Over the past months, I’ve been seeing more and more of this handsome vehicle. Is it a crossover or an SUV? Because I’m never quite sure with the Ford Territory. Ford calls it a compact-crossover SUV, so there’s that.
Uncertainties aside, one thing I do know is that Ford Philippines definitely has its finger on the pulse of their market because the Territory is just everywhere. With a few days to dig into the Titanium X variant, I got to figure out just why this vehicle is selling so well for the blue oval. The quick and dirty? This model is perfectly packaged when it comes to luxury, efficiency, and performance. Plus it’s got undeniable good looks.
The exterior of the Territory is a bold statement made visual. The exterior design’s radical departure from the old model is the brand’s proclamation of how it wants to charm its market. The size alone ensures its presence and coupled with that attractive face you’ve basically got the SUV version of Joey Tribbiani going, “How you doin’?”
The integrated honeycomb grille and signature daytime running lamps are a personal favorite. Despite the fact that the Territory’s full-LED headlamps sit lower on the bumper, my eyes can’t seem to veer away from those sexy daytime running lamps. It’s such a hook for the design and helps establish just how high and wide the vehicle is.
Seen from the side, the vehicle maintains its pleasing looks. Simple shapes coupled with good proportions makes for a solid-looking SUV with little drama. The high belt-line and C-pillar windows are reminiscent of the previous Everest’s rear quarter. The 19-inch, Titanium X exclusive, split five-spoke alloy wheels fill the wheel wells nicely, although personally I wished they jutted out a bit more to really square off the shape of the vehicle. From some front and rear angles, the wheel package looks a bit too skinny.
Inside, the Territory Titanium X offers an environment where luxury and practicality meet. The cabin is appointed with premium leather seats featuring a ventilated function, enhancing comfort during my trip out of town. The tinted panoramic moonroof (a highlight exclusive to this variant which I left open for the majority of a five-hour provincial trip), floods the interior with natural light without letting in the heat. Dual-zone AC is available, although I have beef with the AC controls and the way the touch-screen controls are implemented, but I’ll get into that later. Leg room and personal space are amazing on this SUV. The rear passenger area makes you want to just stretch out your legs and relax.
Performance meets innovation
Beneath the hood you’ll find a revised 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering a robust 160-PS and 248-Nm of torque. The auto start-stop technology and four driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Mountain) are available via the touchscreen and are actually very usable. I could clearly see the difference in power delivery and fuel efficiency between Eco and Sport modes, for example. The rotary e-Shifter is convenient, but also feels somewhat gimmicky.
Driving Impressions
The Territory promises a more refined driving experience compared to its predecessor. The engine feels like it has more readily available power and the seven-speed auto allows the vehicle to deliver that power with greater ease, which results in a more relaxed driving experience. The Sport mode delivers when you need it, but it’s evident that the car isn’t meant for sporting duties for extended periods of time. The vehicle also offers a more comfortable ride, despite its slightly stiffer suspension.
Tech-savvy sanctuary
Tech-heads will definitely enjoy the amount of immersion that the Territory offers. The 12-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures your focus remains unbroken. But it also suffers from the same problem that most cars with touchscreen controls have, which is a lack of tactile feedback and a level of inaccuracy with finger presses. Did I mean to press the search icon on Waze? No I did not. I just wanted to press the reroute button. I should be able to do that without having to lose focus of the road, right? It’s a good thing though that the vehicle's intelligent safety systems, like the forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are in full force with this vehicle. The 360-degree camera offers peace of mind when making tight, slow turns. There is also Ford’s active park assist, but I’m too old school to even bother. I hear it’s good though.
Safety as a priority
During my trip, I fully utilized the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, blind spot information system, and lane assist systems. The cruise control logic here is one of the smoother ones I’ve tested and brakes well without jarring the occupants. The forward collision warning system acts as a vigilant (and loud) co-pilot, ready to intervene in critical moments.
Despite its more premium positioning and additional features like the panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and advanced safety technologies, the Titanium X variant never feels excessive. Instead, it represents a thoughtful upgrade from the original experience, moulding together luxury with practicality in a package that's as suited to the urban jungle as it is to open highways. Priced at P1,599,000, the 2023 Ford Territory Titanium X offers a compelling argument for those seeking a vehicle that refuses to compromise on style, comfort, safety, or performance.