Comes with the territory
The last time I drove a Ford Territory Hybrid, I called it the deadliest predator to the strong-selling BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
Even though the electrified crossover from the “Blue Oval” doesn’t have the BYD’s plug-in capability, Filipinos didn’t seem to mind – with 4,405 units sold from its launch in August 2025 to June 2026, the Territory Hybrid has made Ford Philippines the country’s second-largest hybrid-electric-vehicle brand in terms of sales.
Perhaps with an eye to its potential new clientele, the American automaker launched the all-new Ford Territory Platinum Hybrid last Aug. 7, 2026 at the swanky Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate in Santa Rosa, Laguna. This serves as the new flagship variant, with the Titanium X now becoming the midgrade model and the Titanium remaining the base model.
We got the chance to test the Territory Platinum Hybrid right after the launch to find out if it’s worth the extra over the already-stellar Titanium X.
Back to black
Ford Philippines relied on the power of contrast to distinguish its newest Territory Hybrid from the rest.
Up front, the huge LED headlights with bracket-like LED daytime-running lights flank a chrome grill that emphasizes the backlit Ford badge in the center. But notable changes include the addition of silver ‘PLATINUM’ badging on the hoodline, along with the attractive incorporation of gloss-black paint in the lower bumper.
That last item complements the gloss-black paint on the roof, pillars and side mirrors – these all give the Territory Platinum Hybrid a premium yet sporty look, akin to a Range Rover Sport. Flourishes like the chrome window surrounds, door handles and lower door trim add sparkle, while the unique 19-inch alloy wheels are exclusive to this Platinum model.
At the rear, the gloss-black tailgate spoiler blends in with the rear windscreen for a more dramatic appearance. The wide LED taillights from other Territory Hybrid models remain, although the subtle ‘PLATINUM’ badge shows other drivers that this one is really rather special.
Smell of success
Inside, the Territory Platinum Hybrid is as plush and cosseting as its Titanium X sibling, particularly with the airy light-gray leather upholstery and the soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door cards.
Overt changes include the ‘PLATINUM’ badges on the illuminated scuff plates and the very supportive front seats – for the latter, although you get seat ventilation, the passenger seat is still manually operated (a bizarre omission for a flagship variant). Other nice touches include the panoramic moonroof, electric tailgate and customizable ambient lighting.
Meanwhile, the 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is as intuitive and responsive as ever (take note, BYD), while providing a clear view of the 360-degree camera. The system is mated to a 10-speaker Arkamys surround-sound system with a 320-watt amplifier and a subwoofer.
But perhaps the most intriguing feature of the Territory Platinum Hybrid is the Digital Scent – the system uses a replaceable bottle inside the center console, with intensity adjustments done through the infotainment system. The selected scent is then infused into the powerful, dual-zone climate-control system with PM2.5 filter and ionizer.
Each Territory Hybrid Platinum gets three pre-installed fragrances, namely Whispers of Dawn, Velvet Ember and Verdant Rush. Buyers can also get Amber Veil, Azure Oud and Soul Velocity, with all scents available in all Ford dealerships nationwide.
Outside of top-spec Audi crossovers, I have never seen this feature in any other mainstream crossover. But I think it makes a noticeable difference in the driving experience because it really stimulates your other senses.
Supple drive
As with all other Territory Hybrid models, the Platinum is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and a 1.83-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack.
Although Ford Philippines has not yet provided the combined output, the gas engine produces 148 horsepower and 230 Newton-meters of torque, while the electric motor pumps out 215 horsepower and 315 Newton-meters of torque. All this punch is coursed to the front wheels through a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Compared to the Sealion 6 DM-i, the Territory Platinum Hybrid offers a more rewarding driving experience, thanks to the less floaty suspension and the tauter chassis. However, the light steering still lacks feel and the powerful brakes are operated by a slightly spongy brake pedal.
Our initial drive around Sta. Elena returned an impressive 17 to 20 kilometers per liter in city driving – a more comprehensive test would allow us to uncover fuel consumption and driving feel across a variety of driving conditions.
As the flagship model, the Territory Platinum Hybrid gets full adaptive driver-assistance systems that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
A new dimension
Overall, the 2026 Ford Territory Platinum Hybrid builds upon the excellent Titanium X variant to produce an even more impressive electrified crossover.
With a limited-time introductory price of P1,655,000, Ford Philippines’ newest model poses a greater challenge to its archnemesis, the P1,598,000 BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. The Ford is much more spacious, nicer to drive and better equipped, albeit at the expense of plug-in flexibility.
Just a few more tweaks to the driving feel (a la Honda CR-V) and this electrified Ford can truly be a feast for the senses.
