I need to be honest. I wasn’t too impressed with the first-generation Territory that was sold in the country. I mean, yeah, it looked good, and the pricing was tempting, and the bells and whistles that came with the price tag were quite impressive. However, in my brief time with it, something about the CVT just didn’t sit well with me. So despite being one of the brand’s volume drivers, I wasn’t completely sold on the product.
Cut to the launch of the next-generation Territory at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show, and five months later, the media drive to Tagaytay.
The first thing that came to mind when I sat in the front passenger seat was, “Where did all this space come from?” One of the things Ford does well is maximize available space, like how they designed the interior of the EcoSport. For a small SUV, the next-gen Territory is surprisingly roomy. Legroom for front and rear passengers is very generous, and seating is quite comfortable, even for larger passengers. It also has enough trunk space for weekender bags for all passengers—448 liters, to be exact—which can also be used to carry sporting equipment.
Technology is a big part of Ford’s next-generation vehicles, and for the Territory, this is reflected in the extra-wide screen that dominates the dashboard. Incorporated in a single bezel are the 12-inch central touch screen and either a 7-inch (Titanium) or 12-inch (Titanium X) digital instrument cluster that displays vehicle functions. Complementing this techy/futuristic look are the Territory’s rotary e-shifter, electronic parking brake, and the other buttons ergonomically located on the center console. Aside from the USB Type C and Type A (x2) ports, wireless charging is also available on the center stack, and for added convenience, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. The next-gen Territory also comes with a 360-degree camera and an improved Active Park Assist function that is now easier to use.
Aside from the aesthetics, the Territory also got upgrades where it really matters. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Yes. No more CVT. This new combo produces 160PS and up to 248Nm of torque, and a noticeable difference in the vehicle’s handling, making it great for trips, even those with mountain destinations. It also comes with four driving modes—Eco, Normal Sport, and Mountain—for varying terrain. These modes, however, are accessed via the touchscreen and do not have physical buttons or a dial. While the modes can be changed on the fly with just a swipe on the screen, it is best to switch modes while stopped so that the driver doesn’t have to take his or her eyes off the road. Alternatively, you can do what we did, which was to have the front passenger do the swiping while we traversed the zigzag highways of Rizal, the country streets of Laguna, the narrow streets of Batangas, and eventually Tagaytay. Depending on the trim, it sits on either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, fitted with P235/55R18 or R19 tires. The price difference between the trims also gets you a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free liftgate, puddle lamps, and other driver-assist features and safety features for the Titanium X variant.
As luck would have it, after several hours of pleasurable driving, we got to experience firsthand one of the safety features of the Territory when we accidentally ran over what we thought was a nail somewhere in Talisay, Batangas. As soon as it punctured our tire, we immediately noticed a different sound coming from our rear tire, and after a few meters, the onboard Tire Pressure Monitoring System confirmed that we were losing pressure and that the tire was already below 30psi. It was a good thing we were with quick-thinking folks who directed us to a nearby service station, so we never felt that we were in any imminent danger. Just so you know, the spare (donut) tire that is standard with every purchase was enough to get us to our destination (Tagaytay), and in case you were wondering, yes, the folks from Ford took care of changing the donut tire back to a full-sized one as soon as we got to the hotel. Also, so that you know, what we thought was just a nail turned out to be an 8-inch piece of rebar that must have fallen from one of the trucks that ply that highway. OMG.
“The next-generation Ford Territory Drive was designed for participants to experience the segment-leading features that make it a standout among Filipino SUV customers. With its contemporary design, comfortable interior, and smart and safe features, the next-gen Territory is an SUV that is perfect for young professionals and starting families alike,” said Mike Breen, managing director of Ford Philippines.
So did the drive make me change my mind about the Ford Territory? Most definitely. I will no longer hesitate to add it to my short list of vehicles when people ask for my recommendation. It’s not perfect, but it’s not Ford Philippines’ best-selling nameplate, second only to the Ranger for nothing.
The next-gen Territory is available in two trims: the next-gen Territory Titanium 1.5L EcoBoost 7-Speed AT is priced at Php 1,335,000, while the top-of-the-line Titanium X has an SRP of Php 1,599,000. Both variants come with a 5-year warranty or up to 150,000 km, whichever comes first. Available colors include blue metallic; crystal pearl white (exclusive to Titanium X); lustrous grey; panther black; ruby red (exclusive to Titanium); and star white (exclusive to Titanium).