Automotive

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×2: Big-boy truck for the family

It’s handsome, techie, and a safe ride

Published

March 23, 2021

LeRoy Robles

The moment I was given the keys to the all-new 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×2, my first thoughts were of slight disappointment over two things: First, I wished this were a Ranger Raptor. Second, I hoped I had the keys to the 4×4. Little did I know that all those gripes and disappointments would be left behind as soon as I drove away from the facility I picked this up from.

Spoiler Alert: I finally get the appeal of Ford Trucks and why they are up there as one of the biggest sellers of passenger trucks in the market.

What’s new

There are very subtle changes made for the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 from its predecessor. Those very changes set the tone for this truck to become a future best seller in its own right. The exterior now features an upgraded honeycomb grill, giving it a more menacing look and reinforcing its appeal towards the rugged truck market.

Ford calls this color on the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildcatter, Saber and is exclusively available to the Wildtrak variant. Black chrome trimmings now adorn the vehicle’s front skid plate, side mirrors, door handles and those slick 18 inch alloy wheels shod in 265/60/r18 tires. The tires are rated for highway and road use but taking it down the beaten path shouldn’t pose much of a problem

You do have the usual truck paraphernalia such as the functional roof rack up top to accommodate more luggage. That is if the huge bed space up back isn’t enough for you, but the devil is surely in the details. The black sports bar in the rear, with the body colored stripe adds to its macho appeal and the huge, chunky step board proves that macho can also be a gentleman.

Courtesy lights below the side mirrors help you see where you are going as you step out of the vehicle but the best small detail on the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 would be that coveted Black Ford Badge. If some brands have their red badges set aside for the sporty versions of their cars, Ford has dibs on black, and it is glorious.

Techie interior

Getting inside the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, easily, I might add thanks to grab handles on the A-Pillar and the aforementioned stepboard, you will be greeted by the plush leather interior with that Saber gold contrast stitching.

The seats also feature the Wildtrak badge embossed into it for good measure. Gone are the days of trucks being solely relegated to more agricultural duties, this truck aims to replace your family sedan.

Thanks to giant cupholders, center console and the high-resolution screen next to the speedometer, which can provide you with all the information that you need at a moment’s notice, this truck is the farthest thing from being a farm tool, and we’re just getting started.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak is as technologically endowed as the best of them and can most definitely be worthy as your next GadgetMatch! Ford Sync 3 technology not only integrates the epic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with the 6 booming speakers, but it does so in a way ever so seamlessly.

This truck of all things is the easiest to pair with your smartphone thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Once you’ve completed the initial setup which takes literally a few seconds, it then automatically detects your phone and uses your navigation and media apps and takes on them like a champ. I tell you, Sync 3 is a revelation and isn’t a nerfed version of just screen mirroring. It totally integrates your connected way of life on the road.

Big-boy truck

After taking in all the tech the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak has to offer, you can’t avoid the fact that you just tower above almost every vehicle on the road. Thanks to the 232mm of ground clearance and the high seating position, visibility is just incredible and gives you more confidence traversing our hazardous roads.

You can always manually adjust the seats and steering wheel to find the perfect driving position for you, but that doesn’t deter from the fact that you now are on a big-boy truck.

The ride quality is definitely fit for a king as the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak features a suspension setting made for one.

In the past, I remember my uncle driving his old, rickety truck around with bags of sand in the back just to improve the ride quality. Not with the Wildtrak! The front, double wishbone suspension, typically found in your favorite sporty compact sedans works well in tandem with the finely tuned leaf springs in the back.

It absolutely felt like I was driving in the clouds during highway cruising as well as stop and go traffic. The suspension is also stiff enough to handle corners, quick evasive maneuvers thanks to the light, electronic steering mechanism.

Plenty of power

All that icing on the cake gives way for the cherry on top of this very capable truck. Ford has given the 2021 Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 the Single-Turbo version of their 2-liter Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel Engine.

Just push on the start button and you’ll start to feel the distinct rumble of the diesel engine. But thanks to powerful sound insulation, nary a noise. You might call this a watered-down version of the Bi-Turbo engine on the Ranger Raptor, however your butt-dyno will prove you otherwise.

There is plenty of power on tap thanks to the 10-Speed automatic transmission and shifts smoothly as the power management system selects the best gear for the situation.

This proves beneficial for fuel consumption as city driving nets an average of 9 km/l on an average of 30km/h and highway runs at an astonishing 14 km/l at an 80km/h average. Keep in mind that these numbers can certainly vary, but with all that power at your disposal, it’s easy to keep things sane.

Why drive like a madman when you can take it easy and let others gawk at your own personal handsome-truck!

Safety is a priority

You also get a whole slew of safety features that come standard on the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Six (6) Airbags, Anti-lock Brakes with Brake Force Distribution, Parking Sensors, a Rear-View Camera, Iso-Fix Anchors all come as standard. This truck offers so much more under its sleeve that will put executive sedans to shame.

Features such as Autonomous Braking Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Hill Launch Assist and the magic Active Park Assist feature that takes the anxiety out of parallel parking create the perfect vehicle for safety.

