Top Ute War – Ford Ranger v Volkswagen Amarok V6 Comparison Test
Build a sports car and compromises are accepted in order to deliver top dynamics. Create a ute (or pickup) such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak or Volkswagen Amarok V6 Highline and these days the engineering demands are far greater.
Both the $60K-plus Wildtrak and Ultimate must play more than just the classic rugged workhorse role. In the last decade utes, perhaps more than any other category, have leapt well beyond their predecessors in terms of overall ability.
The Ranger and Amarok have long been the top picks in the segment – and, in a clear sign that they have broadened their consumer reach, top model grades have become hugely popular.
This Ford and Volkswagen must remain tough off-road and practical wherever, while being able to double as a roomy family car and high-end conveyance. In essence they are replacing both kid-hauler and tough-as-nails ute in some households.
The question is whether a newly launched V6-engined Amarok – the most powerful and most expensive contender in the segment – can challenge an older but hugely popular Ranger rival that was wholly designed and developed in Australia.
TESTEDFord Ranger Wildtrak ($60,090 plus on-road costs)
Volkswagen Amarok V6 Ultimate ($67,990 plus on-road costs)
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OVERVIEW
Spending $60K-plus on a dual-cab ute could seem absurd. If that’s the case it’s worth remembering that the one-rung-down Ranger XLT costs $55,590 plus on-road costs, while the Amarok V6 Highline starts from $59,990 (plus orc).
Ford charges another $4500 to move to the Wildtrak tested here, while Volkswagen asks for $8000 to upgrade to the Ultimate also present in this comparison test. At least from the outset, however, neither seems worth the extra spend.
The Ranger XLT already gets 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with digital radio/satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology, and front and rear parking sensors with reverse-view camera.