When Ford Philippines started its electrification journey this year, it didn’t go through a cautious pilot program. The company launched not one but two vehicles to show how serious the Blue Oval is about battery-powered machines. One marks the evolution of a popular nameplate; the other, a bold leap into the electrified arena.
The Ford Territory Hybrid and the Ford Mustang Mach-E couldn’t be more different in purpose and design, yet both represent the same commitment: to bring smarter, cleaner, and more exciting mobility to local roads.
The Territory Hybrid: Smart Progress for Everyday Driving
The Ford Territory Hybrid is the evolution of one of the brand’s most popular nameplates in the Philippines. Its appeal has always been rooted in style, space, and technology – qualities that made it a favorite among young professionals and growing families. Now, the hybrid variant enhances that formula by adding electrified efficiency and improved driving dynamics.
We took the Territory Hybrid on a proper test – one that spanned highways, city traffic, and mountain roads. The drive from Manila to Baguio covered the full spectrum of what some Filipino drivers experience daily: long stretches of expressway, the twisty climbs of Kennon Road, and the unpredictable weather.
On the open road, I instantly felt the hybrid system’s refinement and composure without losing performance. The electric motor provides instant pull, whether overtaking or climbing steep grades. The acoustic glass and improved cabin insulation reduce wind and road noise, allowing for quiet conversations even at cruising speed. The suspension feels tighter and more planted, too, inspiring confidence while behind wheel of the crossover.
Fuel efficiency was another highlight. Over hundreds of kilometers of mixed driving, the Territory Hybrid delivered impressive fuel economy thanks to its smart energy management and regenerative braking.
Inside, the cabin looks familiar if you’ve been inside the non-hybrid Territory, though with welcome changes. The 12-inch touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an improved interface that allows climate adjustments without disrupting smartphone projection. The Arkamys audio system had a crisp sound, which adds to the Territory Hybrid’s overall premium feel.
The Territory Hybrid makes sense as a daily companion. It retains the space, comfort, and tech-forward appeal that made the nameplate popular, while adding greater efficiency and a more refined personality. Priced at P1,399,000 for the Trend and P1,599,000 for the Titanium X, it gives buyers a tangible first step into Ford’s electrified push – one that demands no compromise in convenience or usability.
The Mustang Mach-E: Electrifying an Icon
If the Territory Hybrid represents progress for the practical driver, the Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s bold declaration that electrification can be exhilarating. It takes the spirit of the world’s most recognized sports car and channels it into a new form: a fully electric SUV built for the modern era.
The Mach-E isn’t just an EV with a familiar badge. It’s a thorough reinterpretation of what the Mustang stands for – freedom, excitement, and individuality – now expressed through electric performance. Powered by two electric motors and an 88 kWh battery, the Mach-E produces 394 hp and 676 Nm of torque. It accelerates with immediacy – the kind that only electric power can deliver – while remaining eerily silent.
On a single charge, it can travel up to 550 kilometers, easily covering the daily needs of most drivers and even long-distance trips. Fast charging adds convenience, replenishing the battery from 10-80% in under 45 minutes using a DC fast charger. It’s a combination of power and practicality that redefines what an electric SUV can be.
Despite being an SUV, the Mach-E looks unmistakably like a Mustang. The long hood, fastback profile, and signature tri-bar taillights keep it rooted in its performance lineage. Yet, its smooth surfaces, frameless grille, and flush door buttons reflect a modern sensibility. It’s a design that bridges past and future – recognizably Mustang, yet progressive in every detail.
The cabin furthers that theme. Minimalist yet warm, it uses synthetic leather for its seats and soft-touch materials throughout. The massive 15.5-inch central display dominates the dashboard, serving as both command center and infotainment hub, paired with a 10-speaker audio system and a subwoofer.
Practical touches abound: a 402-liter cargo area expandable to 1,420 liters with the seats folded, and even a front trunk – or “frunk” – with drain holes, perfect for stowing wet or muddy gear. With nine airbags, advanced driver-assist systems, the Mach-E delivers peace of mind.
The Power of Choice
What makes Ford’s current direction compelling is that it doesn’t force customers down a single path. Instead, it offers the power of choice. The Territory Hybrid introduces electrification in a way that feels natural – bridging traditional and modern mobility. The Mustang Mach-E, meanwhile, shows what’s possible when Ford pushes the boundaries of performance and innovation.
Together, these two vehicles embody the dual nature of Ford’s electrification journey in the Philippines. One is about everyday practicality and fuel efficiency. The other is about excitement and pure electric performance.
The Ford Territory Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E serve as reminders that the future is here, working quietly under the hood and accelerating us toward a smarter and more connected future.
