Prices come with expectations. You won’t mind fabric seats on a 600k hatchback, nor demand Nappa leather in a P1-million crossover. It’s this mindset that makes the Ford Territory Titanium such an anomaly because for only P1,310,000, it has the size and tech that can match the likes of the petrol-powered Honda CR-V that stands at P1.68-million. Does that mean it’s a runaway winner or are things too good to be true?
I’ve driven the lower Trend variant before that’s P33,000 cheaper and I must say, this Titanium one is a notch better even when you’re inside the city. I really appreciated the ease of finding my perfect driving position since it now has a telescopic steering wheel and a 10-way powered driver’s seat. Combine these with the auto brake hold and the adaptive cruise control that has a low-speed follow and it resulted in a very comfortable drive despite the almost pre-pandemic traffic before the ECQ. The fatigue was so negligible that I was able to work again despite the 3-hour city drive (usually I’d rather sleep after a hectic drive like that).
Where it really shines though is on the highway. The transmission doesn’t have to struggle with the shifting, the adaptive cruise can take care half of the journey, and the cabin isolation is pretty good for the price. Drive at night and the panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, and the 8 speaker system makes for a really relaxing drive. It felt very cinematic as street lights illuminate the interior on the expressway while modern house music was playing.
Passengers will also be treated nicely inside the Territory Titanium. The front passenger has the option to charge his or her phone wirelessly and the seat also has a heating/cooling function, just like for the driver. It’s the perfect contrast to the leather seats, especially for those wearing shorts. Rear occupants also have it cool with their own air vents and a USB charging port below it. ISOFIX tethers also come standard to accommodate our little ones.
The biggest advantage of the Territory is the space it has for the price. As mentioned, I’ve already driven the Trend before but I’m still mesmerized by how much room the Territory has. Front passengers can stretch their legs and still leave ample legroom for people at the back provided they’re of average Filipino height. Then the cargo area is very generous for everyone’s belongings even if you’re the type that keeps a lot of things at the back, like a change of clothes and shoes.
Unfortunately, the Titanium trim didn’t improve on the faults of the Trend. It still suffers from poor gas mileage in the city, struggling to go for 7km/l with traffic. This gets worse if you’re driving during rush hour and have to go through consecutive stoplights like in BGC. Add to that the engine’s poor response in inclines, like in steep parking spaces with the car having four people inside. It can get loud as you rev up in order to climb.
Another thing is the frustrating control for the aircon that’s still inside the touchscreen infotainment system. It might be a small adjustment for couples since the front passenger can make the changes. For bachelors or those who drive alone most of the time, it could be daunting having to operate the touchscreen while driving.
These downsides are relatively minor though compared to what you’ll get with the Territory. It’s not the best in terms of raw driving performance but for casual drivers, which many people are, they’ll fall in love with it in no time. It’s not just the amount of tech it has, but how some of it works together for an easy drive in and out of the city. The Territory really made a good impression on me when I was able to work and be human after a long drive inside the city with rush hour traffic. Sure, the fuel consumption was not good, but I’d rather pay for refuelling than having aching legs and back.
The Ford Territory in Titanium trim is already a steal at P1,310,000 but it becomes stellar once you compare it to the lower variant. The Trend looked like a push model, meant to make people realize just how value the Titanium has. Heated/Cooled front seats, wireless charger, 10-inch digital gauge cluster, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, Active Park Assist, 360-degree camera – these are just some of the additional toys you’ll have if you pay P33,000 more for the Titanium instead of the Trend.
If you’re looking for a taller car that’s not bumpy, has a lot of space and a reasonable price, the Ford Territory Titanium could be the one for you. It’s not perfect and takes a little getting used to but it makes sure that all your adjustments would be worth it.
