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Welcome to the Volkswagen Amarok vs Ford Ranger Mk2 comparison (2016 models). No secret the Amarok is over priced under spec’ed and dubious engine pollution controls. The Ranger Mk2 is a noticeable upgrade from the original release and different from it’s ‘former’ twin the Mazda BT-50. No secret also that in this class, we like the Ranger except for it pricing but love the Triton for the entire package. The rest of the utes in the class are essentially equal, each one with their own charms.
VW Amarok vs For Ranger Mk2 exterior comparison: The Amarok does look nice and inoffensive. The Ranger is clearly a more truck like or masculine body design. We prefer the Ranger in this area it just looks like what a commercial truck should look like. Both are conservative though in terms of current automotive design trends.
VW Amarok vs Ford Ranger Mk2 interior comparison: The Ranger Mk2 has the nicest interior designs in the class albeit traditional in style. The mostly digital dash looks the nicest and when optioned correctly feels worth the money although not exactly a bargain despite being made in Thailand? One thing we don;t like about the interior though is the light grey tone it look like it’s from the 1980’s. The Amarok’s interior is Ok but shows its age and poor design choices aka relatively small cabin for the size. That said both are not as large on the inside as they are on the outside. Regardless easy win to the Ranger Mk2.
VW Amarok vs For Ranger Mk2 engines and technology comparison: The Amarok has average tech and engines options. The ripoff tuning is still not acceptable for the starting price. On the other hand the Ranger has all the latest safety and entertainment systems or at least the option of – so it does come at a price. The real 4WD system in the Ford leads vs the lower 1st gear for the Amarok is again short cut tech but rip off as anyone can put in a lower gear. In there real world its not called false advertising but a dubious one. Finally the heavier weight without the extra gearbox means that there’s some old tech in there. Easy win for the Ford Ranger in the engine and tech department and for honesty.
VW Amarok vs Ford Ranger drive comparison: As before the Amarok is arguably the softest riding ute in the class the handling is just like any other Ute however but the newest Triton for example has better feel and arguably quieter. The Ford yet to be driven.
To conclude the logical best ute to buy is the Ford Ranger Mk 2. We’ve written about issues with the Amarok so many times and nothing has been addressed except for marketing which is a bit sad. The Ranger Mk2 is a decent upgrade to the original it’s got everything except for better pricing. But is it worth it – paying more – No it simply doesn’t have the long term street cred or reliability history compared to the other brands that have developed over a very long time. However if the model is supported over time there is a very good chance paying more will be worth it.
Note that the specifications are for the most popular variant the 4×4 Dual-cab.
VW Amarok |
Ford Ranger Mk2 |
Engines | |
TDI420 and TDI400 2 Litre (1968cc) Diesel Twin Turbo DOHC 16V DI CR Claimed 132Kw @ 4000 RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1750 RPM or Claimed 132Kw @ 4000 RPM Claimed 400Nm @ 1500 RPM |
IL5 Cylinder Diesel 3.2 Litre (3198cc) Diesel Turbo DOHC 20V EFI DI CR Claimed 147Kw @ 3000 RPM Claimed 470Nm @ 1750 RPM |
TDI340 2 Litre (1968cc) Diesel DOHC 16 Valve with EFI DI CR Turbo charged with intercooler Claimed 90Kw @ 3750 RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 1750 RPM |
2.2 Litre (2198cc) Diesel Turbo DOHC EFI DI CR Claimed 118Kw @ 3200 RPM Claimed 385Nm @ 1600 RPM |
Weight | |
FROM 2047 Kg Towing capacity up to 2800kg |
FROM 2000 Kg Towing capacity up to 3500kg |
Fuel capacity & consumption | |
Up to 80 litres 420 Twin Turbo Diesel 8 lts per 100km |
Up to 80 litres Diesel 2.2lts 9.2 lts per 100km Diesel 3.2lts 8.8 lts per 100km |
Other specifications | |
6 speed manual or 8 speed Auto Overall height/width 1835/1954 Overall length/wheelbase 5254/3095 Tray L1555 x W1222-1620 x D508 mm Total payload capability 500kg (Approx) NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1795/1860 Overall length/wheelbase 5362/3220 Tray L1549 x W1560 x D511 mm Total payload capability 1120kg (Approx) NCAP safety rating ?/5 |
Capability | |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach 28 Departure 23 Breakover N/A Minimum ground clearance 429mm Water Fording depth 500mm Max All Wheel Drive or 2WD |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach 28′ Departure 27′ Breakover 24′ Minimum ground clearance 232 mm Water Fording depth 800mm Max Dual range 4WD or 2WD |
Performance | |
Pricing (Dual-Cab) |
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2015 $41,990 – 65,990 AUD From $41,990 Dual Cab 4WD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |
2015 $26,490 – 57,890 AUD From $38,990 Dual Cab 4WD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |