Automotive

Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.

Published

December 23, 2025

MJ Jucutan

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.

Automotive

Porsche Cayenne Electric launches in the Philippines

Porsche’s electric SUV arrives locally.

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Porsche has introduced the all-electric Cayenne in the Philippines, expanding its flagship SUV lineup with a fully electric powertrain. The new model joins the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants, giving buyers more options as the brand expands its electric vehicle lineup.

The launch also coincides with Porsche’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, marking another milestone for the German automaker in the local market.

Porsche Cayenne Electric delivers up to 642km of range

The Philippine-spec Cayenne Electric features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain paired with a 113kWh battery. It produces up to 325kW (442PS) and 835Nm of torque with Launch Control activated.

Porsche claims the electric SUV can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. It also offers a driving range of up to 642 kilometers based on the WLTP testing cycle.

The Cayenne Electric supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW. This allows for faster charging at compatible high-powered charging stations. For home charging, the SUV comes with an 11kW onboard AC charger.

Digital cockpit and adjustable rear seating

The Cayenne Electric features a 3,023mm wheelbase, providing additional room for passengers. Its rear seats offer 150mm of fore-and-aft adjustment and up to 18 degrees of backrest tilt, allowing occupants to prioritize legroom or cargo space.

Inside, the SUV introduces Porsche’s Flow Display, a curved OLED interface that serves as the centerpiece of its digital cockpit. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available for entertainment and navigation-related functions.

The cabin combines these digital features with a configurable seating layout designed to balance passenger comfort and practicality.

Porsche Cayenne Electric features adaptive air suspension

The Cayenne Electric comes with adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Buyers can also opt for rear-axle steering and an active-hydraulic chassis leveling system.

Its driver-assistance and parking features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist with a 2D surround-view system, automated parking functions, and driver attention monitoring.

By offering the electric Cayenne alongside its combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid counterparts, Porsche continues to give customers a choice of powertrains while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the Philippines.

Porsche in the Philippines

Porsche Center Philippines has served as the official importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars in the country since 1996. Its offerings include the latest Porsche models, Porsche Lifestyle products, genuine parts, and after-sales services.

Automotive

Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long

Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.

Published

October 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.

The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.

BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program

BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.

BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.

DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT

DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.

The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.

The weekend moves to 5th Avenue

On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.

The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.

Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.

Automotive

Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup

XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000

Published

September 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.

The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.

XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven

The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.

It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.

It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.

Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.

A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.

A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.

XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom

The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).

The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.

The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.

The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.

All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.

Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.

Ownership packages, reservation details

XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.

XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.

L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.

Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.

XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.