The next-generation Ford Ranger is one of the most technologically advanced pickups in its class.

AutoFun Philippines has already tested the top-spec Ranger Wildtrak 4x4, where our Writer Joey Deriquito found that it offered plenty of convenience and safety tech, along with a powerful twin-turbo diesel engine.

Ford Philippines also released a February 2023 press statement about two next-generation Ranger owners who gave their experience about living with their pick-ups every day.

They are Pampanga-based website developer and part-time photographer Philip Vino and Cebu-based associate manager Earl Cuevas.

Fresh looks

Ford Philippines said both of them loved the looks of their Rangers, along with the versatility that their pick-ups offered.

“A pickup truck is really ideal for my needs,” said Philip. “As a young driver, I prefer a pick-up truck that looks good and matches my personality. I’m always in remote locations due to the nature of my job, so I need a vehicle that can keep up with my busy schedule, and I found it in the next-gen Ranger.”

“The headlamps are too handsome,” said Earl. “Inside, the ride comfort is outstanding. It doesn’t feel like a pickup truck as the ride feels really premium.”

Our Joey, meanwhile, called the Ranger Wildtrak’s exterior muscular and more akin to its bigger sibling, the Ford F-150.

Powerful yet economical

Earl and Philip also told Ford Philippines that the Ranger’s performance and fuel consumption were just right for their needs.

“Driving to neighboring towns and provinces like Subic, Bataan, Zambales, or all the way to Metro Manila and Tagaytay is so easy and convenient with the next-gen Ranger,” Philip said. “A single full tank was almost enough for our 14-day stay in Baguio.”

Earl, who frequently drives around Cebu because of the nature of his job, applauded the vehicle’s driving capabilities across different terrains. 

“I have clients who live far from the city and up in the mountains as well, so it's great to have a truck that is so capable to take me wherever I need to go,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joey found that the Ranger Wildtrak exhibited good performance around town and on rough roads. However, the brake pedal had a learning curve because of its difficult modulation.

He also got between 8.5 to 11 km/l in the city and between 14 to 23 km/l on the highway.

Superb tech

The two Ranger owners mentioned to Ford Philippines that they enjoyed the high level of technology that they got in their pick-ups.

For Philip, the Apple CarPlay and the 360-degree camera are some of the most useful driver-assist technologies that make driving both a safe and interactive experience. 

And with the introduction of the FordPass app on December 2022, both owners get remote access to their next-gen Ranger trucks using their mobile devices. 

“We are all aware of how hot it can get in our country,” Philip said. “With FordPass, I can remotely start my truck and turn on the air conditioner. My passengers are definitely happy and excited to ride the truck.”

Joey also praised the full suite of safety and convenience features in the Ranger Wildtrak, noting that the autonomous emergency braking system saved him from a costly shunt on the road.

Would you buy the next-generation Ford Ranger?

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