They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.

But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.

Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.

Comfort with consideration

The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.

A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.

Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.

Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.

Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.

This cabin understands technology

Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.

Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.

In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.

On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.

Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.

The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.

Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.

Driving with confidence

Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.

Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.

In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.

Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.

Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.

It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.

More than a truck

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.

It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.

If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.

This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.

Ford has officially made the All-New Ford Mustang Mach-E and new Ford Ranger available in the Philippines.

The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s foray into the full-electric vehicle scene. It features electric power and modern driving technology while still carrying over the iconic vehicle’s signature design cues and legendary driving experience.

The all-new premium EV is available at PhP 3,499,000 and is offered in Glacier Grey, Star White, Shadow Black, Velocity Blue, and Grabber Yellow.

Upon purchase, customers will get a free 3.5kW portable charger and 7kW wall box charger. The EV is available at Ford dealerships, including Alabang, Balintawak, Cebu, EDSA, Global City, Libis, and Marikina.

Efficient performance, extended range and power

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is powered by a dual permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives all four wheels. This produces 290Kw (394PS) of power and 676Nm torque. Such AWD configuration provides strong acceleration and quick response.

An 88kWh extended-range lithium-ion NCM battery delivers up to 550 kilometers of range. Owners can choose from Type 2 (AC, up to 11kW) and CCS2 (DC, up to 150kW) ports when charging.

A compatible home wall charger can replenish the battery overnight, while a 150kW charger can replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in under 45 minutes.

Selectable drive modes for the Mustang Mach-E include Whisper, Engage, and Unbridle. These various modes give drivers the opportunity to tailor the experience.

Meanwhile, a 1-Pedal Drive system allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. Lifting off the pedal activates regenerative braking, which slows the vehicle and recovers energy for the battery.

The feature reduces brake use to improve efficiency and control, especially during stop-and-go traffic.

Bold design, Mustang heritage

Of course, the Mustang Mach-E retains the fastback silhouette and tri-bar tail lamps of the iconic pony car. A frameless grille works with LED projector headlamps with automatic leveling.

There are four 19-inch machine-finished aluminum wheels, and a drainable front trunk for versatile cargo space.

There is likewise a panoramic glass roof while an E-Latch door system replaces conventional handles. The vehicle will detect the driver and press its B-pillar button to release the door, opening slightly for easy access.

Other external design features include power-folding heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Inside are perforated ActiveX synthetic leather seats with 10-way power adjustment. The heated front seats, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and rear air vents keep the cabin comfortable.

There is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.5-inch capacitive touchscreen with SYNC4A. This has enhanced voice recognition and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto support.

The entertainment is also amplified by a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with subwoofer.

Behind the rear seats are 402 liters of space and there’s 1,420 liters more load space when the seats are folded.

Connect with FordPass

The Mustang Mach-E comes equipped with FordPass Connect. Owners have the ability to manage their vehicle right from their mobile devices.

Features include:

• Remote Start / Stop /Climate
• EV Charging Status
• Battery States of Charge
• Charge Session Details
• Start / Stop Charging
• Target Charge
• Departure Times
• Preferred Charge Times
• Charge History
• AC Charge Rate

For safety and convenience, the premium EV has nine airbags and a 360-degree camera with split view.

Standard safety systems and driver assistance features include:

• ABS with EBD
• electronic stability program, traction control
• SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
• Driver assistance features include Collision Mitigation
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping System with alert and aid functions
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Driver Impairment Monitor

New Ford Ranger: smart connectivity, enhanced capability

Meanwhile, the latest iteration of the Ford Ranger brings the smartest, most versatile, and most capable features to pick-up owners.

Customers can choose from a variety of engines for their specific needs. The 2.0L Bi-Turbo mated with 10-speed automatic transmission is available on the 4×4 Wildtrak variant, capable of 210PS power and 500Nm torque.

There is also a 2.0L Single Turbo mated with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission available for other variants. This is capable of 170PS power and 405Nm torque.

Visually, the design features a defined new grille and signature C-clamp headlight in front. For the first time, the Ranger is equipped with matrix LED headlines for the Wildtrak 4×4. LED taillamps also clamp onto the new tailgate stamped with the “Ranger” badge.

Beneath is an upgraded chassis riding on a 50mm longer wheelbase and a track 50mm wider than the previous Ranger. New fenders and larger wheel arches also make the appearance more sculpted.

Inside, the pick-up uses premium soft-touch materials for its roomy cabin. There is a large touchscreen ranging from 10.1″ to 12″ to complement the fully digital instrument panel. The display is loaded with Ford’s SYNC4, which supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Moreover, the vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera for parking, tight urban spaces, and tricky terrains.

There is also an array of drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. These allow drivers and the Ranger to tackle any destination with optimized performance for different surfaces.

Among smart driver-assist technologies on the latest Ranger are:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
• Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Aid & Lane Departure Warning
• Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection
• Seven (7) airbags

Have you ever wondered what riding a PhP 25-million car feels like? Obviously, only a scant handful of people would ever dream about (or, much less, own) such a car. And, if you’re one of the few who have one, you would probably treat it like a baby. Well, that’s not what the Land Rover Defender OCTA, which is a PhP 25-million car itself, wants you to do.

