Head to Head: 2023 Ford Territory vs. 2023 GAC Emkoo

Ford and GAC made headlines at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with their all-new Territory and Emkoo crossover SUVs, respectively. The offerings from both brands promise motorists rugged looks and superb performance.

The next-gen Territory is a level-up SUV that complements the needs and lifestyles of Filipinos with its modern design and tech features that will let them own each driving moment and adventure,” Ford Philippines Managing Director Mike Breen described the brand’s global product as thus.

For its part, GAC made a statement about its Emkoo: “First launched in China in 2022, the EMKOO is the embodiment of GAC MOTOR’s bold and futuristic new look for its global SUVs, underpinned by GAC’s Global Platform Modular Architecture and characterized by the brand’s pioneering styling, intelligent driving technologies and high-efficiency drivetrain,” the carmaker said.

If you’re in the market for the latest crossover out there, take a look at the differences between the 2023 GAC Emkoo and 2023 Ford Territory, so you can make an informed decision.

Exterior

The brand's new "Progressive Energy in Strength" design concept, which is built on three key principles: commanding, responsive, and smart, is featured on the 2023 Ford Territory.

A honeycomb grille, distinctive daytime running lights, full LED headlights, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels (depending on the model), and a panoramic moonroof are all features of the 2023 Ford Territory's design.

The 2023 GAC Emkoo's front face is borderless, adopts a V-shape grille, and is accented with stylish LED-powered headlamps and DRLs. These features were inspired by sci-fi aspects. To create a visual effect, these lights can be set to turn on one at a time and in sequence.

Maintaining the vehicle’s futuristic theme is the 2023 GAC Emkoo’s fastback design and hidden door handles that emerge when actuated. The high-level brake light with an unusual form, and the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels are complemented by dual vertical dual exhaust pipes and V-shaped tail lights.

Interior, Technology & Entertainment Features

The inside of the 2023 Ford Territory has a horizontal coast-to-coast design to give the sense of being wide and roomy.

Perforated and vented leather seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and four-way manual adjustment for the passenger seat are standard on the Titanium X model. A 12-inch digital instrument cluster is included. The Titanium model sports a seven-inch digital instrument cluster in contrast.

Both versions include a rotary e-Shifter and a dual-zone electronic automatic temperature management system that continuously analyzes and maintains a healthy level of cabin air quality. Technology features including wireless charging, USB Type C and Type A charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are all standard on the 2023 Ford Territory.

The 2023 GAC is quite sensory-rich inside. In order to give passengers an immersive experience, intelligent technology was integrated into the cabin, which was given attention and texture. while traveling. The precisely created fine materials utilized throughout the cabin include the hand-sewn leather seats and premium finishes on the panels.

The 2023 GAC Emkoo has a keyless start button, a 10.1-inch multi-functional touchscreen with Apple CarPlay integration, speed-based volume control, and a four-way adjustable multi-function steering wheel. Other features include automatic air conditioning with vents in the second row, power-adjustable front-row seat settings and ventilation, and programmable ambient lighting.

Safety

The 2023 Ford Territory comes standard with advanced driver-assist technologies such as Active Park Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Protection.

As for the 2023 GAC Emkoo, it’s equipped with dual front and side curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Start Hold and Hill Descent controls, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It also comes with rear parking sensors and a surround view camera system to help drivers park with ease.

A host of Advanced Driving Assist Systems (ADAS) helps to ensure safe drives with the Emkoo, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Integrated Cruise Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist, among others.

Power

The EcoBoost 1.5-liter engine that powers the 2023 Ford Territory generates 160 horsepower and 248Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a wet-type dual-clutch engagement system, seven-speed automatic transmission. There are four different drive modes available for the Territory: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain.

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, the Emkoo delivers a robust 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, paired with a quick shifting, seven-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. The turbo-charged engine efficiently delivers a mileage of 16.1kpl, one of the lowest fuel consumption ratings among engines of the same displacement level, GAC said.