A fantastic overall package

I never got to test the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s Towing and Hauling capabilities but that just goes to show you how much trucks have evolved over the years. I am certain that this truck is very much capable of carrying on the tasks of its forebears but that is no longer the point of passenger pick-up trucks these days.

It would be nice to have the option when hauling is necessary but for about 99% of this truck’s use, it should stand as the perfect family car. And it definitely does, quite tall and proud in fact!. The Wildtrak Starts at PhP 1,545,000 which, if you ask me, is a total steal considering the overall package.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 your Gadgetmatch? It very well just might be!

Automotive

New EV player XPENG to launch in the Philippines in September

XPENG to unveil two models in the market

Published

August 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.

Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

Published

August 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

Automotive

Xiaomi debuts SkyNomad Series featuring new Kunlun platform

Intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV

Published

August 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Xiaomi EV is ushering in a new era with the launch of the Xiaomi SkyNomad Series in China, the first model built on the new Xiaomi Kunlun Platform.

The new EV is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV built around on three core strengths: expansive interior space, completely flat cabin floor, and reconfigurable seating.

It is paired with the Xiaomi Kunlun HyperRange, Xiaomi Armor Scale Battery, and Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety.

The SkyNomad’s cabin electronics run on a four-in-one domain control model built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. It features Dual 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The launch unveiled two models: the first is the flagship 7-seater extended-range SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max (RMB 299,900) while the other is the 5-seat AWD SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 Max (RMB 259,900).

These EVs have a battery capacity range of 52 to 76kWh. On CLTC, the N70 Max can reach up to 505 kilometers of EV-only range. Dual-motor all-wheel delivers 310kW of peak power.

Design born for space

The Xiaomi SkyNomad’s design philosophy is based on prioritizing function, while form complements it.

Every design feature traces back to a specific spatial need. And the spatial logic shows up directly in the body, through squared-off proportions.

Three lines define the upright stance: a flat roofline for maximized second and third-row headroom, a continuous waistline, and a rising sill line to lift the visual center of gravity.

A rounded-rectangle motif carries theough the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side cameras for a cohesive design language that features over 140 aerodynamic optimizations.

Smart electric doors open by touch or voice, while rear doors open to nearly 90° for easy passage.

Xiaomi Kunlun built for space

Where the Xiaomi Kunlun architecture comes in is for optimizing packaging across three axes to minimize structural intrusion in the cabin.

The front cabin integration includes a five-in-one EREV system, integrated water-cooling module, mid-mounted HVAC unit, and PTC-compressor two-in-one, compressing the front cabin length to just 1,265mm.

Springs and shock absorbers, on the other hand, are separated into a split layout. This releases 15mm of wheel-arch height for the third row.

Moving the shock absorbers outward optimizes the overall wheel-arch packaging for a full-cabin spatial experience.

Lastly, the rear electric drive unit comes with a highly integrated rear coaxial electric drive to free up 145mm of vertical space.

An integrated-linkage independent suspension uses an H-arm structure to lower the floor by an extra 37mm. Additionally, the large battery pack control module relocated inside reduces floor thickness by 180mm.

The N90 Max comes with 2,760mm of total occupant space and 1,831L of cargo space.

The cabin also includes 34 storage compartments, including an 18.4L front passenger glove box and extended door-panel storage.

Elevated cabin experience

Inside, the SkyNomad’s cabin has an elevated and homelike atmosphere. A cabinet-style center console extends 1,530mm horizontally for a wider visual and physical footprint.

Hidden mechanical air vents keep the dashboard clean while retaining precise manual adjustment. There’s also an accessory port for 27W fast charging, along with mounts for phones, action cameras, and more small devices.

There is a customizable head-up display, 25-speaker audio system, and 6.9-inch rear control screen for full control from the back seat.

Moreover, the front and second row backseats use a 12-layer comfort structure, with the front seats coming with 16-point massage ventilation and heating.

Built on a flat floor, every model comes with extra-long seat slide rails with up to 900mm of travel for both second and third rows.

These rails use aerospace-grade 7-series reinforced aluminum alloy, validated through 15,000 cycles.

The entire interior varries OEKO-TEX certification, applying to infant-grade safety standards.

Extensive personalization options

The Xiaomi SkyNomad comes in three colorways: Volcanic Gray, Mountain Green, and Valley Blue.

Meanwhile, owners can choose from Cream Beige and Mocha Brown for the interior.

The N90 Max wheel options include standard 21″ Prism-shaped Rims, plus optional 21″ Beam-shaped Rims, and 21″ Starbust-shaped Rims Stealth Black Edition for a sportier look.

The variable space inside is designed around real usage patterns. There are plenty of seating configurations, which can all be accessed through the Xiaomi HyperXiaoAi AI assistant.

The independent first and second row seats can face each other. The second and third rows can slide all the way back for even more leg room like a first-class cabin.

Moreover, one touch can turn the second and third rows into a bed. The front seats can be rotated as well to extend the bed’s length.

For transporting plenty of cargo, one touch can activate Ultimate Storage Mode as well.

Safety features

Through Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety, the SkyNomad’s engineering comes with a system spanning materials, structure, airbags, battery, and the variable-space design itself.

Safety features include: