Automotive

My first long drive with the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

My knees were in pain, but my heart is giddy from new memories made

Published

October 10, 2023

MJ Jucutan

Many moons ago, I was an adorable passenger prince, providing food and entertainment to my designated drivers. I was happy being the navigator and staring at myself in the side mirror.

I guess life took a 180; I found myself taking the wheel, driving an enormous pickup truck across cities.

Having the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 for a week gave me a fair amount of opportunities to try things for the first time.

Navigating an expressway alone (and not missing an exit), speeding up to 100km/h, crossing pitch-black roads at midnight, and being able to drive under heavy rain; It was euphoric to have sundry accomplishments for a few days.

But my biggest win was driving from East to South to North and back. It was my first long drive and boy, you never really forget your first. I was living on the road for a week!

Ready for battle

It wasn’t my first rodeo at the Next-Gen Ranger. I brought the XLT variant with me when I took part in a back-to-back Spartan race in the trails of Vermosa.

However, I didn’t take it past my set destination because, at that time, I was still afraid of hauling a gargantuan vehicle.

Having the Ranger Wildtrak was a game-changer, though. Being in the driver’s seat was so comfortable, thanks to the 8-way power adjustable driver seat. Having short legs didn’t bother me at all.

Driving didn’t feel like a chore then, so I volunteered to pick up my friends from their homes in Laguna and Cavite. (Who am I?)

With only a grande Starbucks cold brew and a Taylor Swift driving playlist from Spotify streaming via Apple CarPlay, along with a charged iPhone and highly responsive Maps appearing on the 12-inch Portrait Touchscreen, I felt armed enough to drive alone.

It was an adventure, navigating different types of roads under different conditions. I crossed a flooded street after a heavy downpour and it didn’t even reach half of the tires. (That’s what I like about driving huge, towering cars.)

I even took on slopes, curves, and dimly lit highways while raining. Not once did I feel scared knowing the vehicle I have sports C-Clamp LED headlamps on its grille. Some motorists even thought we were on high beam!

And in some occasions, we even had to navigate narrow streets that seemed one-way. My skills were tested as I had to make way for other passing vehicles.

I’m incredibly grateful for the 360-degree camera on how it helped me alight in tight spaces. I’m certain I would cry in panic if I didn’t have the technology with me.

When I became Mr. Overtaker

What gave me the confidence boost to take on my first long drive is how accustomed I’ve been to Ford’s Advanced Driver-Assist Technology.

Being familiar with its system assured me that the vehicle had my back, and sometimes, it could even do the brunt of the legwork for me.

On occasions when I speed up on the freeway, the Ranger often alerts me when it can’t feel my grip on the steering wheel, then automatically navigating and helping with lane centering. This is extremely helpful in the curves.

I was also dubbed ‘Mr. Overtaker’ by my friends, seeing how I easily maneuvered the vehicle on the freeway and national highways. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic helps me in overtaking slower cars and changing lanes

When vehicles in front of me abruptly stopped or slowed down, the Ranger was quick enough to issue a forward collision warning. The system worked even faster when there was a truck in front of me that suddenly hit the brakes, and I had a close call. The automatic emergency brake helped prevent a possible collision.

Moreover, it helps when reversing and passing motorcycles won’t just give way. I vividly remember how the Ranger prompted me to step on the brake because of incoming motorists and pedestrians as I was trying to reverse back to the highway.

Built for adventure

Everything about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 screams adventure, with its tough-looking exterior and sophisticated interior.

It felt apt for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 to be our vehicle of choice as we joined the staff of Spartan Race Philippines. We were part of the media team (and your boy is an official photographer) for the two-day race, where national athletes, top trail runners, and even celebrities competed.

The venue was situated on the hilly side of Bacnotan, La Union, making the roads steep, narrow, and a bit rocky.

Even the bypass roads between San Fernando and San Juan were cranky and muddy; I had to trail off and feel the power of the vehicle so we didn’t get stuck. On certain parts of our drive, I just had faith in the Ranger because I know it’s made for the great outdoors. Like yours truly, it can handle any obstacles you throw at it.

