Right in the nick of time, Volkswagen is throwing a new 2023 VW Amarok at us. The timing couldn’t be more perfect since most of the manufacturers are unveiling their designs. Amarok is one of the rare attempts from the German manufacturer to take part in the pickup game. They are more renowned for their skill in making sedans and SUVs and hatchbacks.
But for this adventure, they asked for help from someone who knows a thing or two about making good pickups. Volkswagen did the cooperation with Ford and used their F-150 formula to create something marvelous. And if you were actually worried it worked. The new Amarok is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the road. It has very high numbers when it comes to towing and hauling capacities.
The overall design didn’t change a whole lot, but certain details were changed, for the better. This midsize truck is sure to win the hearts of both European and American truck enthusiasts. But it will be interesting to see how well it fares against proven truck makers like Ford, GM, RAM, and others. Read along to find out more about the upcoming changes on the new Amarok.
Interior Changes
On the inside, the mighty 2023 VW Amarok looks brilliant. It is spacious and roomy and there is more than enough wiggle room. It can seat five people without any issues, with legroom and headroom to spare. Also, designers were able to move things around and place everything perfectly so the cabin isn’t cluttered and passengers have enough space around them. This was done in collaboration between Ford and VW so we can expect to see many details coming from other vehicles made by those two manufacturers.
For example, a lot of Ford Ranger will be seen inside and outside of the Amarok. We can also expect that VW will borrow some design ideas and cues from their SUV line. Seats are leather, suede, and fabric. There is contrast stitching to give more style to the cabin. The color palette is still not official, but we suspect there will be many to choose from. Heated and ventilated seats would further improve the comfort of the car. Allowing passengers to sit for prolonged periods of time, is something you desperately need in a working truck. But this truck isn’t just for work. It can be driven for your everyday activities.
Inside the 2023 VW Amarok, we feel like we are driving in a first-class plane. It is luxurious and dazzling. The instrument panel is lined with chrome and leather accents. This improves the luxury for sure. We have a central infotainment system. The size should be at least 10 inches, so others can join in on the fun. You will be able to control everything connected to a battery from there. We get Apple CarPlay and Android auto along with Bluetooth and a personal wifi hotspot. It would be interesting to see if VW implements a panoramic roof for example like on the Tiguan. That was a great addition, especially in a truck that will be taken off-road on occasions.
Styling Based on Ford Ranger
On the outside, we can see that VW decided to make the 2023 VW Amarok quite futuristic. There is a lack of blocky design. The truck itself is less square and more angular. The overall design was a bit changed to make it more contemporary and to give it a more aggressive look, something you definitely want in a modern pickup.
This in turn also makes the truck more ergonomic and aerodynamic. This will improve many specifications including gas mileage, towing, and hauling capacity. The ride height is quite tall, it is obvious they had the off-roading aspect in mind while designing the exterior. We get a new adjustable air suspension that should push the boundaries of the pickup in the dirt. Bumpers are more prominent and are noticeable, which adds to the menacing design of the 2023 VW Amarok. The wheels are huge, 19-inch alloy rims with beefy tires. Tires are another proof that Amarok is going to be a beast off the tarmac. The front fascia is different, looking more modern than before.
We have a wide and tall front grille made from aluminum like the wheel alloys. This shaves off weight which improves power to weight ratio. Further increasing speed, towing capacity, and overall control of the pickup. We have new headlight designs, now they are linear and thin. Very classy, also they are using the latest LED technology. This improves visibility during the night and safety. We would have liked to see a LED bar on top of the roof to improve it even further but one can only hope.
VW Amarok V6 Engine Specs
In the powertrain department, VW went with the already tested option. They borrowed the engine directly from Ford, and to be precise, they borrowed it from the Ranger. We will have the V6 that Ranger is using. This engine has been tried and tested on and off the tarmac. It is more than capable to tow and hauling and not depleting your wallet. This is a quite important aspect of a vehicle if you ask us. We have a V6 turbo diesel of 3.0-liter capacity.
Another option is a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine. There are rumors brewing about the upcoming hybrid version or all-electric pickup in the works. This is quite possible since Ford has already done it with their F-150 Lightning and there is no reason for VW to not try this with Amarok. EVs are very popular and are definitely the vehicles of the future since we are fighting a battle with global warming. Nothing is official as of yet but it is very possible that this pipe dream becomes a reality.
2023 VW Amarok Price and Release Date
Fans can expect to see the new 2023 VW Amarok on the road sometime in late 2022. This is perfect timing as many manufacturers are releasing their new and refreshed designs. So just in the nick of time to battle it out with other pickups in the same category. Starting price should be around $35000.
Comments