We're no fence-sitters here at Wheels, but we'd offer the following conditional advice. Many would consider that a fair ask for a cabin that looks and feels a good deal more special than with the Ford, and gets you a bigger screen in the centre console plus a more extrovert exterior finish. Both offer certain specification items that aren't available on the other, but were you to add the desirable matrix LED headlights and premium audio system to the Ford to bring it closer to the Volkswagen's specification, the difference looks more like $800. It's instructive to consider quite what that premium is though. On paper, the Amarok Panamericana is around $5800 pricier than a Ranger Wildtrak, its obvious competitor. Want something more stylish but which can still roll its sleeves up when asked, pay the premium for the Volkswagen. If you want something that's arguably more practical and rugged, go for the Ford. VERDICT This was always going to be one of those comparisons that lent itself to a horses-for-courses verdict. Active Park Assist and a 360-degree camera are the only safety elements that the Sport misses out on compared to the Wildtrak, which offers a huge safety suite. On the inside, there's leather trim for the steering wheel and seat bolsters, a 10.1-inch centre screen and wireless charging for your phone and wireless connection to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also scores gear you'll search for in vain on the Volkswagen, although for features such as a soft-open tailgate and overhead auxiliary switches, you'd need to put your hand in your pocket for the $76,990 Ranger Platinum range-topper. Your $66,990 gets you the best engine in the line-up, the fiendishly clever automatic four-wheel-drive system mated to a 10-speed auto transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights all round, and the useful rear bumper side steps, allowing easy access to the sizeable drop-in bedliner. 'You may need to squint and pretend that our Sport has Wildtrak-specific features like roof rails, a sports hoop, a power roller shutter and a 12-inch central touchscreen.' That's not to say the Ranger Sport is in any way a bit light on the gear.
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