I’d like to think my passengers and I had a comfortable ride all throughout, knowing I haven’t heard any complaints since then.

At some point, they were all freezing from the air conditioning inside, but I took control of the temperature so they couldn’t do anything about it.

I’d do it again in a heartbeat

We took a detour to Poro Point to see the lighthouse and the baywalk before we drove back to Manila. Lots of stop-overs, heartfelt conversations, a barrage of laughter, and misadventures occurred during our long drive.

New memories were made and I don’t have any regrets when my knees screamed in pain after the trip. It was extremely fun to take on long drives with people close to your heart.

The tailgate lift assist is perfect for hanging out and dillydallying when you have free time. During one of our stopovers, we sat at the truck bed and exchanged stories while eating and drinking.

My first long drive, which started in the slopes of Rizal down to the forested part of Laguna, across the busy streets of Cavite, and towards the beachside and mountainous trails of La Union, is quite a memory that I’d like to cherish.

Every moment is worth remembering, and it’s great to have companions who are game for every adventure you’d like to try. And yes, the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 is a great outdoor buddy.

It’s strong, adventure-ready, and packed with creature comforts to make any long drive cozy and feel like home — even when on the road. Plus, the safety features and technology make you feel like the Ranger has your legs and back.

Don’t get me wrong, though; I’d still love to be a passenger prince and stare at myself in the side mirrors. But if you ask me for a long drive once more with a Next-Gen truck like the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4, I’d do it again in a heartbeat, no doubt.

Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

For more information about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4, visit the Ford Ranger page. Reserve the Next-Gen Ford Ranger through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

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Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

Published

January 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

Published

January 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.

CES 2026

NAVEE expands smart mobility beyond the city at CES 2026

A broader vision for mobility!

Published

January 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

At CES 2026, NAVEE signaled a clear shift in direction. Known for smart urban mobility, the global brand used the Las Vegas stage to show how its technology now stretches beyond city streets and into outdoor living, recreation, and adventure.

Rather than focusing on a single hero product, NAVEE presented a growing ecosystem built around intelligent engineering and lifestyle flexibility. The message was simple and confident. Mobility today is not limited to commuting. It is part of how people move through work, play, and downtime.

A smarter take on electric mobility

Leading NAVEE’s CES lineup was the UT5 MAX electric scooter. Built on the UT5 platform, it was designed with both urban reliability and outdoor capability in mind.

With a range of up to 100 kilometers and support for fast charging and external batteries, the UT5 MAX feels ready for longer rides, varied terrain, and real-world use that goes beyond short city hops.

The focus here is practicality. It’s a scooter that fits daily routines while also making room for spontaneous outdoor plans.

Technology finds its way onto the fairway

NAVEE also stepped into a more unexpected space with the Birdie 5X electric golf push cart. An evolution of the Birdie 3X, this new model introduces ultra-precise UWB-powered automatic follow.

The result is a smoother, more intuitive experience on the course, where the tech quietly supports the game rather than distracting from it.

It’s a clear example of how NAVEE is applying intelligent mobility thinking to lifestyle-specific environments.

From land to water, and everything in between

The outdoor expansion didn’t stop on the road or the green. NAVEE revealed the WaveFly Flyer Car, a playful take on water-based mobility designed to bring a sense of adventure to lakes and coastal settings.

Alongside it was a high-end electric camping wagon built for hauling gear, supplies, and everything that comes with outdoor weekends.

Together, these products paint a bigger picture. NAVEE is positioning itself as a brand that supports movement across different terrains and moods, from utility to leisure.

A broader vision for mobility

What stood out at CES 2026 was not just the hardware, but the intention behind it. NAVEE is building toward a future where intelligent mobility blends naturally into everyday life, whether that means navigating city streets, spending time outdoors, or finding new ways to enjoy familiar activities.

As the brand continues to grow its portfolio, the direction is clear. Mobility is no longer confined to getting from point A to point B. It’s becoming part of how people experience their lifestyle, wherever that may take them.