Pickup trucks have long been a staple of the automotive industry. They offer a blend of practicality and versatility, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike.
Two of the most popular models on the used car market today are the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger. In this article, we will compare the two models and give you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok has a rugged and sturdy exterior design marked by a high ground clearance and muscular lines. It features a large front grille and LED headlights, giving it a modern and sleek look. The truck’s bed is spacious and can easily accommodate large loads.
On the other hand, the 2020 Ford Ranger has a more aggressive and sportier exterior design. It features a distinctive front grille and bold LED headlights that promotes its commanding presence on the road.
Like the Amarok, the Ranger’s bed is also spacious and can easily accommodate large loads.
For power and performance, the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok relies on two engine options: a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine making an updated 254 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission to support smooth and responsive acceleration.
The 2020 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The straight-4 mates with a ten-speed automatic transmission to provide a smooth and efficient gear change.
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The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok comes with a range of off-road features, including a mechanical rear differential lock, hill descent control, and an off-road ABS.
Higher trim levels offer additional features such as a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors, and an off-road mode that adjusts the engine, transmission, and brakes for off-road driving.
The 2020 Ford Ranger comes with a range of off-road features, including an electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system, an electronic locking rear differential, and a terrain management system.
Higher trim levels offer additional features such as Trail Control, which is a low-speed cruise control system designed for off-road driving, and a front-facing camera that provides a view of the terrain ahead.
Both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger are modern pickup trucks with advanced suspension systems designed to optimize off-road capabilities and make the ride comfortable.
Below is a head-to-head comparison of both trucks' suspension systems:
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok comes with a double-wishbone front suspension system providing excellent stability and control on both on-road and off-road terrains. The system features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar.
The 2020 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a double-wishbone front suspension system that also features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar.
However, the Ranger's suspension system will deliver a more comfortable ride, especially on rough terrain.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok uses a leaf spring rear suspension system known for its durability and reliability. The system features a solid rear axle, leaf springs, and gas-filled shock absorbers.
The 2020 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes with a coil spring rear suspension system that provides better ride comfort and handling. The system features a solid rear axle, coil springs, and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger are capable off-road vehicles, thanks to their advanced suspension systems.
However, the Amarok suspension system provides better off-road capabilities, with excellent ground clearance and superior articulation.
The Ranger's suspension system, on the other hand, is optimized for a more comfortable ride on rough terrain while still delivering good off-road capabilities.
Summarily, both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger features advanced suspension systems that provide excellent handling and off-road capabilities.
The Amarok has a more traditional leaf spring rear suspension system that provides excellent durability and off-road performance, while the Ranger's coil spring rear suspension system design offers a more comfortable ride.
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Ultimately, the choice between these two pickup trucks will depend on your preferences and motoring needs.
Inside, the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers.
The seats are supportive and offer multiple adjustment options, while the dashboard is well-organized and easy to use.
The infotainment system, comprising a 6.33-inch touchscreen display, is also user-friendly and comes with DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), Bluetooth, and a CD player with aux-in.
The 2020 Ford Ranger also offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with supportive seats and an uncluttered dashboard marked by the Blue Oval’s Sync3 infotainment interface.
The infotainment system is also user-friendly and comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with the Sync3 system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
However, some reviewers have noted that the Ranger’s interior design feels slightly dated compared to some of its competitors.
As for the technology features, both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger offer a range of advanced features designed to enhance the driving experience.
Let's take a closer look at the technology features offered by each model.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok features the marque’s Composition Media infotainment system as standard, which includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.
Higher trim levels use the Discover Media infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, satellite navigation, and voice control.
Besides the Bluetooth capability, the 2020 Amarok offers a range of connectivity features, such as USB ports and an optional App-Connect system that allows drivers to access smartphone apps on the infotainment system.
Higher trim levels offer extra features like a wireless charging pad and a premium Dynaudio sound system.
The 2020 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, uses the SYNC 3 infotainment system as standard, which includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.
Higher trim levels offer an upgraded B&O Play audio system, a larger 8.0-inch LCD productivity screen, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the FordPass Connect, which allows drivers to remotely start their vehicle and access vehicle status information from their smartphone.
Both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger come with a range of advanced safety features, including airbags, antilock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera.
The Ranger also comes with a suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Let's take a closer look at both brands' driver-aid systems in the next subheading.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok offers a range of driver assistance features, including front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a hill start assist.
Higher trim levels offer additional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and front assist with emergency braking.
The 2020 Ford Ranger comes with a suite of driver assistance features as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Higher trim levels offer additional features such as adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse sensing system.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and 2020 Ford Ranger are both popular midsize pickup trucks known for their ruggedness and versatility.
In terms of reliability ratings, both vehicles score fairly well, although the Ford Ranger tends to fare slightly better in this regard.
According to J.D. Power's 2020 Vehicle Dependability Study, the 2020 Ford Ranger received an overall rating of 87 out of 100, which is considered "Great."
In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok is not sold in the United States and, therefore, is not included in the study. With customer reviews, though, both vehicles generally receive positive feedback.
The 2020 Ford Ranger received praise for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and powerful engine options. Some customers have also noted that it has excellent towing and hauling capabilities.
However, some reviewers have criticized the Ranger for its poorer fuel economy and lack of standard safety features.
As for the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok, it tends to receive high marks for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and off-road capabilities. Customers also appreciate its spacious cargo area and strong towing capacity.
However, some reviewers have noted that the Amarok can be expensive to maintain and lacks some advanced safety features found in other pickup trucks.
Overall, while both the 2020 Ford Ranger and 2020 Volkswagen Amarok are generally well-regarded pickup trucks, the Ranger tends to have a slight edge in terms of reliability ratings and customer feedback.
The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok had a starting price of around $40,000, while the 2020 Ford Ranger toted a starting price of around $25,000. The prices varied depending on the trim level and optional features selected.
A search through TrueCar used car listings shows that prices for a used 2020 Ford Ranger currently range from $18,900 to $46,995, with their mileage ranging from as low as just 10 miles to 392,794 miles.
Meanwhile, the Amarok still costs anywhere from $30,000 to over $50,000, whereas the 2023 model starts at $53,000.
Both the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2020 Ford Ranger are excellent pickup trucks, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The Amarok offers a powerful V6 diesel engine and a spacious and comfortable cabin, while the Ranger offers a sporty exterior design and a range of advanced safety features.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your individual needs and preferences, and now you have this article to help you decide.