Is the VW Amarok a Ford Ranger?
The automotive world is full of collaborations and shared platforms, and the VW Amarok and Ford Ranger are prime examples of this trend. While they share some similarities, they are not identical vehicles. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between these two popular pickup trucks and what sets them apart.
The Collaboration Between Volkswagen and Ford
Volkswagen and Ford entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop certain vehicles, including the latest generation of the VW Amarok and Ford Ranger. This collaboration allows both companies to share development costs and leverage each other’s expertise in the pickup truck segment. As a result, the new VW Amarok is built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, known as the T6 platform.
What Does Platform Sharing Mean?
Platform sharing means that the two vehicles share a common underlying structure, including the chassis, suspension, and some drivetrain components. However, this does not mean that the VW Amarok is simply a rebadged Ford Ranger. Here are some key differences:
- Exterior Design: The VW Amarok features unique styling that aligns with Volkswagen’s design language, including a distinct grille, headlights, and body lines.
- Interior Features: The interior of the Amarok is tailored to Volkswagen’s standards, with different materials, layouts, and infotainment systems compared to the Ranger.
- Engine Options: While some engine options may overlap, Volkswagen and Ford offer different powertrains in certain markets to cater to their respective customer bases.
- Brand Identity: Each vehicle is marketed and positioned differently, with Volkswagen emphasizing premium features and Ford focusing on rugged utility.
Are They the Same Vehicle?
In short, no. While the VW Amarok and Ford Ranger share a platform and some components, they are distinct vehicles with unique characteristics. The Amarok is designed to appeal to Volkswagen’s customer base, offering a more refined and premium experience, while the Ranger is aimed at those seeking a tough, work-ready pickup truck.
Conclusion
The VW Amarok and Ford Ranger are excellent examples of how automakers can collaborate to create vehicles that cater to different audiences while sharing development resources. If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, your choice between the two will likely come down to personal preference, brand loyalty, and the specific features you value most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Amarok cars?
Volkswagen
Volkswagen itself engineered and built the first-generation Amarok. But the second-gen version, launched last year, is part of a wider collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen to jointly develop light vans and trucks.
Is VW owned by Ford?
The Volkswagen brand is owned and managed by Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, also known as Volkswagen AG.
What type of car is an Amarok?
Tough to its very core, Amarok is built on a robust ladder chassis frame, and set on heavy-duty leaf springs. As a Single Cab, it's available as both a Ute and a Cab Chassis giving you the flexibility to tailor the Amarok to suit your needs.
Is the Amarok available in the USA?
This mid-size pickup is built in South Africa and sold in many parts of the world, although not in the U.S. While the Amarok is based on the Ford Ranger, every exterior body panel is different, and you don't need to squint too hard to see what lurks underneath.
Are Ford Ranger and VW Amarok the same?
THE new VW Amarok pickup truck was developed as a joint project between VW and Ford. However, both the Amarok and Ford Ranger share the same production line in the same factory in South Africa. Both share the same engines and chassis etc, with only mild design differences to the body skins.
Is the Amarok built by Ford?
The second-generation Amarok was released on 7 July 2022. Designed and conceived in Germany and Australia, it is built by Ford at its South African assembly plant in Silverton, and shares the new Ford Ranger's platform as part of the 2019 Ford-VW global alliance cooperation agreement.
What is a VW Amarok classed as?
Indeed, the VW Amarok is not classified as a car but as a commercial vehicle, which is typical for most double cab pick-ups.
Is the VW Amarok any good?
Whichever engine and trim level you go for, the Amarok shows just how far the best pickups have come. It handles really well for a truck, with precise steering and relatively little lean when cornering. The cabin is solidly put together, with lots of space front and rear.
Are VW using Ford engines?
The powertrains in the all-new Tourneo Connect are shared with the VW Caddy, and have been developed by Volkswagen. The engines are named EcoBlue and EcoBoost to ensure consistent branding with other models in the Ford passenger car range which offer powertrains with similar technical features and performance.
Is a Ford Raptor a Ranger?
Get to know the Ranger Raptor
Inspired by desert racing, Ranger Raptor has been developed by the Australian design and engineering team with Ford Performance DNA for true enthusiasts. Build and price your dream Ranger Raptor. A Ford Performance vehicle, a highly capable off-roader and a versatile pick-up all in one.
