The 2023 Amarok continues its archetypal design, but strengthened to give it a more powerful look. Upfront is a horizontal upper radiator grille and narrow LED headlights and the words, “Amarok” embossed above the number plate. At the sides are wheels up to 21-inches in diameter, filling in the half-round, flat-topped wheel arches. At the back is a wide tailgate with the words, “Amarok” spelt across its width and C-shaped LED taillights.

A mechanical twin of the all-new Ranger, the Amarok measures in at 5,350 mm in length (wheelbase is at 3,270 mm). It’s 1,910 mm wide, while depending on the exact tire and wheel combination, overall height is up to 1,888 mm. Its off-road credentials have been improved with a maximum water fording depth of 800 mm. Thanks to the now shorter bodywork overhangs, the off-road qualities have also been improved by optimized approach angles: 29 degrees front and 21 degrees back. The ramp angle between the axles is also exactly 21 degrees.

Inside, the Amarok debuts what Volkswagen calls a Digital Cockpit with its 8-inch digital instruments and a tablet-style 10- or 12-inch infotainment screen. Regardless of screen size, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Features include an electronic parking brake, a 10-way power adjust for the driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The Amarok shares the next-generation Ranger’s powertrain and for that, the range starts with a single turbo 2.0-liter with 150 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. One level up is a 170 horsepower, 405 Nm of torque version. The most powerful 4-cylinder engine is a bi-turbo version of the same engine with 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the strongest motor is a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel with 250 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque.

A single gasoline engine—a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is also available. This version arrives with 302 horsepower and 452 Nm of torque.

With regards to transmissions, depending on the engine, it’ll come with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or 10-speed automatic.

Up to six different intelligent driving profiles assist the driver, making driving the Amarok even more effortless. Depending on specification version the profiles are Normal, Eco, Slippery, Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow/Haul.

Unlike the Ranger, the all-new Volkswagen Amarok will be built only in one plant, and that’s in South Africa. It will be exported though to markets in Oceania, Middle East, Africa, and Europe by the end of the year.