Specs Comparison 

SPECIFICATIONS	GAC Emkoo GL	Ford Territory Titanium X
Overall Length (mm)	4,680	4,630
Overall Width (mm)	1,901	1,935
Overall Height (mm)	1,670	1,706
Wheelbase (mm)	2,750	2,726
Engine	1.5-liter Turbocharged Gasoline	1.5-liter Turbocharged EcoBoost
Displacement (cc)	1,497	1,500
Power Output (hp)	177	160
Torque (Nm / rpm)	270	248
Transmission	Seven-speed Dual Clutch	Seven-speed Automatic
Drive Wheel	Front Wheel Drive (FWD)	Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension	Front: McPherson Independent  Rear: Multi-link independent Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut Rear: Multi-link independent Suspension
Brake	Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Solid Disc	Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Solid Disc
Wheels	19-inch Alloy	19-inch Alloy
Tires	235/55R19	235/55R19
Steering Type	Electric Power Steering (EPS)	Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Steering Wheel Controls	Multimedia, Call, and Audio Switches	Multimedia, Call, and Audio Switches
Steering Wheel Heater Function	Without	Without
Headlamps	LED	LED
Daytime Running Lights	LED	LED
High Mount Stop Lamp	With	With
Side Mirrors	Integrated Turn Signal, Power Adjust	Integrated Turn Signal, Power Adjust
Tail Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Rear	Rear
Front Wipers	Variable	Variable
Interior Color	Black and Red, Black with Rose Red Seat Belts, Black/Grey/Red, Black/Grey/Beige (Optional)	Urban Grey/Domino
Driver Information Center	10-Inch Digital Cluster, Trip, Fuel Range, Average Fuel Economy,	12-Inch Digital Cluster, Trip, Fuel Range, Average Fuel Economy
Seats	Driver: Six-way Power Adjust  Passenger: Four-way Power Adjust Rear: Bench Type, 60/40 Split Folding	Driver: 10-way Power Adjust Passenger: Four-way Manual Adjust  Rear: Bench Type, 60/40 Split Folding
Ambient Lighting	With	Without
Seat Material	Leather	Leather with Ventilation
Seating Capacity	Five	Five
Panoramic Sunroof	With (Glass Roof)	With
Climate Control	Automatic	Automatic
AC Cabin Pollen Filter	With	With
Rear View Mirror	Day-Night	Day-Night
Power Windows	Auto Up/Down with Anti-Pinch Feature (x4)	Express Up/Down with Anti-Pinch Feature (x4)
Infotainment System (Head Unit)	10-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, USB ports for Type A and Type C	12-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Speakers	Six	Six
Entry	Smart Entry	Smart Entry
Push Start/Stop Ignition	With	With
Power Liftgate	With	With
Active Park Assist	Without	With
Seatbelts	Five with Force Limiter; Driver Pretensioner	Five with Force Limiter; Driver Pretensioner
SRS Airbags	Driver, Front Passenger, and Sides	Driver, Front Passenger, and Sides
Isofix Child Seat Anchorage	With	With
Side Door Impact Beams	With	With
Parking Sensors	With	Rear
Reversing Camera	With (360-Degree)	With (360-Degree)
Blind Spot Monitoring	With	With
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	With	With
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With	With
Brake Assist (BA)	With	With
Traction Control System (TCS)	With	With
Hill Start Assist (HSA)	With	With
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	With	With
Anti-Theft Alarm System	With	With
Engine Immobilizer	With	With
Lane Departure Warning	Without	With
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Without	With
Panic Brake Assist	Without	With
Cornering Brake Control	Without	Without
Crumple Zones	With	With
Forward Collision Alert	With	With
Following Distance Indicator	Without	With
Automatic Emergency Braking	Without	With
Front Pedestrian Braking	Without	Without
Lane Change Alert	Without	With
Rear Park Assist Sensors	With	With
Tire Pressure Monitoring	With	With
Adaptive Cruise Control	Without	With
Available Body Colors	Lagoon Green, Glacier White, Moon Grey, Starry Silver, Elegant Black	Crystal Pearl White, Panther Black, Blue Metallic, Lustrous Grey
PRICE	P1,553,000	P1,599,000

 

Pricing
Two variants make the Territory range.

• 2023 Ford Territory Titanium - P1.335-million
• 2023 Ford Territory Titanium X - P1.599-million.

The Emkoo will be offered in two variants, the GL and the entry-level GE, at the following special introductory price points.

• 2023 GAC 1.5L EMKOO GE - P1,413-million.
• 2023 GAC 1.5L EMKOO GL - P1.553-million.

Verdict

The Territory’s price of entry is lower than that of the Emkoo’s, but the former’s top variants commands a premium over the latter. On the other hand, it would seem the Ford offers more equipment than the GAC. We would say that choosing between the Territory and Emkoo, then, boils down to how you would like your crossover to look. Do you prefer rugged over sharp?

Photos from Ford, GAC, Dylan Afuang, and Hazel Nicole Carreon