Ford Territory

Territory Overview

The Ford Territory is a new addition to the brand’s Philippine lineup and is its latest compact crossover offering. The five-seater model officially launched in August of last year and was released to fill in the gap between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Explorer. For comparison, the Territory is slightly larger than the EcoSport but is smaller than the Ford Everest. Ford has introduced two variants in the country for the model so far: the Trend and the Titanium+. However, both trims will be powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost gasoline engine.

The introduction of the Territory marks Ford’s re-entry into the compact crossover segment. The Escape was the Blue Oval’s last release in the segment which was already back in 2009. According to the car company, the decision to introduce a new model instead of bringing in a new Escape was mainly due to the Territory’s competitive relevance to the market as well as the brand’s capability to easily source parts for the model. This allows it to become more affordable for Filipino drivers as opposed to bringing in a North American variant. In addition to that, the growth of the mid-sized 7-seater SUV/PPV market has drastically shrunk the compact SUV segment.

The Territory manages to offer some range in the Ford SUV lineup while still maintaining the brand’s penchant for clean design, large amounts of space, and advanced technology features that promise convenience and comfort. The vehicle was designed in partnership with Ford Australia’s Design Studio which was also responsible for the latest iterations as well as the previous designs of the Ranger pickup and the Everest SUV. Those who avail of this new kid on the block can expect modern and elegant features plus some unique touches that allow it to stand out from its older siblings.

Ford Territory Interior & Features

One of the great things about the Territory’s cabin layout is that it presents a wholly uncluttered space. Everything about the crossover’s interior design speaks clean and refined. Standard on both variants are perforated leather seats, illuminated driver and front passenger vanity mirrors, a push to start button, steering wheel mounted controls, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The cabin uses three different types of materials: leather, plastic, and wood trim. Most of the interior is wrapped in dark-colored leather and plastic which is then accented with wood paneling which gives it a matte finish.

The dashboard also sports a straightforward layout with its surface covered in mainly soft touch materials. Sitting in the middle is a 10-inch infotainment screen while below it is a set of toggle-style switches for other vehicle controls. More black plastics can be found around the gear lever as well as the buttons that allow the driver to use the parking brake, drive mode, as well as the dials that control the infotainment screen and audio system.

One thing both drivers and passengers will enjoy is the vehicle’s panoramic sunroof which extends all the way from the front of the vehicle to the back. The rear also includes air conditioning vents for the convenience and comfort of rear passengers, as well as a USB charging port for quick and easy charging of smartphones and other gadgets. Ford also included a new smart locking mechanism feature for the rear seats which prevents them from flopping or moving when they are folded. The top of the line Titanium+ variant also gets some added features such as an adjustable steering wheel which can be tilted and adjusted for reach. The driver’s seat can also be adjusted electronically. Meanwhile, the entry level Trend only offers tilt for the steering and manual seat adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Territory Exterior

The Ford Territory measures 4,580 mm long, 1,936 mm wide, and 1,674 mm high, and has a wheelbase length of 2,716 mm. It offers 180 mm of ground clearance. The Territory has all the traits that distinguish it as a Ford SUV. However, Ford Australia’s Design Studio managed to come up with some unique variations that allow the vehicle to stand out from the rest of the Blue Oval’s SUV lineup. Up front is a gloss black trapezoidal Ford grille which was specially designed for the Territory. These are flanked by slim LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, as well as fog lamps. The rear gets some sleek and sophisticated looking LED taillights which are linked together by a chrome bar. The front bumper also extends a bit more, giving it a nice shape that helps give the side of the vehicle its muscular haunches.

For the side of the Territory’s body, it sports the typical SUV muscularity along with sharp, sleek lines and a beltline that flows upward towards the rear, making it appear more sporty. Due to the high beltline, the windshield is also much smaller. The rear also features a slanted C-pillar and a small window that are inspired by the latest Ford Explorer SUV. The rear chrome bar also includes the Ford logo as well as faux exhaust finishers in chrome on the bottom left and right side which is also above another faux skid plate. In addition to that, the Territory also received body cladding all around a floating roofline. Ford also included a roof rail on top for extra storage options.

Tying it all together are the 18 inch machine finished wheels that have a two-tone color scheme comprising of gloss black and brushed aluminum silver with a multi-spoke pattern.

Ford Territory Mileage Running Cost

The Territory can average approximately 8 kilometers per liter when trudging in moderate traffic around the city. On clearer days on Metro Manila roads, this can reach up to 10 kilometers per liters. Out on the highway, the Territory can average about 15 kilometers per liter which is a pretty typical figure for SUVs in this class. The CVT also comes with a Sport mode that can improve throttle response when it needs that extra boost. Performance-wise, the Territory manages to fare similarly to a relatively small crossover. It’s got great cruising handling and has enough peppiness that makes you feel like you’re driving a Ford vehicle.

