FORD has a habit of naming its cars after horses. We know the Mustang, and the Bronco, and the tiny and much maligned Pinto, the breed of horse Tonto rode in the old Lone Ranger series.
So why did it not name its Ranger pick-up line with the same nomenclature? That question will probably never be answered. I’ve never inquired Ford Philippines president about that, and proba-bly never will. With no endorsement or coercion, I decided to christen the Ford Wildtrak the ‘Appa-loosa,’ after the horse bred by native Americans, known for its speed, agility and trail conquering abilities.
Apt name, right? It has all the elements of a great brand name, including the (Lone) Ranger line. Let’s see if I can sell the idea to Ford.
I won’t pretend to be a horse expert. My only exposure came from the San Lazaro and Sta. Ana Race tracks–ancient places of equestrian lore. Once upon a time, I was just happy viewer of what is now known as vintage content, including Westerns like Gunsmoke and Bonanza and yes, I admit, Little House on the Prairie but only because of Melissa Sue Anderson. Then there was content to leave the driving to others. But life had other plans, and I found myself behind the wheel of a beast–the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4. It wasn’t just a truck; it was a modern-day Ap-palosa, ready to literally pull its weight and then some.
Expressways, 100km/h sprints, midnight roads, and monsoon rains–my week with the Wildtrak was a trial by fire. Like a young farmer learning to handle a powerful draft horse, I had to learn to respect the truck’s power and capability. But with every challenge, my confidence grew, and I realized the Wildtrak was more than just muscle; it was a versatile partner, ready for any task.
This wasn’t my first rodeo with a Ranger Wildtrak, I drove the 2022 variant and the one last year. So I expected nothing less from this year’s thoroughbred. But it was a totally different breed. It was like comparing a farmhand’s trusty steed to a prize-winning show horse. The plush interior, the com-manding view, the sheer power–it was a workhorse with a touch of luxury, an Appalosa in a tuxedo.
With a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay blasting Taylor Swift, and a cold brew in hand, I set off on a cross-country adventure. The Wildtrak handled it all with ease, like a draft horse pulling a plow through fertile fields. Flooded roads, like to ones in Laiya River trail heading to Lobo? No problem. Steep slopes? Child’s play. The 360-degree camera was my trusty stablehand, guiding me through tight corners and narrow streets.
Ford’s Advanced Driver-Assist Technology was my secret weapon. It was like having a seasoned equestrian whispering in my ear, keeping me on track and safe. Blind Spot Information System? Check. Lane-keeping assist? You bet. This truck wasn’t just smart, it was intuitive, anticipating my every move like a well-trained horse responding to the slightest shift in weight.
The Wildtrak’s rugged exterior and refined interior perfectly embodied its dual nature. We tackled the hilly trails of south of Dalahican in Quezon, the truck navigating the rough terrain with the sure-footedness of a mountain packhorse. It wasn’t just a vehicle; it was part of the team, hauling gear and carrying us to our destination with unwavering reliability.
Our journey was filled with laughter, stories, and even a few mishaps–a flat tire in the wilds of Na-sugbu, Batangas, and a near miss with a charging bull at an intersection of Sariaya in Quezon. But the Wildtrak never missed a beat. It was more than a vehicle; it was a mobile home, a gathering place, a testament to the joy of exploration. The lift-assist tailgate became our impromptu picnic ta-ble, where we swapped stories under the stars, much like farmers gathering around a campfire after a long day’s work.
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak is not just a pickup truck; it’s a modern-day Appaloosa.
It’s got the strength and endurance to tackle any task, the versatility to handle any terrain, and the comfort and technology to make every journey enjoyable. It’s a testament to Ford’s legacy of innovation and the perfect companion for anyone who craves adventure, whether on the farm or the open road.
