Everyone say hello to the Volkswagen Tarok. It’s a compact pickup truck that could be coming to the United States to rival the upcoming Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, the Volkswagen Tarok has one advantage up its sleeve because it’s electric. 

Is the Volkswagen Tarok coming to the United States? 

Maybe, according to Auto Evolution, the Volkswagen Tarok may create an opportunity for Volkswagen to break into the pickup truck market in the United States. Unlike the Voltswagen blunder, this is no joke. 

Hein Schafer, Volkswagen Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, shared, while a combustion-powered pickup is a thing of the past, a new battery-electric platform opens a new door. It provides the opportunity to bring some sort of mid-size pickup or something larger to the U.S.” 

The compact-sized Tarok and mid-sized Atlas Tanoak are two new truck concepts based on the MQB vehicle architecture. If they go small, they can go big too. Schafer mentioned that if they build a larger SUV on the new platform, then a large truck would make sense too. 

Potential problems with the 2020 Tarok 

The 2020 Volkswagen Tarok begins under $25,000, so it would be great to see an affordable truck here, even if it is compact. The 2022 Ford Maverick may have a base model that begins under $20,000, but we will have to wait and see. 

According to Pickup Truck News, the price could be low because the VW Tarok is a little weak. The gas-powered 1.4-liter turbo-four engine only pumps out about 147 hp. But it may be able to tow up to 2,270 lbs. 

This is a small, light truck for nimble capabilities. It will provide a good fuel economy. It has a unibody design which is good for comfort. The Tarok is expected to have excellent handling, but a body-on-frame build would be better for off-roading. But the 2020 model isn’t available in America, so we’re looking ahead to the 2021 model. 

What to expect with the 2021 VW Tarok 

The 2021 Volkswagen Tarok may have an electric powertrain, but it’s not official yet. According to Best Trucks, it will have a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 150 hp and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that provides 170 hp. Both of these options are expected to reach to North American market. 

Expect the Tarok to have a modern and aggressive look with LED accents, a Targa-inspired roof bard, brand new LED taillights, and similar styling cues to other new models. The cabin may vary based on models. 

The base model is expected to be pretty bare-bones, but it will feature modern amenities such as folding rear seats and the latest VW infotainment system. It will most likely incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The 2021 VW Tarok was seen at the N.Y. Auto Show, meaning its chance of arriving in the U.S. has increased. However, COVID-19 and microchip shortage-related delays may push it back a little. The truck is expected to arrive later in 2021 and could remain a mystery for a while longer.