Review: 2025 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana
When Volkswagen first teamed up with Ford to co-develop the latest Amarok, eyebrows were raised. Could two automotive giants really collaborate and still deliver distinct products? Enter the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana—a premium pick-up that borrows the best bits from its Ford Ranger sibling while confidently marching to the beat of its own drum.
On-Road Ride
Let’s be honest, most pick-ups don’t exactly float over the UK’s potholed roads. But the Amarok PanAmericana surprises here. Thanks to its coil-sprung front suspension and a refined rear leaf spring setup, the Amarok manages to offer a surprisingly civilised on-road experience. That said, on undulating roads, unladen, it can be a bit ‘pitchy’, which is fair enough, but on motorways it’s quiet and smooth with barely any noticeable wind noise - in fact it’s quieter than some cars I’ve driven recently - the Dacia Duster to name just one.
The steering is direct, though not sports car sharp (this is still a pick-up, after all), and body roll is well-contained for a vehicle of its size.
Motorway cruising is a breeze. The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel hums along effortlessly, delivering 237bhp and 600Nm of torque. It pairs beautifully with the smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox - yes, the same one you’ll find in the Ranger. There’s plenty of power for overtaking, even when fully laden, I’m reliably informed.
Off-Road Capability
The PanAmericana isn’t just about looking rugged - it walks the walk. Ground clearance sits at a respectable 237mm, and it boasts a wading depth of 800mm, matching the Ranger. The Amarok’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system offers selectable modes, including low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.
Hill descent control works smoothly, and the off-road drive modes adjust throttle response, traction control, and gearbox mapping to tackle everything from loose gravel to muddy trails. Approach and departure angles are solid too, meaning the Amarok won’t flinch at steep inclines or rocky paths.
What’s particularly impressive is how user-friendly it feels off-road. The electronic aids don’t feel overbearing, and there’s a tangible sense of connection between driver and terrain - a trait sometimes lost in overly tech-laden 4x4s.
The ride off the beaten track is also worthy of a mention as the suspension soaks everything up with ease.
Interior Spec: Premium with a Practical Twist
Step inside, and it’s clear Volkswagen aimed for a premium experience, and like VW adverts of old, everything felt reassuringly solid. The PanAmericana trim gets leather upholstery with contrast stitching, soft-touch materials across the dash, and rugged rubber floor mats that scream “I’m ready for mud, but I still like nice things.”
Front and centre is a 12” portrait-oriented touchscreen (another nod to the Ranger), running VW’s own infotainment skin over Ford’s architecture. It’s intuitive, quick to respond, and packed with features—Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Physical buttons for some functions sit below the screen, but it loses points for not including heating controls, these are on the prod-screen, which is annoying. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and customisable, offering everything from navigation prompts to off-road telemetry.
The 2025 Amarok is of course packed with safety kit, and another new one to me is, using traffic sign recognition, the Amarok will warn you if you’re about to enter a one-way road incorrectly!
The points lost for the lack of physical buttons for the heater controls are off-set with a simple button on the steering wheel that allows you to switch the annoying lane departure off. Thank you Volkswagen. Oh, and the surround camera is pretty decent, too.
Comfort: King of the Pick-Up Thrones?
For a pick-up, the Amarok PanAmericana feels remarkably plush. The heated and ventilated front seats offer ample support for long journeys, and the driving position is spot-on, with excellent visibility all around. Rear passengers aren’t left out either - there’s generous legroom, and the bench is sculpted enough to keep three adults comfortable.
As I’ve mentioned, noise insulation is commendable. Whether you’re trundling over gravel or cruising at motorway speeds, the cabin remains hushed. The dual-zone climate control works a treat, and there are plenty of USB-C ports scattered about to keep gadgets charged.
Something else worthy of a mention is that the puddle lights under the door mirrors illuminate both front and rear passenger doors, not something I’ve come across, or noticed before.
Practicality: Workhorse Meets Lifestyle
It wouldn’t be a proper pick-up without talking practicality. The Amarok PanAmericana delivers here in spades. The load bed measures 1,624mm in length and 1,584mm in width (between the arches), more than enough for most weekend adventure gear - or a pallet of bricks, if that’s your thing.
With a payload capacity of 1,160kg and a 3,500kg towing limit, the Amarok is ready to haul just about anything you can throw at it. There are handy features like a 12V socket in the bed, tie-down points, and an optional roll-top cover to keep your gear secure.
Inside, storage is generous, but not as good as a D-Max. There’s a deep centre console bin, sizeable door pockets, and a glovebox that actually fits more than just the owner’s manual.
The Amarok comes as standard with a ‘Drive Mode Control’ system. Depending on configuration, there are up to six drive modes: ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’, ‘Mud/ruts’, ‘Sand’, ‘Slippery’ and ‘Load/trailer’. Once you have chosen your mode, the steering power and steering behaviour, stability control and slip control, drive train response, gearbox control system and selectable all-wheel drive settings are all co-ordinated and optimised. Clever stuff.
Fuel Efficiency: Sipping, Not Slurping
For a V6-powered pick-up, the Amarok PanAmericana isn’t as thirsty as you might expect. Volkswagen claims an average of around 28-30mpg, and in mixed driving (a blend of motorway, city, and some light off-roading), that figure holds up reasonably well.
Sure, it’s not going to win any eco awards, but considering its size, power, and capabilities, it’s a respectable return. Plus, the 80-litre fuel tank means you won’t be constantly hunting for a petrol station.
The Ford Ranger Connection: Brothers, Not Twins
Yes, the Amarok and Ranger share much under the skin - from the chassis and engines to the 10-speed gearbox - but Volkswagen has done enough to differentiate the PanAmericana.
Visually, the Amarok carries VW’s design DNA with a bold grille, squared-off arches, and unique LED lighting. Inside, the materials feel slightly more upmarket than the Ranger’s, and VW’s infotainment tweaks give it a different user experience.
Price-wise, the Amarok PanAmericana starts around £52,000, slightly pricier than the equivalent Ranger Wildtrak, but it makes a case for itself with that added touch of refinement and premium kit.
Conclusion
I really, really enjoyed my week with the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana, it strikes a fine balance between rugged off-road capability and everyday usability. It’s a pick-up that can tow a caravan, tackle a muddy lane, and still feel civilised enough for the school run, and more so on long, interminable motorway journeys.
Sure, it shares much with the Ford Ranger, but Volkswagen has managed to inject enough personality and premium flair to make the PanAmericana stand on its own. It’s not cheap, but if you’re after a do-it-all pick-up that doesn’t compromise on comfort or capability, the Amarok PanAmericana deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Website: Volkswagen - Vans