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Don’t be so quick to pass on the Volkswagen Amarok. This truck was almost discontinued until Ford swooped in to save it. While the 2022 Volkswagen Amarok may share things in common with the Ford Ranger, it goes far beyond simple rebadging. 

What to expect with the 2022 Volkswagen Amarok 

2022 Volkswagen Amarok teaser
2022 Volkswagen Amarok teaser | Volkswagen

The 2022 Volkswagen Amarok should debut soon. According to MotorAuthority, a few prototypes have been caught, but they were heavily covered in camouflage. Also, VW is releasing teaser sketches. The debut could be any day now! 

While the 2022 VW Amarok will ride on the updated T6 body-on-frame platform like the new Ford Ranger, both trucks are actually quite different. They only have similar door designs. Both models feature a unique grille, fender, and headlight designs. 

Plus, the VW Amarok is now four inches longer than before and measures about 210 inches in length. It has a winder, more confident stance too. With a higher ground clearance, the Amarok could be more rugged and off-road capable too. 

How much power will the 2022 VW Amarok have? 

We’re still waiting to learn more about the 2022 Volkswagen Amarok, but rumors suggest that it could gain an updated version of the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine. It currently provides 255 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. This engine might not meet the higher emission standard in America. 

Reportedly, the Amarok could gain Ford Ranger engines. The 2023 Ford Ranger offers a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine with 254 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

However, the diesel and manual options probably won’t make it to America. The American Ranger is expected to carry over its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. 

It’s possible that this engine could be easy to pair with the Amarok, and of course, hybrid and electric variants could arrive later. 

There is speculation about a Volkswagen Amarok R model to rival the Ford Ranger Raptor. The new Ford Ranger Raptor has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 392 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, the VW Amarok can tow up to 7,700 lbs, which is incredible. It could gain more power. 

Will the VW Amarok come to America? 

Maybe! There have been rumors and patent filings that suggest the 2022 Volkswagen Amarok could be available here one day. But most people think it will only be released in other countries. It might not be able to compete with the Ranger here. 

Plus, the Amarok is being built at a plant in South Africa! It would need to be made in the United States to avid the expensive 25 percent chicken tax. So far, the Amarok is only confirmed for European, South American, and African markets. 

But the Ranger is being built in Michigan, so there is potential for the Amarok to be made there. This could be the beginning of a beautiful Ford and VW friendship. We should learn more soon and will keep you updated.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.