New Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger: which ute has better specs?

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Volkswagen has given us more insight into the specifications and grade line-up of its new-generation Amarok dual-cab ute, with five variants to be available at launch. 

These include Amarok, Life, Style, Panamericana and Aventura grades. Local pricing for the new Amarok is yet to be released. 

But how does the new Amarok directly compare to the Ford Ranger? 

Mid-grade line-up: Volkswagen Amarok Style VS Ford Ranger XLT

Engine and available options 

Both rival variants come standard with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces identical outputs of 154kW/500Nm, but both have the option of the highly desirable 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that has higher outputs of 184kW/600Nm.

Standard specifications 

Standard equipment on the Volkswagen Amarok Style includes matrix LED headlights, LED fog lights and tail-lights, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, eight-way manual front passenger seat, 18-inch wheels, a 12-inch central touchscreen and a 12-inch instrument cluster.  

In contrast, the Ford Ranger XLT comes with LED headlights, halogen fog lights, smaller 17-inch wheels, manual adjustment for the driver and front passenger seats, a slightly smaller 10.1-inch touchscreen and an 8.0-inch instrument cluster. 

The Amarok Style gains a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, zone lighting and an integrated brake controller over the Ford Ranger XLT.

Similarities 

Both models are fitted as standard with a sports bar and tow bar for accessibility. Both variants also have fabric seats, however the Amarok Style has leather trim as an available option. 

High-end line-up: Volkswagen Amarok Aventura VS Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Engine and available options 

The Volkswagen Amarok Aventura comes standard with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that produces outputs of 184kW/600Nm, however the option will be available at launch to specify the Aventura with the 2.3-litre Ford-sourced Ecoboost turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine as found in cars such as the current Ford Mustang and Ford Focus ST.

This powertrain makes a total power output of 222kW, however torque is not stated just yet. We know that in other forms, this 2.3-litre unit can produce up to 450Nm of torque in the right tune. 

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is powered by the 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that makes 154KW/500Nm, however the more powerful 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre diesel V6 engine can be optioned. 

Both models come standard with the 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Standard specifications 

The Volkswagen Amarok Aventura comes standard with matrix LED headlights and LED elements for the DRLs and fog lamps. Also standard are large 21-inch alloy wheels, leather-lined seats, 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, a 12-inch infotainment screen, a premium sound system, a 12-inch instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control. 

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has full LED headlights and tail-lights, smaller 18-inch alloy wheels, leather Wildtrak-branded seats, eight-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats and dual-zone climate control. 

Similarities

Both high-end variants from Volkswagen and Ford have rear air vents, adjustable steering wheel height and reach, roof rails, a rear tub bedliner, power roller shutter for the tray, a sailplane sports bar, a tow bar and an integrated brake controller as standard. 

Ford Ranger 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• XL 4×2 HR Single CC 2.0L SiT 6AT $35,930
• XL 4×2 HR Super CC 2.0L SiT 6AT $38,430
• XL 4×2 HR Double CC 2.0L SiT 6AT $40,430
• XL 4×2 HR Double PU 2.0L SiT 6AT $42,330
• XLS 4×2 HR Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $46,730
• XL 4×4 Single CC 2.0L BiT 10AT $47,030
• XL 4×4 Double CC 2.0L SiT 6AT $48,030 
• XL 4×4 Super CC 2.0L BiT 10AT $49,530 
• XL 4×4 Double PU 2.0L SiT 6AT $49,930 
• XL 4×4 Double CC 2.0L BiT 10AT $51,530 
• XL 4×4 Super PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $51,430
• XL 4×4 Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $53,430 
• XLT 4×2 HR Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $53,990
• XLS 4×4 Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $54,330
• XLT 4×4 Super PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $59,190 
• XLT 4×4 Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $61,190 
• XLT 4×4 Double CC 3.0L V6 10AT $62,290
• XLT 4×4 Double PU 3.0L V6 10AT $64,190
• Sport 4×4 Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $63,690 
• Sport 4×4 Double PU 3.0L V6 10AT $66,690 
• Wildtrak 4×4 Double PU 2.0L BiT 10AT $67,190 
• Wildtrak 4×4 Double PU 3.0L V6 10AT $70,190
• Raptor 4×4 Double PU 3.0L V6 EcoBoost 10AT $85,490