Ford Maverick Vs Amarok: Who Will Win The Toughness Test? A Comprehensive Comparison

The world of pickup trucks is filled with fierce competition, and two of the most talked-about contenders are the Ford Maverick and the Volkswagen Amarok. Both vehicles offer impressive capabilities, stylish designs, and advanced features, making it challenging for buyers to decide which one to choose. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Ford Maverick and the Amarok, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance:

1. Power and Torque:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick comes standard with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. It also offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine that generates 241 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque.

2. Transmission and Drivetrain:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick is available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the hybrid engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission for the turbocharged engine. Both variants come with front-wheel drive as standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system as standard. It features a permanent all-wheel drive system with a Torsen differential, providing excellent traction and off-road capabilities.

Towing and Payload Capacity:

1. Towing Capacity:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped with the optional towing package.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok boasts a more impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.

2. Payload Capacity:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick offers a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok has a higher payload capacity of up to 1,984 pounds.

Interior and Features:

1. Cabin Design and Comfort:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick features a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for five. It offers a modern and user-friendly dashboard layout with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok’s interior is more upscale and refined, with premium materials and a well-crafted design. It comes with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof.

2. Safety and Driver Assistance Features:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offers optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok is equipped with an extensive range of safety and driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. It also features a surround-view camera system and a park assist system.

Off-Road Capabilities:

1. Ground Clearance and Approach Angles:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches and approach angles of 30.2 degrees and 21.6 degrees for the front and rear, respectively.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok offers a higher ground clearance of 9.8 inches and more impressive approach angles of 32.5 degrees and 26.5 degrees for the front and rear, respectively.

2. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick’s all-wheel drive system features a terrain management system with five selectable modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok’s four-wheel drive system is more advanced, with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential. It also offers a variety of off-road modes, including Off-Road, Snow, and Mud/Sand.

Fuel Efficiency and Range:

1. Fuel Economy:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick Hybrid delivers an impressive fuel economy of up to 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine offers a fuel economy of up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok’s 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine provides a fuel economy of up to 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

2. Range:

• Ford Maverick: With a 13.8-gallon fuel tank, the Maverick Hybrid has a range of up to 582 miles in the city and 455 miles on the highway. The turbocharged engine offers a range of up to 345 miles in the city and 450 miles on the highway.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok’s 23-gallon fuel tank provides a range of up to 690 miles in the city and 870 miles on the highway.

Pricing and Availability:

1. Pricing:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick has a starting price of $21,490 for the XL trim and goes up to $29,740 for the Lariat trim.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok has a starting price of $36,995 for the S trim and goes up to $50,995 for the Aventura trim.

2. Availability:

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick is available at Ford dealerships across the United States.

• Volkswagen Amarok: The Amarok is not currently available in the United States, but it is expected to arrive in 2023.

Recommendations: The Verdict

The Ford Maverick and the Volkswagen Amarok are both compelling choices in the pickup truck segment, offering distinct advantages and catering to different needs. The Maverick stands out with its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, affordable pricing, and user-friendly features. On the other hand, the Amarok impresses with its powerful diesel engine, superior towing and payload capacities, and advanced off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the decision between these two capable trucks depends on individual preferences, budget, and intended usage.

Questions You May Have

1. Which truck has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Maverick or the Volkswagen Amarok?

• The Ford Maverick Hybrid offers superior fuel efficiency compared to the Volkswagen Amarok, with an impressive 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2. Does the Ford Maverick have a higher towing capacity than the Volkswagen Amarok?

• No, the Volkswagen Amarok has a higher towing capacity of 7,700 pounds compared to the Ford Maverick’s maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.

3. Which truck has a more spacious and comfortable interior, the Ford Maverick or the Volkswagen Amarok?

• The Volkswagen Amarok has a more spacious and upscale interior compared to the Ford Maverick, offering premium materials, a larger infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof.

4. Does the Ford Maverick come with more safety features than the Volkswagen Amarok?

• The Volkswagen Amarok offers a more extensive range of safety and driver assistance features compared to the Ford Maverick, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.

5. Which truck is more capable off-road, the Ford Maverick or the Volkswagen Amarok?

• The Volkswagen Amarok has superior off-road capabilities compared to the Ford Maverick, with a higher ground clearance, more impressive approach angles, and a more advanced four-wheel drive system with a Torsen differential.