Ford Ranger Vs Vw Amarok 2016: The Ultimate Showdown unbiased Review

In the fiercely competitive world of pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok stand as two of the most formidable contenders. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities, advanced features, and a reputation for reliability. But how do they compare head-to-head? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll pit the Ford Ranger against the VW Amarok in a detailed comparison, examining their specifications, performance, features, and overall value.

Power and Performance: A Clash of Titans

Under the hood, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok pack powerful engines that deliver impressive performance. The Ranger offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 that generates 200 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque.

The Amarok, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter bi-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 180 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, it also offers a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that delivers 224 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of towing and payload capacity, both trucks are evenly matched. The Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. The Amarok, on the other hand, can tow up to 7,716 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,984 pounds.

Off-Road Prowess: Conquering Rugged Terrains

When it comes to off-road capabilities, both the Ranger and Amarok are equipped with advanced features that allow them to tackle challenging terrains with ease. The Ranger features an FX4 Off-Road Package that includes skid plates, off-road tires, and an electronic-locking rear differential. It also offers an optional Terrain Management System that allows drivers to select different driving modes for various conditions.

The Amarok, on the other hand, boasts a permanent four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. It also features an optional Off-Road Package that includes underbody protection, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Refined Driving Experience

Inside the cabin, both the Ranger and Amarok offer a comfortable and well-equipped environment for drivers and passengers. The Ranger features a spacious interior with supportive seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a variety of storage compartments.

The Amarok’s interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a well-laid-out dashboard. It also comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.

Safety Features: Ensuring Peace of Mind

When it comes to safety, both the Ranger and Amarok come equipped with a comprehensive suite of features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Ranger offers a variety of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. It also features a rearview camera and a blind-spot monitoring system.

The Amarok also comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. It also offers a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a lane departure warning system.

Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok offer comparable ratings. The Ranger with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Ranger with the 3.2-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The Amarok with the 2.0-liter bi-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Amarok with the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Pricing and Value: Weighing the Options

When it comes to pricing, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok offer competitive options for buyers. The Ranger starts at an MSRP of $25,395 for the XL trim level, while the Amarok starts at an MSRP of $26,990 for the S trim level.

The Verdict: A Closely Contested Battle

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Both trucks offer impressive capabilities, advanced features, and a reputation for reliability. The Ranger excels in terms of power and performance, while the Amarok offers a slightly more refined interior and a more fuel-efficient engine.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which truck has a higher towing capacity?

The VW Amarok has a slightly higher towing capacity of 7,716 pounds compared to the Ford Ranger‘s 7,500 pounds.

2. Which truck has a more powerful engine?

The Ford Ranger with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 270 horsepower, which is slightly more than the VW Amarok‘s 2.0-liter bi-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 180 horsepower.

3. Which truck has a more comfortable interior?

Both trucks offer comfortable interiors, but the VW Amarok has a slightly more refined interior with high-quality materials and a well-laid-out dashboard.

4. Which truck has better fuel efficiency?

The VW Amarok with the 2.0-liter bi-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine achieves slightly better fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway compared to the Ford Ranger’s 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.

5. Which truck has a lower starting price?

The Ford Ranger has a lower starting price of $25,395 compared to the VW Amarok’s starting price of $26,990.