Production Models

When the first-generation Ford Territory arrived in 2020, it would transform the American automaker's fortunes in the compact SUV class. It quickly became one of Ford's best-sellers in the Philippines, thanks to its stylish design and value proposition. In this Car Review we take a look at the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium

With the introduction of the second-generation back in April 2023, it built on the solid foundations that its predecessor had set. Bigger, bolder, and sharper than before, it's the star of this week's car review.

The Ford Territory is available in three variants with the Titanium being the best-selling trim level. It is then followed by the Titanium X and topped off by the recently introduced Sport model.

The compact SUV measures 4,630 mm long, 1,935mm wide, and 1,706mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,726mm. Ground clearance is rated at 190mm which should be enough of small floods and dusty roads.

Its large grille gives this SUV more presence on the road, while its LED headlights add attitude to the bold front end. The Titanium rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55R18 tires.

Moving to its side profile, the longer hood and upright windows give it a more SUV-like appearance. Meanwhile, the boxy rear end is complemented by LED tail lights and a wide opening tailgate to make loading or unloading cargo much easier.

Other exterior features seen in the Territory Titanium include power folding and power adjustable side mirrors with side turn indicators, a chrome-finished honeycomb grille, and aluminum roof rails.

To get inside the Territory Titanium, one must use the Smart Keyless Entry. Once in there, the Territory holds the distinction of having blue trims and upholstery, a rarity these days that sets it apart from other similarly-sized SUVs. Its dashboard is trimmed in two-tone leather with blue on top, black at the bottom, and gets wood trim in the middle.

The driver is then greeted by a wide screen that houses both the fully-digital 7-inch digital cluster and the 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For the leather-wrapped steering wheel, it's of the multi-function variety with buttons for audio and cruise control. It also has tilt and telescopic adjustment for a more comfortable driving position.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is three USB ports. There is one Type C plug at the front and two Type A ports at the back. Sound is then channeled through six speakers.

For seating, these are finished in perforated partial leather with 10-way power adjust for the driver. The rear seats, on the other hand, can fold flat with a 60:40 split ratio for more cargo space. Automatic climate control is standard, while the rear air-conditioning vents keep rear passengers cool. All in all, the growth in exterior dimensions gives this SUV a roomy interior with a large cargo area. Couple that with its features, and you have a technology-rich family car with more than enough space for five.

For safety, the Ford Territory Titanium comes with six airbags, including a pair of curtain airbags. Parking sensors are then complemented by a high-definition 360-degree view camera. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control is standard, along with hill start assist, roll over mitigation, and hill descent control. Advanced driver assists include blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, active park assists, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with direct injection and auto-stop start. It makes 160PS and 248Nm of torque, all coursed through the front wheels. Shifting is done via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with a rotary e-shifter. Drivers get the freedom of choice with its drive mode selector that includes Normal, Eco, Sport, and Mountain modes.

Thanks to its turbocharger and torque figure, the Territory is brisk off the line. Once on the move, the dual-clutch transmission provides smooth and seamless shifts. The stable and level ride is courtesy of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the back.

The Ford Territory Titanium carries an SRP of PHP 1,335,000. For that, you get a spacious and stylish family SUV with all the safety features and amenities one expects these days. Couple that with a punchy, torque-rich engine and a smooth and sporty ride, this is one SUV that deserves to be on your shortlist.

Ford has apparently raised the bar in the compact SUV segment with the Next Gen Territory Titanium and Titanium X models.