No dispute: the all-new Ford Territory Titanium X

The all-new Ford Territory continues to corner a significant portion of the local small sport utility vehicle (SUV) market and there is no surprise to that.

Recently, the Ford Territory breached the 25,000-unit sales milestone locally —  achieved simultaneously with the second-generation retailing 5,000 units shortly after being launched earlier this year.

In addition, the model continues to enjoy a good run despite the country serving  as a host to a multitude (and still growing number) of brands that are eyeing to get a portion in the highly-contested category.

Not long ago, Zigwheels Philippines joined a recent media drive to the South Luzon area conducted by Ford Philippines and discovered a lot with the vehicle — specifically the Titanium X variant.

Calling shotgun for the first part of the day-long road trip en route to Tagaytay via Marikina-Infanta Highway (more known as Marilaque Road), the author was able to appreciate the vehicle’s cavernous interior: knee and headroom were both sufficient — even for a passenger who is a few inches above the six feet.

Sitting on the second row for the next portion of the journey, the all-new Ford Territory continues to give enough space — giving more headroom than the Everest (thanks to the former’s unibody frame).

Behind the steering wheel, people my size might take some time finding the comfortable driving position as the room in the aforementioned area seems to be a little small. But once the sweet spot is found, the drive can surely become enjoyable.

Compared to its predecessor, the model is 50 millimeters (mm) longer and 32mm taller with a 10mm difference on the wheelbase.

Since its dimensions grew bigger, driving the all-new Ford Territory feels similar to that of the Everest (just smoother and nimbler).

Among the features that were enjoyed as a passenger aboard the Ford Territory Titanium X are the 12-inch colored infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready that allowed all occupants to listen to music via the eight-speaker setup, leather-perforated front seats that can cooled down after being parked under the scorching heat that day, a wireless charging dock, USB ports (one Type C and a pair of Type pair sockets), and a 12-volt power plug and the numerous cupholders around the car.

Meanwhile, amenities that were appreciated as a driver were the 12-inch digital cluster, electronic parking brake system, rotary e-shifter, keyless entry, and push button start, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tire pressure monitoring system and the 360-degree camera.

The all-new Ford Territory Titanium X has the capacity to do short overtakes as the vehicle comes equipped with an uprated 1.5-liter Ecoboost engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that can deliver up to 158 horsepower and 248 Newton-meters of torque.

Another feature of the next-generation Ford Territory Titanium is that the drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Mountain) can be accessed via the infotainment system. Although it can be done in two-three taps on the screen, having it still on dial or knob would still be the preferred option.

Making the vehicle safer to drivers are the active park assist, blind spot information system with rear cross traffic alert, door opening collision warning system.

Upon reaching the destination, vehicle occupants were able to have an appreciative view of the all-new Ford Territory, which seems to have a stronger appeal on the mature market. However, Ford Philippines Ford Philippines and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets Communications Director Edward Joseph Francisco said the model’s market is yielding towards “young affluents and small active families.”

At the fore is the bigger scale-like front grille flanked by daytime running lamps, and full LED headlamps. The all-new Ford Territory Titanium X sits on alloy wheels wrapped with P235/50R19 tires.

With all the features plus the P1.599-million sticker price, expect more vehicle buyers to no longer dispute the fact that the Ford Territory (with the thrust its getting from the second-generation version) would hold on to its current position for quite a long time.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Effortlessly Stylish: What’s Inside the Next-Gen Ford Territory

A New Level of Comfort: 6 New Features We Love on the Next-Gen Ford Territory

The upgrade we never knew we needed: Old vs. new Ford Territory