The Next-Gen 2022 VW Amarok Based on Ford Ranger

Volkswagen Group and Ford confirmed their plans for future joint projects. This plan includes the development of vehicles with a modular EV platform. The 2022 VW Amarok is coming and it is a pickup truck that will ride on this platform. Moreover, Amarok will be similar to Ford Ranger mid-size pickup. It is the next-gen model that will go on sale later next year.

Two models will deploy similar powertrain options and both models are coming to the United States. At this point, we don’t know much about the arriving Amarok, but some things are basically official. Here’s everything we know at the moment.

2022 Amarok Redesign

The all-new 2022 VW Amarok will be the next-gen model. For that reason, we expect significant visual upgrades. As we said, Amarok will be based on the same platform as the new Ford Ranger. That means the Amarok will remain a mid-size pickup truck. However, some teasers are all we have about Amarok’s new design. The teaser sketch clearly suggests that this model will offer a crew cab configuration.

On top of that, Amarok will arrive with a familiar boxy appearance. Some styling cues are borrowed from models such as T-Roc and Tiguan. However, the most interesting thing about the new VW Amarok is its front fascia. The mid-size pickup will offer almost the same “Dynamic Shield” design that is available on the Mitsubishi Triton.

New Platform

Volkswagen and Ford will deploy the same EV platform. It is VW’s MEB design that made its debut in the ID 3. The 2022 VW Amarok and Ford Ranger will be just some of the models that are using this architecture. Ford will use this platform for future EVs that will be sold mainly in Europe. According to Ford, the plan is to sell over 600,000 units of the MEB in the next five years.

However, the biggest advantage is the self-driving technology. Volkswagen finished its investment in Argo AI that is one of those self-driving vehicles. Amarok won’t offer such an impressive autonomy level. On the other hand, Volkswagen said that new architecture is also developing safety.

Ford’s Engines a Possibility

At this point, no one knows what will power the next-gen 2022 VW Amarok. Right now, Amarok is available with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that generates 160 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, a 3.6-liter V6 with 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is an optional powertrain. Something will change for sure. Maybe a new Ranger could provide more info.

According to the latest reports, we know the Ranger will offer 2.7-liter V6 gasoline, 2.0- and 3.0-liter diesel engines. As both Amarok and Ranger are sharing the same underpinnings, the same or similar engine lineup makes perfect sense. Lastly, like Ranger Raptor, Amarok will surely get the high-performance “R” variant.

2022 VW Amarok Release Date

So far, we know that the 2022 VW Amarok will be sold in South America, Europe, and Africa. However, Amarok will surely reach the American shores. In order to avoid Chicken Tax on imported trucks, Ford will build the Amarok for Volkswagen and the sales will begin in the last quarter of 2021.