It’s fairly large for a crossover and its dimensions make it physically bigger compared to compact SUVs like the RAV4 and the CR-V. This only bodes well for the consumers as they’ll literally get more, for less.
I’ve heard plenty of good (and some not so flattering) things about the Ford Territory. After my first day with the Titanium+ variant, here are 10 things I think you should know.
Exterior design
Simplicity isn’t its strong suit but I like it. Flared wheel arches and lines along the side panel make it appear muscular and sinewy, while the rising character line and the underbody garnishes (front and rear) give it the familiar Ford SUV look.
Powertrain
The 1.5L EcoBoost engine is quite punchy despite its small displacement. Just a little bit of input and it quickly takes off, which makes it feel lighter than its 1.5-ton weight. The CVT it’s paired with is ok — consistently keeping it in its sweet spot and doesn’t feel sluggish — but I noticed that it lingers far too long on the same gear when downhill, which raises the revs past 2,500 RPM.
Cabin layout
I was expecting basic for a China-designed and made unit, but was glad to be surprised. It looks classy with leather, faux wood and glossy surfaces on the dashboard and panels. Plus, the extra millimeters of width give the cabin space so that all elements are properly placed. The buttons above and around the shift knob though are a little tacky.
10-inch display
This thing is large, beautiful and colorful. It’s a touchscreen system but much easier to use with the rotary control (and the buttons beside it) near the dual-lid center console. The one thing about it, it doesn’t come with Ford’s SYNC3.
Apple CarPlay, and it’s wireless
Most CarPlay’s need your device to be plugged in via USB, but not this. All you need to do is pair via Bluetooth. This is great for people who don’t want to overcharge their device (which will happen if you’re using USB connection) but want to use CarPlay. I’m not sure if it’s the same with Android Auto though. Plus, it comes with a wireless charging pad too!
Cabin air filter
It filters out pollen with activated carbon but what it has over the Trend variant is a fabric filter against PM 2.5 (particulate matter) or droplets in the air with are two and a half microns (or less) in width. With what’s going on these days this is a great thing to have.
Cooled front seats
It’s a great feature especially in the Philippines. With just a touch of the control, you’re cooling down much more quickly in these seats compared to any of its competitors in the segment.
Enhanced Active Park Assist System
Active Park Assist has been a long-time Ford Feature. For those who don’t know, this system will basically do the parallel parking for you. All drivers need to do is remove their hands from the steering wheel and follow the prompts for throttle and brake input. The ‘enhanced’ version now also helps even with perpendicular parking.
Other safety features
It comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking (to prevent a collision), Blind Spot Information System (to alert drivers of vehicles and other motorists on his/her blind spot), and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning (maintains set speed but uses radar to slow down if it detects a vehicle directly ahead).
Hi-definition 360-degree camera
Available only in this trim, this feature uses four cameras (front, rear and under both mirrors) to simulate an aerial view of the vehicle. If you’re not using the ‘Enhanced Active Park Assist System’, this is the next best thing. Posts, bollards, cones, slot markings are all visible allowing you to carefully park the vehicle.
These are features that help it stand out in the segment, often putting it at par if not ahead of the competition.