Toyota vs Ford vs VW | Ultimate Brand New Pickup Truck Test
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Raptor, and Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana are some of the most capable pickup trucks in Uganda today. While all three trucks excel in different areas, the real question is which one comes out on top when put through a rigorous series of tests? In this ultimate pickup truck showdown, we dive deep into their engines, performance, pricing, off-road capabilities, and overall practicality to help you decide which truck is best for you.
Engine and Performance Comparison
When it comes to engines, each of these trucks brings its own flavor of power and torque.- Toyota Hilux GR Sport is equipped with a 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that churns out 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering decent performance for most work and off-road needs.
- Ford Ranger Raptor features a much larger 3.0L twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, delivering 292 horsepower and an impressive 583 Nm of torque. It also offers a 10-speed automatic transmission, making it a high-performance truck designed for both work and play.
- Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana is powered by a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine producing 240 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. Like the Ford, it uses a 10-speed automatic gearbox to put the power down across all four wheels, ensuring ample torque for off-road adventures.
Drag Race Test: Uphill Challenge
The first test of the day was an uphill drag race. Starting with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger Raptor, the Raptor's larger engine gave it a clear edge, winning the first round easily. Next, the Volkswagen Amarok squared off against the Raptor. Despite the Amarok's impressive torque, it couldn't keep pace with the Ford Ranger Raptor, which emerged victorious once again, thanks to its powerful twin-turbo V6 and robust off-road setup.
Price Comparison
Here's how the trucks are priced:- The Toyota Hilux GR Sport starts at $43,500.
- The Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana starts at $78,990.
- The Ford Ranger Raptor, being the most performance-oriented of the three, is priced at $48,900
Exterior Design
- Toyota Hilux GR Sport: The Hilux carries a rugged and functional exterior, perfect for both urban driving and off-road. However, its design doesn't scream performance, except for a few GR Sport badges.
- Ford Ranger Raptor: The Raptor looks every bit the part of a performance pickup, with a wide stance, aggressive grille, and flared fenders. It's designed for those who want a truck that can make a statement on the road.
- Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana: The Amarok leans more towards SUV-like refinement, blending premium looks with a truck's practicality. Its sleek design may appeal to those who want a blend of luxury and capability.
Interior Design and Comfort
Inside, these trucks offer varying levels of luxury and sportiness.- Ford Ranger Raptor: Inside the Ranger Raptor, you'll find sporty seats, a digital display, and an infotainment system that is easy to use. It also has physical buttons for key controls, enhancing its functionality during off-road trips.
- Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana: The Amarok's interior feels more luxurious, with upscale materials and a dashboard that's more reminiscent of an SUV than a truck. While it lacks the paddle shifters found in the Raptor, its infotainment system and digital features provide a more refined experience.
- Toyota Hilux GR Sport: The Hilux has a much simpler, utilitarian interior. While the GR Sport trim adds some sporty touches, it feels more functional than luxurious compared to the Raptor and Amarok.
Off-road Capability Test
When it comes to off-road capability, all three trucks offer four-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, but with some key differences:- The Ford Ranger Raptor features Fox coilovers, front and rear differentials, and Baja mode, making it the most capable off-roader of the group.
- The Volkswagen Amarok has selectable rear locking differentials and a four-wheel-drive low setting but lacks the front diff-lock found in the Raptor, making it slightly less suited for extreme off-roading.
- The Toyota Hilux GR Sport is equipped with a rear diff lock and a high/low range gearbox, but its leaf spring rear suspension doesn't provide the same smooth off-road handling as the coil springs in the Raptor.
Payload and Practicality
In terms of payload, the Ford Ranger Raptor falls short due to its performance suspension, which limits its ability to carry heavy loads compared to the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok. However, the Raptor's rear coil springs make it much more comfortable when driving over rough terrain.Acceleration and Launch Test
We put each truck through a 0-60 mph acceleration test:- Toyota Hilux GR Sport: It completed the sprint in 10.7 seconds, as expected.
- Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana: The Amarok was faster, completing the test in 8.9 seconds.
- Ford Ranger Raptor: The Raptor came out on top with a 7.7-second sprint, showcasing its superior acceleration thanks to its powerful twin-turbo V6.
