After making its ASEAN debut in Vietnam in October 2022, the next-generation Ford Territory has been highly anticipated in the Philippines.

According to reports, Ford Philippines will launch the 2023 Ford Territory next month, specifically at the Manila International Auto Show that will happen on April 13 to 16.

The Vietnam-spec 2023 Ford Territory comes with a more powerful 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 170ps and 260Nm of torque. The CVT of the current Territory is also replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2023 Ford Territory sports the brand's new global DNA design language. For better visibility, the Ford Territory now has a two-tier headlight design with LED headlights mounted close to the bumper. It also features a distinct look thanks to the LED daytime running lights.

The 2023 Ford Territory has a more sculpted appearance on the rear and side. It  is overflowing with style, from its striking LED taillights to its dynamic lines, the sloping roofline, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the 2023 Ford Territory is equipped with a 12-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other interior features include a full-leather two-tone interior, an engine start/stop button with auto stop-start technology, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free smart tailgate, and four driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, and Mountain).

The 2023 Ford Territory also comes with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, intelligent automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function, electronic stability control, traction control, automatic parking assist, and a 360-degree camera.

How do you think the next-generation Ford Territory will stack up against its five-seater compact crossover rivals in the Philippines? Let's compare it with the popular models in its segment, the five-seater Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V remains to be one of the most popular crossovers in the country as it has been providing a reliable, safe, and comfortable drive to Filipino families.

The five-seater variant of the Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers 154ps and 189Nm of torque. With this, the next-generation Ford Territory already outperforms the Honda CR-V in terms of power output and torque.

Among the key features of the Honda CR-V are full LED headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights; smart entry with push start system; digital TFT instrument cluster with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; six airbags; Honda LaneWatch; dual-zone automatic climate control; and Driver Attention Monitor.

The 2023 Ford Territory is expected to be cheaper, as it is rumored to be priced around P1.4 million to P1.7 million. The base variant of the Honda CR-V retails for P1.763 million.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson may be best known for its striking geometric patterns, but it also delivers excellent performance for a compact crossover.

The diesel variant of the Hyundai Tucson produces 186ps and 416Nm of torque, while the gasoline variant generates 156ps and 192Nm of torque.

The 2023 Ford Territory has an edge over the Hyundai Tucson’s gasoline variant, but the diesel variant of Hyundai’s contender produces more power and torque.

Other key features of the Hyundai Tucson are ambient mood lamp, 10.25-inch open-type cluster, eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple Carplay and Bluetooth multi-connection, wireless smartphone charging, and Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW).

With a starting price of P1.57 million, the Hyundai Tucson may fall under the same price range as the next-generation Ford Territory.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage features a dynamic and strong appearance, highlighted by lines and curves that contribute to the impression of elegance.

Among the key features of the Kia Sportage are smart entry system, LED headlights and fog lamps, 3.5-inch color TFT instrument panel, eight-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather seats, Drive Mode Select, six airbags, and cruise control.

The Kia Sportage is pricier than the upcoming Ford Territory as it retails for P1.82 million. It makes sense, though, since it has a better engine that produces more power and torque. The Kia Sportage’s 2.0-liter diesel engine delivers 185ps and 400Nm of torque.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is available in three variants: the CX-5 Sport powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine, the CX-5 AWD Sport powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine, and the CX-5 AWD Turbo powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.

The 2023 Ford Territory may be more powerful than the Mazda CX-5 Sport, but it is behind the AWD variants.

Among the key features of the Mazda CX-5 are G-Vectoring Control Plus, I-Activ All Wheel Drive, Deep Red Nappa leather seats, the Mazda Connect infotainment system with Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, windshield-projected Active Driving Display, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, blind spot monitoring, and Smart City Brake Support.

The Mazda CX-5 is more expensive than the upcoming Ford model as its prices range from P1.89 million to P2.43 million.

Do you think the 2023 Ford Territory will stand out against these compact crossover contenders once it arrives in the Philippines? Given the current generation’s popularity, we believe that the next-gen model will also be a hit among Filipinos.

Photos from Ford Vietnam, Honda Cars Philippines Inc., Hyundai Motor Philippines, Kia Philippines, and Eric Tipan