The 2023 VW Amarok is coming completely redesigned! Those are the latest reports about VW’s pickup, which has been in production for more than a decade. The new generation is finally on the way and from what we know so far, the German manufacturer won’t design the new model on its own. Instead, it will work together with Ford and offer a pickup that borrows a lot of design solutions from the next-generation Ranger, which is also about to arrive soon.
At this point, the exact details are still unknown. Still, we know for sure that the 2023 VW Amarok will ride on Ford’s platform and that it will probably use its engines. On the other hand, the styling and interior design will be completely different. In any case, the new model should bring so-much-needed improvements, whether it’s about utility, off-road performance or visual appeal.
We expect that the new model will hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022.
2023 VW Amarok Redesign
The current generation has been around since 2010, so it’s not hard to conclude that it needs changes. As we already mentioned, the new model will be co-developed with Ford. Simply, the development of the original model took years and it looks like VW doesn’t have time to do the same thing again. So, the second generation will be based on Ford Ranger, which is also getting a new iteration soon.
The 2023 VW Amarok will ride on the updated version of the T6 platform, just like the new Ranger. Such a layout will bring all kinds of improvements to the Amarok, especially in terms of a more capable drivetrain, rugged suspension setup on other things that are vastly important for pickups. Also, the new platform will open room for new powertrain options, which will also be borrowed from Ford.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior design, one of the first things that come to mind is the size. Considering that the new 2023 VW Amarok will switch to the Ranger’s platform it will grow in size. The current generation features around 121 inches in wheelbase, while the Ranger is good for about 127 inches and it is a notably bigger vehicle in every aspect. We expect that the two models will feature the same dimensions in the future.
When it comes to styling, the current generation doesn’t look particularly attractive. Moreover, it looks dull, even for a pickup truck. That’s why we have big expectations from the new model, which should adopt the brand’s latest design language and offer a more dynamic appearance. Both single and double cab variants are expected, while some rumors also suggest an SUV version for certain markets.
Interior
Of course, a new cabin design will come as well. At this point, it’s still early for details, but expect to see a dashboard design in typical VW fashion, with quality materials and great build quality. Of course, we also count on lots of tech features, starting from a large infotainment screen, smartphone connectivity and other things. Higher trim levels could also offer the company’s well-known digital instrument cluster.
When it comes to the interior space, we already mentioned that both single and double cab versions are expected. Of course, single cab models would accommodate two passengers, while the double cab model would come with the second row that also has enough space to accommodate adults comfortably. A decently sized cargo bed is also expected.
2023 VW Amarok Engines
When it comes to engines, some sources speculate about the possibility to see VW installing its own engines. However, Ford’s powertrain seems like a far more probable scenario. Therefore, we expect to see familiar units of the Blue Oval company. Base versions will probably feature a new version of the company’s well-known 2.0-liter turbodiesel. It should feature a max output f around 210 horsepower. Higher trim levels would be offered with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which puts out around 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Both engines would come in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
There is also a possibility to see a gasoline version on the offer in certain parts of the world. For that occasion, we presume that the 2023 VW Amarok would come with Ford’s 2.3-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 270 horsepower ad 310 pound-feet of torque, which also comes in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2023 VW Amarok Release Date and Competition
We expect to see 2023 VW Amarok sometime in the second half of 2022. When it comes to the competition, it’s very familiar and refers mostly to Japanese pickups, such as Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 etc.