The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok PHEV is about to redefine the hybrid pickup truck segment. Drawing inspiration from the Ford Ranger Hybrid, the Amarok features a robust exterior design. It also comes with power-folding side mirrors, LED matrix headlights, and cargo box LED lighting. Debuting with plug-in hybrid electric options, the new Amarok promises eco-friendly driving with over 45km of electric range. The Amarok has been one of the top pickup trucks in the European and Australian markets. The current Amarok offers a freshly-designed exterior. It features an X-design Bumper and a 12-inch infotainment system touchscreen, which will carry over to the hybrid Amarok model for 2025.
Lately, there’s been an issue with the Euro 7 emissions regulations, which has Volkswagen considering manufacturing a hybrid Amarok or going all-electric. With the Ranger adopting a hybrid powertrain, we think the Amarok will receive a hybrid in 2025. This post has been written with the assumption that the upcoming Amarok is a hybrid pickup truck. Equipped with advanced infotainment systems and driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, the 2025 Amarok will deliver a seamless and safe driving experience. Expected to hit the market in mid-2025, the Amarok PHEV will go against the 2025 Toyota Hilux and the Ranger.
New PHEV Amarok Exterior Design
The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok boasts a bold exterior design that commands attention on the road. Drawing inspiration from the Ford Ranger (as always), the 2025 Amarok exudes charisma and strength.
Volkswagen’s artistic approach is evident in the seamless integration of the front bumper and lights, which feature a cohesive design language. With elevated front and rear bumpers, the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok will be the ultimate offroading hybrid pickup truck. Depending on the variant, the 2025 Amarok will offer a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, with the Panamericana model featuring 18-inch black alloy wheels and all-terrain tires for adventurous journeys. Standard features in the Amarok include “IQ. Light” LED matrix headlights for enhanced visibility, along with LED tail lights and cargo box LED lighting.Â
2025 Amarok Interior
The interior boasts premium materials and refined finishes that elevate the overall ambiance. The Amarok’s interior design will largely be a carryover from the 2024 model, with a few lighting, ambiance, and tech upgrades. Speaking of tech, the 2025 VW Amarok PHEV will feature a 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen with the Amarok Core’s infotainment system. Like the current model, a stand-out feature inside the 2025 Amarok will be the multi-function steering wheel, another carryover.Â
Safety takes center stage with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring systems, enhancing both safety and convenience on the road. To ensure optimal comfort, adjustable seating and climate control functionalities cater to the diverse needs of occupants, promising a luxurious and pleasurable journey in any driving condition.
Platform and Electrification Potential
In response to impending Euro 7 emissions regulations, Volkswagen is considering battery electric and plug-in hybrid versions. The Volkswagen Amarok will be built on Ford’s Australian-developed T6.2 platform, similar to the upcoming hybrid Ranger. According to the brand, the Ranger’s T6.2 Platform is ready for electrification. However, challenges arise in balancing driving range, payload capacity, and towing capability. Transitioning from an ICE to an all-electric 2025 Volkswagen Amarok will be tough for the automaker.Â
2025 Volkswagen Amarok PHEV Hybrid Powertrain Details
The 2025 Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger will usher in a new era of electrification, promising innovative powertrain solutions. Like the upcoming PHEV Ranger, the Amarok will feature a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine and an electric motor. With its robust PHEV powertrain setup, the Amarok will deliver 300-350 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Keep in mind that the horsepower figure is our estimate, and largely speculative. As Volkswagen finalizes the powertrain specifications, insights from the Ranger’s hybrid setup offer valuable benchmarks for performance and efficiency.Â
Timeline for Electrified VW Amarok Models
The journey toward electrification for the 2025 Amarok unfolds with a carefully planned timeline. After the 2023 refresh, we expect the electric VW Amarok iteration to follow suit in 2026. It will likely arrive midway through its 10-year life cycle.Â
Euro 7 Emissions Regulations Impact
The impending Euro 7 emissions regulations pose a significant challenge for Volkswagen’s commercial vehicles arm, including the Amarok lineup. With the regulations expected to take effect in mid-2025, Volkswagen faces pressure to ensure compliance. The potential impact on the availability of the V6 diesel version of the Amarok looms large. Due to the Euro 7 Emissions regulations, Volkswagen continues exploring alternative powertrain solutions. The two options are battery electric and plug-in hybrid variants.
2025 Volkswagen Amarok Vs 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV Hybrids
As Volkswagen charts its course toward electrification with the 2025 Amarok, comparisons inevitably arise with its counterpart, the Ford Ranger. The upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV hybrid and Amarok share the same Ford T6.2 platform. While Volkswagen explores battery electric and plug-in hybrid options, Ford is developing a PHEV version of the Ranger that will offer a 100-km driving range.
Regulatory Considerations and Strategy
Volkswagen has complex considerations and strategic decisions for the 2025 Amarok. With the proposed Euro 7 emissions regulations set to come into force in mid-2025, Volkswagen must devise a robust strategy to ensure compliance while maintaining the integrity of its lineup. The choice between petrol and diesel engines for the PHEV variant reflects careful deliberation, with implications for payload capacity and towing capability.
Additionally, Volkswagen must address the varying range requirements of different markets. For instance, Australia has longer distances that necessitate greater electric range. Balancing regulatory compliance, performance, and customer needs remains paramount as Volkswagen shapes its electrification roadmap.
2025 Volkswagen Amarok Driving Range
Volkswagen plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Amarok, offering an impressive electric range for eco-conscious drivers.
Drawing inspiration from Ford’s Ranger PHEV, which promises “more than 45km of electric range,” Volkswagen aims to cater to the needs of modern drivers. Research indicates that over half of current Ranger owners cover less than 40km per day. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the 2025 Amarok PHEV will offer an electric-only range of up to 45 km.
2025 Amarok Release date
With the PHEV Ranger debuting later in 2024, the 2025 Volkswagen Amarok will likely enter the market sometime in mid-2025. The Amarok pickup truck will debut in Europe before heading to Australia and South Africa.