Territory Ride & Handling

What places the Territory as a formidable competitor in its class is its ergonomics which is more or less on par with the EcoSport and the Everest. Similar to the Explorer, the vehicle has a low stance which can be unnoticeable due to its muscular body. Paired with its long 2,716 mm wheelbase, it manages to provide a smooth ride when on flat surfaces. However, when it encounters rough and bumpy roads, there is a tendency to feel some of it than one would like. Though it’s definitely more well-engineered to deal with these than other vehicles in its class. The Territory makes up for it with its light steering, making maneuvering and quick turns easy. Overall, it still offers good ride comfort.

The Territory is particularly great for city driving since the motor sends power to the front wheels. The engine is also responsive and includes a sport mode setting when you need that extra boost while going through the highway or beating traffic. On sport mode, drivers will notice an increase in throttle sharpness and response. This is because sport mode allows the EcoBoost engine to produce more power. The CVT also delivers a smooth performance while managing to maintain minimal engine noise and operating RPMs.

Passenger & Boot space

The Territory can accommodate up to five adult occupants including the driver. Thanks to its the vehicle’s focus on comfort, passengers can expect ample headroom and legroom. Rear passengers can even expect a number of convenience features in the rear part of the vehicle. Cargo space is approximately 420 liters but can be expanded up to a thousand liters when the rear seats are folded. The seats feature a 60:40 layout, making it easy to add space for gear or luggage when needed. Ford’s locking mechanism for the rear seats also prevents the backrest from flopping or moving around when folded.

Comfort & Entertainment

The eye candy of Territory is its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The infotainment display also includes what Ford calls Adjustable Quad View which allows the driver to adjust the display’s proportions depending on which feature you want to emphasize. Think of it like you’re customizing your smartphone screen. The Territory also comes with ambient lighting which can be tailored according to your mood. Other features include a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, a tire pressure monitoring system, an all-digital and configurable gauge cluster, heated and cooled seats, and automatic climate control.

Ford Territory Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Territory was built in collaboration with the Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). Due to this, the crossover shares the same platform as the JMC Yusheng S330 which is one of JMC’s 5-door compact crossover offerings. The Yusheng S330 was also developed in partnership with Ford. The Territory sits on a unibody frame that utilizes fully independent suspension for the entire body. The front of the vehicle has a McPherson shock and strut while the rear uses a multi-link system that smooths out bumps and potholes on the road. Disc brakes were also included for wheels with ventilated units for the front and solid discs for the rear.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4 gasoline engine and can generate 141 hp and 225 of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This is currently the only engine option for either trim. Standard across all variants is also an electric parking brake system that includes an auto-hold function which prevents the vehicle from rolling back abruptly when stationary or if you stop on a hill. It’s a convenient feature, however, this also tends to cause some wear on the parking brakes.

Territory Braking & Safety

The Territory comes with a myriad of advanced safety features. The top of the line Titanium+ is equipped with six airbags including driver, front passenger, curtain, and side airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, hill launch assist, ISOFIX child seat tethers, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with forwarding collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control, a high mount stop light, and speed sensing door locks. The vehicle also utilizes Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assist technologies which includes an active parking assist feature, allowing the SUV to automatically park itself.

Ford Territory Verdict

Value for money

Territory 1.5 EcoBoost Trend CVT-₱1,277,00

Territory 1.5 EcoBoost Titanium+ CVT-₱1,310,000

What’s great about the Territory is that you get a lot more advanced and high end features that can usually only be found on vehicles in the ₱1,500,000 price range. Ford could have definitely charged a lot more for this model. Instead, drivers have the option between two relatively affordably trims for its class. The top of the line Titanium+ variant, in particular, is a recommended buy since it comes with more tech and safety features. Since the vehicle also doesn’t come from the Blue Oval’s North American sites, parts might potentially be more easily sourced when needed.

Verdict

The Territory is definitely a stand out vehicle in the Ford lineup. It has all the traits of a signature Blue Oval model while still managing to distinguish itself from its siblings. It’s a unique vehicle that includes multiple tech and safety features, offering great comfort and convenience for passengers and drivers alike. In terms of features and value, it gives a lot of compact crossovers a run for its money. While it’s not the best in terms of speed and power in the SUV class, it still manages to deliver an exceptional driving experience for its price point.

Further Research

Ford Territory Price List

Territory Colors

Ford Territory Specs

Territory Images

Ford Territory Reviews

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