Ford PH marks new Territory with hybrid tech
The Ford Territory compact crossover has long been a runaway hit for the American carmaker in the Philippines.
When the previous-generation model was launched locally in 2023, it waded into battle with big boys from Japan like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Ford Philippines was able to win over brand loyalists and new buyers alike by offering unparalleled value for money, thanks to its cavernous cabin, generous features and smooth driving experience.
But things changed when the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i burst into the scene in July 2024 – suddenly, every other compact crossover was relegated to the pages of history. Filipinos were bedazzled by its graceful styling, luxurious cabin and highly innovative DM-i plug-in system that let drivers choose between pure-electric or hybrid-electric propulsion.
But the “Blue Oval” has never backed down from a fight, which is why it held the global launch of the all-new Territory Hybrid in the Philippines last August. And to prove that it has the goods to take on other electrified crossovers, Ford Philippines let members of the media drive its new baby to an overnight stay in Baguio City.
Fabulous cruiser
Our journey starts at Seda Hotel Manila Bay in Paranaque City, where the joy of a sumptuous early-morning breakfast was immediately followed by the misery of rush-hour gridlock on the Skyway.
I took the first leg with the highly capable C! Magazine head of digital Richard Tan and a neophyte to the motoring beat, VROOM Media producer Leo Salayo. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, our top-spec Territory Hybrid Titanium X kept us extra comfy thanks to its powerful climate-control system, air-conditioned seats and double-glazed windows.
At low speeds, it drove primarily on battery power, with the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine kicking in when we finally opened the taps on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The standard adaptive cruise control greatly lightened the driving load on the open road, along with adding a layer of protection on our hectic highways.
Once we got the Total NLEX in Pampanga, Richard took over driving duties all the way to the Petron station on the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), where Leo got behind the wheel until we got to the Cleanfuel station in Rosario, La Union. As a passenger for over two hours, I greatly appreciated the Territory Hybrid’s composed suspension, which made it less floaty on long drives than the Sealion 6 DM-i.
Impressive composure
That composed handling made itself apparent when I drove up Kennon Road to our lunch stop.
In Sport Mode, the turbocharged hybrid-electric drivetrain offered strong response, along with making the electric power steering heavier. Combine all these with the powerful and easy-to-modulate brakes and this big Ford really hustled around tight corners and climb steep inclines with ease and finesse.
Although I would preferred stiffer springs and beefier sway bars, the Territory Hybrid’s fairly stiff chassis meant that the handling was predictable, making for a rather amusing experience for keen drivers. The fun ended, however, when we got into the City of Pines, where our big canyon carver quickly reverted into a quiet urban cruiser.
Lunch was at the fabulous Gypsy Baguio, where we enjoyed the province’s famous red rice and other delicacies, all while savoring the crisp, noontime air. After filling our bellies, Richard took the leg to the John Hay Hotels Garden Wing (the new name for The Manor at Camp John Hay following the management shake-up in the premium enclave).
Capable storm runner
The next morning, we were all on the run because Severe Tropical Storm “Paolo” was bearing down on us.
But Richard and the Territory Hybrid proved to be a match made in heaven as our wheelman ably negotiated the tricky Asin Road back to Cleanfuel Rosario, where I took over until we reached our lunch stop at Moe and Bel’s in Clark, Pampanga. After our meal, I started battling the heavy rain all the way to Caltex NLEX.
Despite rather poor visibility and plenty of large puddles, the big Ford remained as steady as always. Richard took over at Caltex and drove all the way back to Manila, where I reveled in the sensational rear-seat comfort of the Territory Hybrid, confident that we would make it home just fine even as “Paolo” did its worst.
It was only a matter of time until the excellent BYD Sealion 6 DM-i would finally meet its match, but I suppose that we shouldn’t be surprised that, once again, it would be Ford Philippines that would step up to the challenge by offering a “sit down and drive” approach to owning an electrified crossover.
For those who don’t want the complication of a plug-in powertrain (or the infuriating user interface that BYDs have), the all-new 2025 Ford Territory Hybrid Titanium X offers comparable equipment levels, better driving feel and substantially greater interior space than the similarly priced BYD.
Considering this is the Blue Oval’s “first crack” at the local electrified-vehicle market, I’m thoroughly excited to see where Ford Philippines goes from here.
