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Have you seen the new 2023 Volkswagen Amarok? It’s coming as a next-generation model, borrowing a lot from the current-gen Ford Ranger. Although the two have a lot in common, their designs aren’t similar, so you wouldn’t know at a glance. However, VW just revealed the Amarok infotainment system, which looks familiar. The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok steals the giant Ford Ranger infotainment touchscreen.

New 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will use Ford Ranger infotainment

A yellow Ford Ranger Wildtrak small pickup truck is parked outdoors.
The 2023 Ford Ranger Wildtrak | Ford

The current generation Ford Ranger uses a large, expansive infotainment touchscreen. Just like many other things, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is stealing it. Moreover, the German automaker revealed the interior of the Amarok, highlighting the massive infotainment touchscreen. Although the rest of the cabin is unique to the VW truck, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a Ranger and Amarok infotainment system.

Volkswagen’s truck will be available with a large touchscreen measuring 10 or 12 inches, depending on the trim level. It covers most of the dashboard, similar to many other brands’ large screens. For the 2023 model year, the new system will have more connectivity features and a more upscale design. As a comprehensive control interface, users will navigate the touchscreen to use climate controls, online services, vehicle settings, parking assistant, media control, and navigation.

What do we know about the 2023 Amarok?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok stole giant infotainment touchscreen from Ford Ranger pickup truck.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok | Volkswagen

Firstly, Carscoops says the climate vents between which the screen sits are unique from the Ranger. As are the physical buttons located below the infotainment touchscreen. In addition, the Volkswagen uses a steering wheel with integrated buttons and an illuminated emblem. Moreover, the Amarok has many more amazing features.

VW included items like a digital instrument cluster, IQ.Light Matrix LED technology, more than 30 ADAS, 10-way adjustable seats, and a premium sound system. Next, the lineup is made up of five trim levels, entry-level, Life, Style, Panamericana, and Aventura. In addition, the powertrain options include a single petrol engine and four diesel options ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 liters. Finally, the Amarok can tow up to 7,716 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,645 pounds.

What else does it share with the Ford Ranger?

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok stole the giant Ford Ranger infotainment system. However, that isn’t the only thing that’s similar about the two trucks. Both models ride on the same T6 body-on-frame platform, but not much else is the same. Both have unique styling and design cues, different powertrains, and features. Although the two could share the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine currently offered for the Ranger.

Additionally, the Amarok R could be the German automaker’s Ranger Raptor equivalent. Motorbiscuit previously reported that Volkswagen made it very obvious it’s interested in getting Raptor parts from Ford. However, Volkswagen had a backup plan if that didn’t work out. Furthermore, VW’s previous relationship with Walkinshaw Performance, an Australian company that tuned W-Series Amarok trucks, could prove beneficial. Items like tuned suspensions, steering, and underbody protection would be easily attainable to create an off-road Amarok Raptor fighter.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok steals giant Ford Ranger infotainment touchscreen

In conclusion, the next-generation 2023 Volkswagen Amarok sits on a Ford Ranger platform and stole its infotainment system. Though we knew the two pickup trucks shared a lot, the touchscreen is a new reveal. Furthermore, the two trucks have the same massive infotainment touchscreen cascaded across the center dashboard. Amarok models will come with a 10 or 12-inch version depending on trim level. There’s a lot to like about the next-gen Volkswagen pickup. Are you interested in buying the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok, which stole the giant Ford Ranger infotainment touchscreen?

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