Volkswagen Amarok
From time to time, we hear the Volkswagen Amarok is coming to the U.S. Unlike most small pickups, the VW Amarok is a body-on-frame design, making it more capable than its competitors.
All but one of its six engine options worldwide burn diesel fuel, and the Amarok can be equipped minimally or like a high-end Audi, depending on where you live.
Like the Mitsubishi Triton, the Cold War-era chicken tax is a major factor in bringing the VW Amarok to the U.S. VW would need to build a plant in North America somewhere to make sales viable in this market, and who knows if that will ever happen.
Ford Ranger
You might’ve heard the Ford Ranger is making its North American return in 2019, and we’re so glad it is! But what you might not know is that it’s been in constant production in other places on the planet. It’s available all across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. In fact, the Ford Ranger was even the best-selling pickup truck in Europe for 2015.
When it comes out for the 2019 model year in the U.S., the Ford Ranger will likely be a gas-powered truck with EcoBoost options. It’s a body-on-frame design too, and could be capable of towing up to 7,000 pounds. Along with the Jeep Wrangler pickup, it might be the most anticipated vehicle release of the year.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Just one year ago, Mercedes-Benz released their first pickup ever, the X-Class. It’s called the only luxury pickup but there are some high-level trim packages that could rival it. And while it’s built alongside Nissan and Renault, it’s distinctly German. You could picture yourself in a GLC-Class SUV and be pretty close.
It won’t be coming to North America, though, because the Germans don’t think we have a market for it. That’s kinda funny, isn’t it? Nowhere else in the world do they sell as many pickups. But maybe we don’t have a market for trucks that will never be used as a hauler.
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