Volkswagen is bringing a compact pickup truck concept to the 2019 New York Auto Show. Could it be the perfect-sized surfer pickup truck? Just take a look at the specs and the versatility on the VW Tarok concept truck.
VW Tarok
It was first shown late last year in Brazil, and it is built on the same MQB platform as the VW Atlas and many other Volkswagens are. The Tarok has a relatively long 117.7 in wheelbase (this is about 10 inches shorter than a Toyota Tacoma crew cab). The total length is 193.5 inches. The width is 72 inches without the mirrors.
The Tarok has a mid-gate which is similar in idea to the Chevy Silverado and the Subaru Baja that preceded it. The Tarok midgate is more like the one in the Baja, since the rear glass does not also come out or fold. The bed itself is just 47.5 inches long and 42 inches wide between the fender wells. However, the mid-gate allows the Tarok to carry items that are 73.2 inches long with the rear tailgate closed. The bed is approximately 27.4 inches deep.
Volkswagen rates the payload of the Tarok at 2,271 lbs, which is huge by American standards. This payload usually belongs to some of the most capable half-ton full-size trucks. Keep in mind, different countries and markets have different regulations that allow different payload limits. If the Tarok did make it on sale in the United States, it will likely have a max payload number that well under 2,000 lbs.
Under the hood is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that is backed up by a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is an engine that is currently used in production cars, and (for this concept) VW rates the engine at 147 horsepower. The Tarok is equipped with permanent 4Motion all-wheel-drive.
VW is not shy about letting us the off-road specs for the Tarok. The little truck is listed at an impressive 9.6-inches of ground clearance. The approach angle is 23.8 degrees, the departure angle is 26.4 degrees. The breakover angle is a good 22.1 degrees.
The Tarok has several driving modes, including several on-road, off-road, and snow profiles. There is rotary dial that allows the drive to choose between modes.
Should Volkswagen bring the Tarok pickup truck to the United States? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This is not the first time that Volkswagen surprised us at the New York Auto Show with a pickup truck concept. Last year, they showed a VW Atlas Tanoak concept. Check it out in the video below.
