Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux: Here's our winner

It's time to pit the latest Volkswagen Amarok against its mechanical twin, the Ford Ranger, and a local favourite, the Toyota Hilux. Which one gets our vote?

The Volkswagen Amarok is now in its second generation, and is based on the latest Ford Ranger, meaning that it is now also built locally! Now that the Amarok has the tools to take on the very best in its segment, let’s compare it to its opposition. Two key rivals to the Amarok, from a pricing and capability perspective, are the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux. but which one would we choose? Looking to add one of these double cabs to your garage but need to sell your current car first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer on your vehicle!

Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Amarok is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs of 184kW and 400Nm that is sent through all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.  Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.4 L/100km and 0-100km/h has been tested by independent publications overseas at 8.2 seconds.

Standard equipment

The PanAmericana varaint comes as standard with mobile inductive charging, ambient lighting, keyless entry/start, a 12.0-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, 18-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, lane departure and lane keep assist, park assist, blind spot assist, three 12V sockets, multiple USB ports, front electrically adjustable seats, LED headlights, daytime running lights fog lights and taillights, front and rear PDC and a surround-view camera.

Safety

The Volkswagen Amarok received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022.

Practicality

The Amarok offers a permanent all-wheel drive system, a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg, an approach angle of 30.0 degrees, a breakover angle of 21.0-degrees and a departure angle of 26.0-degrees, a wading depth of 800mm and a ground clearance of 235mm. This makes it a very capable double cab bakkie for most lifestyle applications.

Price and value proposition

At R1 053 000, the PanAmericana appears expensive in this company, however, its 5-year/100 000 maintenance plan is unique in this comparison and makes its list price appear more palatable.

The competition

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Wildtrak is the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine as seen in the Amarok, with the same 184kW and 600Nm of torque. The power is sent through all four wheels by the same 10-speed dual-clutch gearbox too.  Fuel consumption is again the same at 8.4 L/100km and it will get from 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

Standard equipment

The Wildtrak comes similarly specified to the Amarok PanAmericana, but loses out on full leather seats and gets partial leather items, and also does not come with a service or maintenance plan as standard.

Safety

The Ranger was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, where it too achieved a 5-Star rating.

Practicality

The Wildtrak is mechanically identical to the Amarok, however, some of its metrics are different with a slightly higher ground clearance of 237mm, the same 30.0-degree approach angle, a better 22.0-degree breakover angle and a lower departure angle of 25.6-degrees, which decreases to 23.0-degrees with a towbar. There’s the same 800mm wading depth and a 3 500kg braked towing capacity, making the Ranger equally impressive when it comes to capability.

Price and value proposition

At R996 500, the nearly R60 000 price difference versus the Amarok, despite its lack of service or maintenance plan, make the Wildtrak a more value-filled proposition than the Volkswagen.

Toyota Hilux Legend RS

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Hilux is the trusty 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine that produces 150Kw and 500Nm that is sent through all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.  Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.0 L/100km and 0-100km/h is dispatched in around 10.5 seconds.

Standard equipment

Aside from the omission of rear privacy glass, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a park assist system and ambient lighting, the Legend RS  features the same level of specification as the Amarok and Ranger in this guise.

Safety

The Hilux was crash tested by ANCAP in 2019 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.

Practicality

With 286mm of ground clearance, a selectable four-wheel drive system, a 3 500kg braked towing capacity, a 29.0-degree approach angle, a 26.0-degree departure angle and a wading depth of 700mm, the Hilux remains an incredibly capable proposition.

Price and value proposition

At R973 800, the Legend RS is the cheapest product here but is outgunned in terms of modernity and performance despite being a local favourite. The Legend also comes with a 9-service/90 000km service plan.

Facts and figures:

* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.

Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.

Verdict

Looking at the figures, the trio of bakkies assembled here are all exceptional, but it would appear that the latest Ford Ranger offers the best overall package among the three products assembled here.

Keyword: Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux: Here's our winner