It is assumed that such an SUV could be a close relative of the Ford Everest. However, the company officially abandoned the release of this model.
The German company Volkswagen introduced the second generation Amarok pickup truck in July 2022. It is curious that the manufacturer initially stated that the truck would not have a successor, but later changed its mind on this issue. The development of the new truck was eventually entrusted to a partner, which was Ford, or rather the Australian division of the company.
In the photo: the current Volkswagen Amarok
The debut of the American relative of the VW Amarok, the third generation Ford Ranger, took place in November 2021. At the same time, the line of this brand also includes a frame SUV, which is based on the Ranger pickup truck. The name of this SUV varies depending on the market — Everest or Endeavor. An SUV based on the current Ford pickup truck was presented in the spring of 2022.
Amarok never had related SUVs, and immediately after the presentation of the second-generation pickup truck, the company announced that it did not plan to create and release a corresponding new product. And although rumors later appeared in the media that Volkswagen could release a similar SUV, the company did not officially confirm them.
In the photo: interior of the current Volkswagen Amarok pickup
Despite this, the company has prepared an official rendering of such a model: the image was published on social networks by the head of the design department of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Albert Kirzinger. Note that the front part of the car depicted is designed slightly differently, for example, the head optics look different (albeit with a similar design), it also has a different radiator grille and modified foglights.
Official rendering of a potential SUV based on the second generation VW Amarok
Note that the SUV in the rendering was deprived of a handle for opening the rear door; in addition, the hatch behind which the fuel tank neck is located was probably moved somewhere. But they added a spacious roof rack with additional lighting. Apparently, the Volkswagen designer has drawn some kind of off-road version of a potential SUV. Note that the current standard Ford Everest frame SUV looks much “calmer”.
In the photo: the current Ford Everest
If the German manufacturer gave this project the green light, the new VW SUV would most likely share the engine range with the Amarok pickup. Let us remind you that it includes a 2.0-liter TDI with a power of 150 and 170 hp, as well as a TDI twin-turbo engine of the same volume with an output of 204 and 209 hp. In addition, the diesel lineup includes a 3.0-liter V6 TDI, producing 241 or 250 hp. In addition, the pickup is available with a 302-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol turbo engine. There are five- and six-speed manual transmissions available, as well as a ten-speed automatic. All variants are equipped with a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
By the way, the German manufacturer is now developing new pickups and SUVs that will be produced in the USA under the revived Scout brand from 2026. It is known that they will be equipped with a completely electric “filling”; they will not have versions with internal combustion engines.