A side-by-side comparison of specifications for the new Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger twins show the German badge is heading upmarket with technology, features and, likely, price.
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An initial side-by-side specifications comparison among popular variants of the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok and 2023 Ford Ranger double-cab utes has revealed the German brand plans to take the high road when it comes to standard equipment.
While this is not a complete list of options for every model – and is based on information issued to Volkswagen dealers to show the advantages of the new VW Amarok versus the new Ford Ranger – the data reveals Volkswagen has favoured premium technology where possible.
For example, matrix headlights – which mask portions of the high beam to prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled – are available as standard on three of the five Volkswagen Amarok model grades, whereas the same technology is an extra-cost option on the flagship Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
Volkswagen has opted for 21-inch wheels and low-profile tyres on its flagship while the Ford Ranger Wildtrak sticks with 18-inch alloys and off-road rubber.
Volkswagen has also democratised widescreen digital instrument displays, equipping several models with 12-inch clusters while Ford only offers 8.0-inch screens.
A 12-inch digital widescreen is, for now, only available of the performance flagship, the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Conversely, it appears Volkswagen has not equipped all variants of the new Amarok with some handy features found on the Ford Ranger.
For example, the Volkswagen Amarok does not have step wedges in the lower section of the rear fenders (for easier access to the ute tub).
And while Ford has equipped all models in the Ranger line-up – from the cheapest to the dearest – with every piece of available safety technology, Volkswagen has curiously chosen to not include some items considered basic.
For example, blind zone warning and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the cheaper Volkswagen Amarok grades.
Ford also might argue the newly-introduced Ranger Sport is a more appropriate match for the Amarok Style.
Either way, the release of preliminary Australian spec sheets is certain to start debate among fans of the jointly-developed Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok pick-ups.
Drive will also compile a more detailed chart as more information becomes available.
For now, this is the information Volkswagen has shared with its dealers to try to sway Ford Ranger buyers to switch allegiances.
| 2022 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab 4×4 | 2023 VW Amarok Style Double Cab 4×4 | |
| Standard engine | Twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (154kW/500Nm) | Twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (154kW/500Nm) |
| Optional engine | Single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) | Single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) |
| Headlights | Regular LED | Matrix LED |
| Fog lights | Halogen | LED |
| Tail-lights | LED | LED |
| Wheels | 17-inch | 18-inch |
| Seat material | Fabric | Fabric (leather option) |
| Driver seat | Eight-way manual adjustment | 10-way power adjustment |
| Passenger seat | Four-way manual adjustment | Eight-way manual adjustment |
| Leather steering wheel | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch screen | 12-inch screen |
| Premium alarm | No | Yes |
| 360-degree camera | No | Yes |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes |
| Zone lighting | No | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | 8.0-inch digital | 12-inch digital |
| Rear privacy glass | No | Yes |
| Sports bar | Yes | Yes |
| Step wedges in rear fenders | Yes | No |
| Tow bar | Yes | Yes |
| Brake controller | No | Yes |
| 2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak Double Cab 4×4 | 2023 VW Amarok Aventura Double Cab 4×4 | |
| Engine 1 | Twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (154kW/500Nm) | Single-turbo 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol (222kW/452Nm) |
| Engine 2 | Single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) | Single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) |
| Headlights | Regular LED (Matrix LED optional) | Matrix LED |
| Foglights | LED | LED |
| Tail-lights | LED | LED |
| Wheels | 18-inch | 21-inch |
| Seat material | Leather (with Wildtrak branding) | Leather |
| Driver seat | Eight-way power adjustment | 10-way power adjustment |
| Passenger seat | Eight-way power adjustment | 10-way power adjustment |
| Leather steering wheel | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment | 12-inch | 12-inch |
| Premium alarm | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree camera | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Zone lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | 8.0-inch | 12-inch |
| Rear privacy glass | Yes | Yes |
| Sail plane | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic roller shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Step wedges in rear fenders | Yes | No |
| Tow bar | Yes | Yes |
| Brake controller | Yes | Yes |
