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As the popularity of pickup trucks continues to soar, buyers are faced with a wide array of options in the market. In a thrilling battle of power and performance, the Underneath the robust hood of the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana lies a formidable 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine.
Generating an impressive 240 horsepower and a whopping 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque, this powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, ensuring swift and seamless gear shifts. However, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport faces a significant disadvantage with its 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Producing a modest 204 horsepower and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, the Hilux relies on a six-speed automatic transmission to transfer power to its all-wheel-drive system. Weighing in as the lightest contender at 4,683 pounds (2,125 kilograms), the Hilux is at a distinct disadvantage compared to its rivals.
The Amarok, on the other hand, tips the scales at 5,061 lbs (2,296 kg).
Ranger Raptor's Dominating Power
The Ranger Raptor, characterized by its muscular build, dominates this fierce competition with a weight of 5,410 lbs (2,454 kg) and the most power under its hood.
Ford's renowned twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine unleashes an impressive 292 horsepower and 362 lb-ft (491 Nm) of torque, seamlessly transmitted through its 10-speed automatic gearbox. The Ranger Raptor's power advantage proved decisive in every drag race, including the two rolling races.
While the Volkswagen Amarok initially struggled, finishing third in the first race, it managed to secure second place in subsequent races. The Toyota Hilux trailed behind, occupying the third spot throughout the competition.
The Ranger Raptor emerged as the victor after completing the quarter-mile sprint in a commendable 16.0 seconds. The Volkswagen Amarok followed closely behind, finishing in 17.1 seconds, while the Toyota Hilux brought up the rear with a time of 17.7 seconds.
The sole segment where the Ranger fell short was the brake test, which the Amarok triumphed in. These three pickups exemplify the enduring popularity of the segment. While the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok share a platform under a collaborative agreement, both manufacturers took great strides to ensure their trucks possess distinct identities.
It's worth noting that the Ford Ranger Raptor available in the United States differs from its European counterpart, offering even more power. The American variant, introduced earlier this year, houses the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine but boasts an impressive output of 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Last year, Volkswagen unveiled the second-generation Amarok along with the off-road-oriented PanAmericana variant, which isn't a direct competitor to the Ranger Raptor and is the sole variant in the lineup equipped with a rear differential lock.
Just before Ford introduced the European Ranger Raptor in February 2022, Toyota updated the Hilux GR Sport, a model that has been available since 2018. Although the Hilux received a power boost, it pales in comparison to the mighty Ford, which emerged victorious against both the Hilux and the Amarok in this thrilling showdown.
The mid-size pickup segment is expected to witness even fiercer competition in the coming years, with trucks of all sizes gaining popularity among buyers. While the Toyota Tacoma dominates the market in the United States, the Amarok is unlikely to make an appearance in North American dealerships as Volkswagen has no plans for its introduction.
Nonetheless, Volkswagen remains open to the idea of bringing a truck to the United States, but with an eco-friendly twist. An all-electric or plug-in hybrid truck is under consideration, and the decision is expected to be made before the end of the year, promising to inject further excitement into the segment.
