Already a common sight on today’s roads, Ford hopes to continue the dominance of its top-selling SUV with its next-generation model. The new Ford Territory boasts of a commanding new look, bearing similar styling to its larger sibling, the Explorer. The next-generation model features a larger grille, slimmer LED headlights with a distinctive daytime running light pattern, muscular haunches, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the new Territory comes with a spacious interior packed with comfort and technology features. The driver’s seat gets 10-way power adjust, while there’s four-way manual adjust for the passenger seat. They’re upholstered in perforated partial leather seats with a two-tone peacock blue and domino color combination, designed to provide a more comfortable ride with less heat, even when left parked out in the sun.

Smarter inside

Its predecessor has already made a name for itself with smart SUV features. The next-gen Territory, particularly in Titanium trim, takes it a step further with notable upgrades and enhancements. There’s a new integrated seven-inch digital cluster that provides real-time information. This all-digital panel features intelligent trip information views that can be customized by the driver. It’s coupled with a 12-inch colored touchscreen that allows both driver and passenger easier to access various controls and entertainment options. The touchscreen also serves as a monitor for the 360-degree camera that helps drivers see blind spots around the vehicle better. Below the large screen is the front console that has a built-in wireless charger to power mobile phones without cables. Interior amenities include the rotary e-Shifter and electric parking brake for added comfort and safety. For passenger comfort, there’s dual-zone electronic air temperature control, an upgrade from the previous air conditioning system that now makes it more convenient for the passengers to make more precise adjustments to the in-car climate with physical controls.

Smarter on the road

The new Territory Titanium variant is packed with the latest driver-assist technology. It comes with a rotary-style gear selector, like those seen on luxury British SUVs. It has a Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and door open alarm that beeps when a vehicle, person, or object is detected at the usual blind spots during a drive. This ensures the driver is aware of any potential hazards while at the wheel. The vehicle will also be easier to handle with electronic power-assisted steering, which continuously adjusts to different road-conditions that causes the car to pull to the left-or-right. It also has a cruise control function to help drivers stay within speed limits, a hill descent control which ensures the vehicles maintains its speed when driving downhill, and hill launch assist which allows the car to drive away smoothly when on a steep uphill incline without rolling backwards. The Territory is also equipped with Active Park Assist which allows owners to pull into, or out of, tight parallel and perpendicular parking spots with ease. It’s all done with just the push of a button, that allows the car to park itself. Drivers can easily take control when they want to stop by pressing the brake pedal. It also helps drivers get out of very tight parking spaces through the same function.

In the metal at MIAS

The next-generation Ford Territory and its many variants will be on display and available for test drive at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Visitors can get a closer look at the vehicle as well as personally test its many new features by simply talking to one of the sales associates present at the booth.