Volkswagen has released yet another teaser of its next-generation Amarok pickup, this time depicting the midsize truck’s tailgate with large “AMAROK” lettering on it. The new image follows earlier sketches showing what appears to be near-production form, which are included below. Sharing its T6 body-on-frame platform with the newest global Ford Ranger, VW will build the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok in South Africa.
The all-new Amarok will be more versatile and off-road capable than the previous generation. Although the midsize pickup derives its underpinnings from the upcoming global Ranger, it maintains VW design language, which is good news on the styling front.
Designed to transport heavy loads and tackle rugged terrain, the 2023 Amarok has chunkier tires, aggressive wheel arches, and a more muscular body. Elsewhere, the new model gets VW’s signature LED strip, an updated grille, and modern headlights. An “X” design and bolder front end help differentiate it from the outgoing model. The example shown in these teasers looks fully equipped for off-road duty, giving us a glimpse of the extensive options VW will make available for the pickup.
As with the exterior, the automaker overhauled the interior. The main passenger compartment mildly resembles the Ranger cabin, specifically the portrait-style touchscreen and in-dash storage. Besides that, the Amarok sets itself apart with its unique styling and upscale appearance. It features a redesigned steering wheel with extra controls, three-tone upholstery, bolstered seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a streamlined center console. Furthermore, the third-gen will have more driver assistance systems, and Volkswagen claims the Amarok will feature innovations not yet introduced in the segment.
In the powertrain department, the Amarok should come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and have an available 10-speed automatic. Engine choices will likely be the same as the global Ranger. These include a 2.0-liter diesel I-4 (single-turbo and twin-turbo), a 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6—the last of which is hinted at by the “V-6” badge on the tailgate image shown at top.
The midsize pickup has been integral to protecting rhinos since 2011 through a partnership with the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA). Developed by Australia and Europe under Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than 800,000 units have sold worldwide following its debut in 2010. While there’s no official statement yet, the door remains open to the V-Dub truck finally entering the U.S. market.
The newly redesigned 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is scheduled to arrive in late 2022 and will be on sale in Europe, Africa, and South America.
This story was originally published December 9, 2021, and has since been updated to reflect new design sketches and previews from Volkswagen.
Keyword: Volkswagen's Next-Generation, Ford-Based Pickup Truck Is Almost Here