok to be as reliable as the Ranger as it uses the same underpinnings. The value and practicality prospect is really good as the Amarok is available as a single or a dual cab model with a sizeable bed and lots of interior space.
2023 VW Amarok – The Powertrain
The VW Amarok gets four different engines. The two diesel engines are found in many VW models and are the 2.0L TDI 4-cylinder units that offer either 168hp or 201hp for the twin-turbo models. The range-topping diesel engine is the 3.0L V6 that offers 238hp or 247hp depending on the configuration and your preferred output.
Some markets are also getting the Ford-sourced 2.3L engine that makes almost 300hp. All 200hp + engines will be mated to Ford’s well-known 10-speed automatic gearbox while lesser engines will come with a 6-speed automatic or even a 5-speed manual in some markets.
As far as the rest of the drivetrain is concerned, you can choose between a standard 4MOTION AWD system or a more advanced selectable 4×4 setup. However, some markets are going to get a RWD model which is likely the one found in the Ford Ranger as VW is not known for making rear-wheel-drive cars.
2023 VW Amarok – Design and Driving
As far as design is concerned, the 2023 Amarok features a completely redesigned look with larger dimensions across the board. You also get newer LED lights all around the Amarok and a much higher front hood which resembles the one on the Ford Ranger. The interior is based on the one found in the Ranger, but with VW’s design identity which does make it look really nice.
The driving experience is likely to resemble the one with the new Ford Ranger which means that the Amarok is going to be fairly capable off-road while also being docile on a city street. It is not a dynamic pick-up, but it can hold its own through corners as it gets a stiff suspension that can control the Amarok/Ranger weight really well.
2023 VW Amarok – Reliability and Common Issues
The 2023 VW Amarok is not out yet which means that we can’t really say if it is a reliable car or not. However, because the Amarok is based on the new 2023 Ranger, we should expect it to be fairly reliable if the new Ranger is anything close to the outgoing Ranger.
The 2022 Ranger is fairly different from the 2023 Ranger, but these do share quite a few parts with each other. As such, the 2022 Ranger was awarded an 85/100 J.D. Power reliability rating which is considered great.
2023 VW Amarok – Value and Practicality
The new VW Amarok is likely to start at around £32,000 including VAT in the UK, around $45,890 in Australia, and around €35,000 in Europe. With higher-end models, this price is going to go up substantially, but these are the ranges for the entry-level models with diesel engines, RWD, and a single-cab configuration.
If practicality is a must, the dual-cab version of the Amarok is the one for you, but if you want enough space for the front and you don’t often transport rear passengers, the single-cab should do. The bed is around 5 feet in size which is the same as with the Ranger. Visibility is also really good thanks to an upright driving position and not too many blind spots.
FAQ Section
Is the 2023 VW Amarok worth it?
If you own an older VW Amarok model and you were thinking about upgrading it, the 2023 model is indeed worth it as it features a whole host of upgrades and is likely going to be reliable because Ford does make reliable smaller pickup trucks.
The benefits of the Amarok over the Ranger are that the Amarok does feel a bit more special and more luxurious which is what people want from a daily driver. All in all, the Amarok is both a good cruiser and a decent workhorse which is exactly what small and mid-size pickup buyers want.
Is the 2023 VW Amarok safe?
Because the 2023 Amarok shares most of its parts with the Ford Ranger, we can expect it to be a really reliable truck. This means that it is going to get all the newest and most advanced assistance features such as blind-spot assist, lane keep assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and many other associated features.
All in all, if safety is a priority, you should have no issues living with the Amarok as it truly does offer a large palette of all the modern-day safety features you’d expect from a 2023 truck.
Which cars rival the 2023 VW Amarok?
The VW Amarok competes with its brother, the Ford Ranger, but also with the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. The Toyota Hilux is also a really similar truck while the Nissan Navara and the Mitsubishi Strada are also stark competitors.
All in all, I think that the Ranger, the Amarok, and the Toyota Hilux are the best in this segment because they are the most usable and best equipped.
