5 things we like in the Ford Territory

The Territory marks the Ford’s entry into the mini/small SUV segment, truly a key battleground segment during this time of COVID-19.

Now we don’t know if the kind of competition (and market interest) we see here now would still hold true without the pandemic, but there is an undeniable wisdom for car buyers to browse and seriously consider this category to meet their transportation and aesthetic needs.

The price of entry into the popular SUV domain is certainly becoming cheaper with the continued influx of of vehicles in this price range hovering a little under or above the psychological price barrier of P1 million pesos.

Still, price isn’t all that matters as customers are becoming more fastidious and discriminating about getting the most bang for their hard-earned buck.

We also think that it behooves brands to make sure they deserve consideration just when a lot of us are hanging on more tightly to our money during an uncertain time.

Ford certainly thinks they have a winner in the Territory and, to be honest, if we look at the its array of features, this product is no slouch and should hold its own in the aforementioned cut-throat segment. We look at the some of the important highlights of the Ford Territory.

Its centralized smart hub

 Anchored on a large 10-inch touchscreen, the Territory’s infotainment system must have not gotten the memo that it’s supposed to be an affordable (or entry-level) vehicle. Users can conveniently control audio, air-conditioning, ambient lighting, and other settings from this digital screen. This interface can even be customized with into 25%, 75% and 100% viewing modes. The Territory also allows effortless connection of smart devices through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The ample suite of safety features

It’s true that you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind – not to mention safety. The Blue Oval brand significantly covers that in the Territory primarily through Co-Pilot 360, which delivers a suite of driver-assist technologies that function as a vigilant partner to help keep you and your passengers safe from harm on the road.

This shell of protection includes high-definition, 360-degree video coverage; safety active parking; adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning; autonomous braking; and a blind spot information system (BLIS) — among other safety features.

It's a looker of an SUV

It features a dynamic, modern profile that’s surely a head-turner. The aggressive-looking front, the classy crimping, and gently sloping roof to the an attractive behind clearly conveys the intentions and aspirations of the contemporary vehicle. Inside is a well-conceived, polished layout that is both comfortable and intuitive – underscored by theater-like seating which gives second-row passengers a virtually unrestricted view as the seating is raised relative to the front seats.

The thoughtful touches

You could say that the divine is in the details. Do charging cords and their tangle of a mess sometimes exasperate you? Just rest your compatible device onto the Territory’s charging to give your phone the juice it needs — sans wires.

Are long and stop-and-go journeys taxing you and your behind? Well, both of the Territory’s front seats are ventilated – making it possible for you to either warm or cool yourself.

Price, price, price

For all that you get, the Territory has a great asking price: P1.299 million for the 1.5L EcoBoost Titanium+ CVT, and P1.179 million for the Trend CVT. Truth be told, you can find less expensive options, but for the entire package, it's hard not to consider this delightful SUV from Ford.

• Please note that features vary between the Trend and Titanium+ variants. Head on over to ford.com.ph to verify which ones are present in the variant you're looking at.

Photos from Ford Philippines, Ruben Manahan IV