- UPDATE, May 25, 2022: New 2023 Volkswagen Amarok teased in ‘concept’ form
- The story to here
- 2023 Volkswagen Amarok: new details revealed
- EXTRA: 2023 Volkswagen Amarok imagined
- The 2023 Amarok is bigger than before
- 2023 Volkswagen Amarok powertrains
- New Amarok design, inside and out
- 2023 Volkswagen Amarok trim grades
UPDATE, May 25, 2022: New 2023 Volkswagen Amarok teased in ‘concept’ form
A new preview for the upcoming 2023 Amarok has been handed down, this time coming in the form of a shadowy computer-generated video published to the LinkedIn profile of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles design boss Albert-Johann Kirzinger.
The video, embedded below and captured in a still image above, offers a decent look at the silhouette of Volkswagen’s second-generation Amarok, which will share its architecture and much of its sheetmetal with the new 2023 Ford Ranger.
Mike Stevens
For more on the new Amarok, see our evolving story below.
The story to here
2023 Volkswagen Amarok: new details revealed
Snapshot
- 2023 Amarok bigger than outgoing model, 100mm longer
- New heavily digital cabin
- Petrol and diesel engines, but Australian options TBC
It’s been a long time coming, but we can finally take our first look at the new 2023 Volkswagen Amarok – albeit in camouflage, thanks to a set of new photos released this week.
New details around equipment and specifications have also emerged, painting a solid picture of what we will see in the market towards the end of 2022 (at the earliest).
Designed and tested in both Australia and Germany, based on 2022 Ford Ranger underpinnings and manufactured in South Africa, the new-generation Amarok is an important vehicle for VW to get right.
With over 830,000 Amaroks sold to date in Europe, South America, South Africa and in the Oceania regions, according to Volkswagen, the key for future success revolves around engineering solid drive systems, high load-carrying capabilities, system functionality and a focus on off-road ability.
EXTRA: 2023 Volkswagen Amarok imagined
Using the photos in this story, we’ve had our brilliant rendering artist Theottle put together a pair of new images that we reckon offer the closest look yet at the new-gen Amarok.
Enjoy them here. The rest of this story continues below.
The 2023 Amarok is bigger than before
The new Amarok is larger than the current model, including an expected longer wheelbase of 3270mm – an increase of 175mm. This means more space in the Amarok’s cabin, and a higher payload capacity now claimed to be 1200kg. The industry benchmark towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes is also said to be retained.
With a longer wheelbase, the new VW Amarok will have less overhang, providing a better approach and departure angle for improved off-road ability. Overall dimensions have been stretched to 5350mm too, which is an increase of 100mm in total length.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok powertrains
Engine and gearbox options for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed, although Volkswagen have told us there will be a choice of one petrol engine and up to four different diesel engines globally – depending on the market.
This line-up will consist of four- and-six-cylinder engines, ranging in cubic capacity from 2.0 to 3.0 litres. And, again while not yet announced, it seems a safe bet to assume Australia will receive a V6 turbo diesel engine.
New Amarok design, inside and out
On the styling front, it’s easy to see this isn’t just a bigger ute, but it’s bolder in design with a traditional VW upright design bonnet, upper bars across the radiator grille and narrow LED headlights that will be standard on all 2022 VW Amaroks.
Lighting upgrades can be further optioned with what Volkswagen is calling ‘IQ.Light – LED matric headlights’ which reportedly underline the Amarok’s high-tech look.
Regarding the styling inspiration for the new Amarok, Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has this to say: “For the new generation we have significantly modified the Amarok’s archetypal design. It is now unambiguously more expressive and once again appreciably more impressive.
“The aerodynamic styling bar – a hoop that straddles the cargo box – serves as an optical elongation of the double cab into the box, emphasising the dynamic and solid proportions of the new Amarok bodywork.”
The rear of the Amarok is a new design also, with LED lighting and a wide tailgate embossed with Amarok branding. Speaking of wide, yes, you can still fit a full-sized euro pallet sideways between the wheel arches, with tie-down points in the tub to secure bulky loads.
Interior styling and quality is also expected to take a leap beyond the current model Amarok, which has remained largely untouched since its original release back in 2010/2011.
Expect some of the new Ford Ranger’s tech (pictured above) to appear in the new Amarok
Safety technology is also improved, thanks to more than 30 driver assist systems, with over 20 of those being completely new additions to the Amarok range.
Just like the new Ranger, the interior will be largely digitally controlled, with a centrally mounted tablet-style infotainment display handling most of the vehicle’s day-to-day operations, and off-road modes.
Comfort has always been a strongpoint of the Amarok, as such this is said to be further enhanced with more space inside the cabin, as well as upgraded seating front and rear, with VW saying there will be ample space in the rear to seat three adults.
Above: the new Ford Ranger’s cabin
2023 Volkswagen Amarok trim grades
There will be five trim specifications available in the new Amarok range, starting with the entry-level model dubbed simply ‘Amarok’.
Next up the tree is the ‘Life’, followed by ‘Style’, leading up to the ‘PanAmericana’ (off-road character) and the ‘Aventura’ (on-road character).
It’s great to see manufacturers offering vehicles with off-road accessories from the factory, as well as more on-road focused models so you can choose what suits your needs best at the time of purchase.
Maximum wheel-size specification has also been announced, with offerings up to a very off-road unfriendly 21-inch (other wheel sizes are yet to be confirmed), however it appears all-terrain tyres will be offered from the factory, which is a positive sign. Fingers crossed we’ll still have access to 17-inch wheels – the industry standard for modern off-roaders, we reckon.
Pricing is yet to be announced; we will report on this and update as soon as further details emerge.
