Since the debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the VW Tanoak Concept has been teasing the public about the probability of heading toward the production but VW sad previously that won’t happen because it has a more room to grow in the fast-selling SUV segment. VW hinted also that the US market-designed Atlas SUV could spawn the family of new models but hasn’t mentioned the pickup there. However, it seems that things changed slightly in the meantime and the largest car manufacturing company might actually bring the 2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck to the US.
The mid-size segment has the potential to grow as the latest statistics claim and while it can’t close to the sales of the full-size models, the segment would provide a steady source of profit for the brand. The return of the Ford Ranger and debut of the Jeep Gladiator as well as the arrival of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Tesla Pickup Truck should attract more buyers to the segment and VW might also get the piece of the profit with its own truck version.
VW presented also another pickup truck concept called the Tarok at the 2018 Sao Paulo Motor Show and this model very similar in many aspects to the Tanoak Concept is already confirmed for the production and should go on sale in Brazil taking the position below the successful Amarok model in brand’s hierarchy.
2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck: Design
If the 2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck reaches the production, it won’t differ much structurally from the concept model which is based on the production Atlas SUV. VW used actually many parts from the three-row SUV including the platform and powertrain. Underpinning the model would be the MQB platform which would also speed up the process of model’s introduction as brand has more room for production in Chattanooga plant.
The production form of the truck should also stay close to the size of the Concept model which fits the mid-size class although it has a few inches longer body than most of the current mid-size trucks. The model would also have about 11 inches longer wheelbase than the Atlas SUV.
The styling of the concept model is what should change more than the structure and the design should get more conventional elements in the production process. The grille and headlights from the concept version won’t likely make to the production if model arrives as well as the full-width LED taillights. The model would likely get more conventional grille and lights similar to what we can see on brand’s newest SUVs including the three-row Atlas.
Interior, Equipment:
The Tanoak Truck is expected with the four-door cab style only and the cargo bed would likely stay close to the dimensions of the concept version. The Concept cargo bed is 64.1 inches long and 57.1 inches wide.
The interior of the model would also get more conventional design as in-production models from the brand as well as the modern infotainment and safety tech. The seats would be supportive as in the SUV version and the model would be available with the high-quality upholstery and other comfort features.
The truck will likely have very similar dash design as the Atlas SUV if it hits the market. VW would offer different center touchscreen sizes with the smartphone compatibility features including also the large 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster.
The in-car technology would also include an array of active safety systems now available in all recently upgraded trucks including the heavy-duty versions.
2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck: Powertrains
With the same platform as the Atlas SUV and like the Concept version, the 2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck would also borrow the powertrain from them.
A 3.6-liter V-6 engine combined with the 8-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system would be in the equipment list of the Tanoak production version. The engine installed in the Concept car makes 276 hp and torque of 266 pound-feet. With that setup, VW Tanoak truck would tow in 7,000-pound range and carry around 2, 200 pounds in the cargo bed.
VW might also offer more powertrain options including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Atlas with the power output around 235 hp.
2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck: Release, Price
The Tanoak Concept shows much potential for the market launch but it seems that VW is still weighing the decision. If the 2020 VW Tanoak Pickup Truck hits the market sometime in 2020 it should cost around $30k.
