Volkswagen Amarok 2.3 TSI double cab PanAmericana 4Motion (2025) Review

When the first-generation Volkswagen Amarok arrived on South African shores in 2010, it didn’t just enter the bakkie market; it disrupted it. Before the Amarok, double-cabs were widely viewed as agricultural tools that happened to have extra seats. Volkswagen changed the narrative by introducing a cabin that felt like a Golf, a ride quality that mimicked an SUV, and a level of refinement that made its rivals feel unrefined.

However, it was the later introduction of the 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine that truly cemented the Amarok’s legendary status. To this day, that engine remains the holy grail for local enthusiasts—a powerhouse that combined effortless overtaking grunt with a silky-smooth delivery that redefined what a bakkie could be: a workhorse with refinement and performance.

Now, in 2026, the second-generation Amarok seeks to push that car-like boundary even further. It shares its underpinnings and manufacturing facility with the Ford Ranger, a great start, but potentially something that has hurt its identity. By introducing the 2.3 TSI PanAmericana, Volkswagen is different, making a bold bet: that the modern lifestyle buyer is ready to trade diesel torque for GTI-rivalling petrol performance.

Addressing the historical engine issues

The engine powering this Amarok is similar to the units that powered the Ford Focus RS (2016-2018) and the Mustang. The problems with this engine were well documented and caused by an open-deck block design and, in some cases, the wrong gasket being installed at the factory. Here is why you shouldn't worry about this engine in the Amarok:

New "MPC" Generation

The 2.3-litre engine in the new Amarok isn't just a direct carry-over from the Focus RS. It is an updated version known as the 2.3-litre MPC (Modular Performance Center). Ford made several structural changes to the block and cooling passages around 2020, specifically to prevent the coolant intrusion and gasket failure that affected earlier units.

Revised cooling design

The original failure point was a small cooling channel between the cylinders that weakened the gasket. The updated engine used in the Amarok features:

• Drilled coolant passages: Instead of an open saw-cut between cylinders, the new block uses precision-drilled holes.

• Thicker head gasket: The gasket itself has been redesigned to be more robust and uniform in thickness.

Lower state of tune

In the Focus RS, this engine was pushed to nearly 260kW, putting immense thermal pressure on the block. In the Amarok it is tuned to a more conservative 222kW. This lower stress level, combined with the 10-speed automatic's ability to keep r/min optimised, increases the engine's longevity

Proven in the Ranger & Explorer

Before arriving in the South African Amarok, this specific 2.3 TSI (EcoBoost) variant has been the "workhorse" petrol engine for the Ford Ranger and Ford Explorer in the USA for several years. It has proven highly reliable in those markets, with very few reports of catastrophic failures like those seen in the mid-2010s.

Our pro tip

While the head gasket is fixed, petrol turbos are still sensitive to heat. If you've been driving hard or towing, always let the engine idle for about 30–60 seconds before switching it off to let the oil circulate through the turbocharger.

Styling

The PanAmericana remains the "rugged-luxury" sweet spot of the Amarok range. While the Aventura trim leans towards chrome and 21-inch wheels, the PanAmericana opts for a more adventurous aesthetic. Standard kit includes the striking IQ. Light Matrix LED headlights, which offer adaptive high-beam functionality, and a black painted tubular styling bar in the load bin. It strikes a balance between being a premium suburban SUV and a vehicle that looks ready to tackle a Botswana trail, aided by standard side steps and a load box bed liner with an integrated 12V socket.

Space and interior

Inside, the Amarok continues to feel a step above its rivals in terms of perceived quality.

• Comfort: The PanAmericana features black and brown leather upholstery and 10-way electric adjustment for the heated front seats. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with the petrol engine providing a much quieter environment at idle than its TDI siblings.

• Tech: The "glass cockpit" consists of a 12-inch Active Info Display for the driver and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen that handles navigation and smartphone mirroring. Audiophiles will appreciate the 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, while the inductive charging pad and USB-A/C ports keep devices topped up.

• Practicality: The interior is highly ergonomic, featuring a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. Small touches, like the keyless entry/start and the remote-lockable tailgate, make it feel more like a Touareg than a traditional workhorse.

The Drive

The 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine is the star of the show here. Delivering 222kW and 452Nm, it turns the Amarok into a reasonably fast, but ultimately effortless cruiser. Compared with the four-cylinder diesels in particular, the 2.3 TSI feels nearly silent and is well calibrated to the 10-speed automatic gearbox.

• Performance: With a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds, it is the quickest model in the current local lineup. The 10-speed automatic gearbox is well-calibrated to the petrol power delivery, keeping the engine in its sweet spot during overtaking. The performance is more accessible and elastic than that of the diesels, making this the most fun Amarok to drive in the current range.

• Safety: The drive is underpinned by a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning). Parking this 5.3-meter-long bakkie is made easier by the 360-degree camera system.

• Off-road: It’s no soft-roader. You get a rear locking differential, permanent 4Motion, and an electronic parking brake as standard, ensuring it remains capable when the tar ends.

Performance Specifications

Fuel economy

VW claims the model will sip 95 unleaded at 9.7 L/100km. While I don't think that figure is realistic, I was pleasantly surprised with the fuel returns. The figures ranged between 10.6 L/100km and 11.3 L/100km throughout my week with the vehicle, which included a varied daily commute, carrying passengers over the weekend, some dynamic driving for the upcoming video review and a brief stint carrying some relatively light items on the load bed. I do think that if you're looking to tow big items, this engine may prove a bit heavy on fuel and slightly down on torque versus the V6 diesel available in the same specification.

The Figures

• Price: R1 099 000 (at time of review)

• Fuel Consumption: 9.7 L/100 km (claimed)

• Warranty: 5-year / 150 000 km

• Maintenance Plan: 5-year / 100 000 km

Key Rivals

• Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak (R1 088 000): More torque (600Nm) for towing, but slightly less refined than the petrol VW

• GWM P500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury (R999 900): Massive power (255kW combined) and extra luxury features like massaging seats, though it lacks the Amarok's overall polish.

Verdict

The Amarok 2.3 TSI PanAmericana is a specialised tool. It isn't for the high-mileage contractor or the heavy-duty tower—the V6 TDI and the 2.0-litre single turbodiesel remain the choices there. Instead, this is for the buyer who wants one of the best combinations of capability, refinement and performance currently available in a lifestyle double cab. This is effectively a luxury SUV with a very useful backpack; however, its fuel consumption and relatively high asking price will make it a niche choice.