I learned this firsthand when I spent a day with the Defender and the Defender OCTA. Far more than a simple driving test, the day showed off what the car can do under more extreme circumstances.

Under more controlled conditions

As much as I would have loved to find the Defender’s limit myself, the multi-million-peso price tag was just too much to swallow. So, I went with Land Rover’s more controlled tracks and experience to check out the capabilities of the offroad-focused vehicle.

First up were a series of artificial slopes and an elevating ramp. Now, going on offroad trails is fun; actual emergencies, however, are not. While Land Rover is naturally unable to manufacture an emergency, a series of humps that tilt the car 20 to 30 degrees to its side is a close enough estimate. Another, a series of alternating humps, lift one or two wheels of the ground. Finally, the ramp lifts the entire car up by its rear.

Though a mere blip in Land Rover’s extensive suite of offroad modes, the Mud Ruts mode is an essential part of the Defender’s toolkit to guide the car through uneven, slippery terrain. For other situations, the Defender also has Grass/Gravel/Snow Mode, Sand Mode, Rock Crawl Mode, Wade Mode, and Auto Mode.

But enough of the technicals for now. The Defender thrives on doing the work for you. All you have to do is point it in the right direction and apply a bit of power. The car pushes by itself. While us humans fear the unnatural feeling of having wheels off the ground, the Defender does this with ease. It was the face of stoicism.

Much of the same happened with the admittedly frightening ramp. Though we were suspended at a perilous angle, the Defender looked like an adrenaline junkie who can just ride a roller coaster with a straight face. Its powerful Hill Descent Control kept its wheels stuck to the ramp.

Now on the trail

Artificial circumstances are all well and good, but how about real-life situations? For that, we took the Defender to an offroad track made especially for the car.

Now, to be fair, yes, it was a customized trail that had little risk of unexpected incidents. But it was rugged enough to be a representation of what you might encounter in the real world. We went through rough roads, more realistic descents, and the occasional stream of water.

We also had a qualified instructor with us, but getting what you need from the car is as easy as flipping a switch. Just as in the artificial obstacle course, the offroad trail was something that the car can handle on its own.

In the likelier event that you don’t have an instructor with you, the Defender can offer all the information you might need to get past an obstacle. As I’ve said, the car can do the work for you, but it’s not an unseen force that does the talking. Among all the cars that I’ve tried with similar features, the Defender has the most comprehensive assortment of displays, including pitch, roll, and bank angle. It also has an impressive series of cameras to ensure that your prized possession escapes a situation relatively unscathed.

Interlude: All about that BASS

If it was built purely for offroad trails, the Defender will have a hard time justifying its high price tag. Thankfully, it’s not just a prize for the great outdoors. The car also has a luxurious suite of comfort and convenience features baked inside.

It’s easy to name the standard array of features, like the infotainment panel or the air conditioning, but the real pièce de résistance is what Land Rover calls the Body and Soul Seats (or BASS, for short).

Available only on the OCTA models of the Defender, the BASS offers immersive sound technology embedded inside the seats themselves. It vibrates according to the song you’re listening to. It’s very immersive and much like strapping a subwoofer to your back.

Alternatively, it also comes with a wellness mode that has six presets designed to keep you calm in tough traffic. As opposed to the immersive mode that can keep your blood pumping for exhilarating drives, wellness mode is more relaxing.

How to turn your Defender into a rally car

I’m not going to pretend that I have any sort of rally experience. So, when the final leg of my day with the Defender was announced as a high-speed, loose-gravel trail, I was frankly frightened… and a little bit excited.

Before we get into the experience, a short introduction to OCTA Mode is necessary. On its own, the Defender is as sporty as it gets. However, OCTA Mode, available only on the eponymous model, is what you might consider a sport mode on steroids, a beast unleashed. As the appointed driver said to me, it’s designed to reduce grip and enable power-sliding, making it perfect for trails like this. Though that sounds unsafe, it makes for a much more exciting experience out on the track.

Imagine telling a 635hp beast to run free. That’s what OCTA is.

And exciting, it was. As scared as I was at first, I learned to trust the car by this point. The experience was without compare.

For one, the Defender OCTA’s 0-60 is just an absurd 3.8 seconds. In no time at all, we were already barreling through the course at blinding speeds. Secondly, braking and cornering were also smooth. At no point did I feel that the car was out of control.

We also tried the mode on paved roads. Though it was less grippy, we still had the feel of the road underneath our tires. We weren’t skating on ice.

How I learned to stop worrying and love the Defender

The beauty of the Defender series is in how it melts fear. When you first see a beast like the Defender, you rarely have any idea of what to expect. However, the car quickly teaches you to let go of your fear.

There is no need to baby the Defender. Yes, it costs upwards of PhP 6 million (and PhP 25 million for the OCTA), but the ability to conquer rough terrain is part of what you’re paying for with the Defender. As they say, “when you’ve got it, flaunt it.” In this case, flaunting it isn’t just about leaving it out in the open; it’s about unleashing the beast and letting it roar.