2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review: Introduction
Ford Philippines shows no signs of slowing down as it launched another next-generation model. Following the introduction of the new Ranger and Everest last July 2022, the Blue Oval brand now sets its sight on keeping its ground in the five-seater compact crossover segment.
The Territory is among the popular vehicles in the country since its launch last 2020. In less than three years’ time, it has already managed to reach its 20,000th customer milestone in the Philippines – a testament to the Territory’s market appeal.
Ford Philippines aims to carry that momentum by launching the next-gen 2023 Territory, offered in two variants: Titanium and Titanium X. It looks more assertive, comes with a revamped interior, and has a more powerful 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.
With that, does it have what it takes to continue charming the local market? Here’s Philkotse’s 2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review.
2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review: Exterior
The next-gen Ford Territory’s new front end quickly got my attention when I first saw it in the metal.
The all-new 2023 Ford Territory from the front
The large hexagonal grille gives the Territory a more assertive look as compared to the outgoing model. The restyled daytime running lights (DRLs), which are seamlessly connected to the large grille further add to the Territory’s confident front end.
It also has a huge bumper, giving the vehicle the right amount of muscle. The faux skidplate accent is now more subtle, and it is integrated smoothly into the lower front bumper. Standard among the two Territory variants are the following: automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs, and fog lamps.
All-new Territory from the side
The side profile comes with more character lines yet I find it to have a sleeker finish than the outgoing model. Prominent wheel arches can be seen, which are emphasized by the black cladding and the continuous sweeping line that runs from the front fender to the rear bumper.
The alloy wheels come with a new design that aims to give the vehicle a bolder stance. For some reason, I find the old Territory’s wheels to have a better design as it is more premium-like and less rugged-ish. But that’s just me, and it’s just my initial impression.
Speaking of wheels, the top-spec 2023 Ford Territory Titanium X has 19-inch wheels while the Titanium comes with an 18-inch set. The alloy wheel design of each Territory variant is also slightly different. It is also only the stark difference between the two trims as the rest of the exterior package is identical.
The Territory's rear end
The new Ford Territory’s rear looks better than the outgoing model. It now has a cleaner and toned-down design. As a review, the old Territory’s rear is a bit busy design-wise, especially the black cladding on the bumper that’s integrated with silver and chrome trim.
The next-gen model comes with simpler-looking yet more distinctive LED taillights. The Territory emblem is also placed more nicely while the bumper is now more subtle, creating a sleek finish.
The new Ford Territory has also grown in size. It is 50mm longer and 32mm taller than the old model. Moreover, the wheelbase and the ground clearance increased by 10mm. To put things in perspective, the next-gen Territory is longer than the current Honda CR-V.
2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review: Interior, Tech & Safety
The sleek design approach is carried over in the next-gen Territory’s interior. It now has a straightforward dashboard layout that I find more pleasing to the eye. The straightforward layout is a welcome sight as the Territory now comes with a more organized and clutter-free cabin.
The Territory's front cabin
Dominating the dashboard is the unified screen, giving a modern appeal to the Territory’s revamped interior. The unified screen features the digital instrument cluster as well as the touchscreen infotainment system. More on this in a bit.
The aircon vents are now more seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, which adds to the Territory’s clean cabin layout. Dark wood trims give an accent to the interior as well as the chrome trimmings. Ford also made use of a lot of soft-touch materials in the Territory’s cabin.
A closer look at its center console
The center console is filled with piano black material, adding style points to the Territory’s interior. There you’ll see the electronic knob-type shifter, which is among the new features that the Territory offers. It also has an electronic parking brake with an auto brake hold, a start-stop function, and enhanced active park assist, among others. Of note, the said features are standard in the two Territory variants.
The vehicle also has leather seats with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver and a 4-way manual for the front passenger. The Titanium X kicks up a notch by having ventilated front seats.
Now, going back to the unified screens. The Territory’s 12-inch infotainment touchscreen has an updated interface, which I find light years away from the outgoing model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The interface now has modern-looking icons as well as better user operation. Ford ditch the quadrant interface concept and replaced it with a simpler interface. You can now access essential vehicle functions easier and faster.
The touchscreen now has separate buttons for quick access to Home, Audio, Settings, and Phone functions. You no longer need to toggle within the screen for those essential buttons. The climate control is still integrated into the touchscreen but it now has a separate panel for faster and easier access.
Ford also placed a dedicated panel for a more convenient way of adjusting the aircon blower speed. You can find this above the wireless phone charging hub (standard in the two Territory variants). Through this approach, you can now easily adjust the blower intensity – without having the need to toggle your way into the screen. And the touchscreen buttons for the aircon blower speed come with a haptic function, which gives a slight vibration every time you press it. Good job, Ford.
Its second row offers good legroom
With its longer length and wheelbase, rear passengers are greeted with good legroom. Three average-sized Filipino adults can easily fit in the rear seats. The two Ford Territory variants also have rear aircon vents. Meanwhile, the panoramic sunroof is exclusive to the top-spec Titanium X.
Cargo space is not a problem with the next-gen Ford Territory. You can easily fit two 20x20x20 balikbayan boxes at the back with extra room still. Of note, the Territory Titanium X has a hands-free power tailgate.
Its trunk can handle two "balikbayan" boxes
Standard safety features include six airbags, cruise control, front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, a tire pressure monitoring system, a rear camera, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, immobilizer, and Isofix.
The top-of-the-line Territory Titanium X is equipped with advanced driver assist technology such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency brake with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, and collision mitigation system.
2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review: Driving & Handling
The 2023 Ford Territory is still powered by the same 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine, but its power output rating has increased. It now delivers 158 hp (+17 hp) and 248 Nm of torque (+23 Nm).
The next-gen Territory's 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine
The engine is now connected to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as compared to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s fitted to the outgoing model.
I was only given a limited seat time with the next-gen Ford Territory. My initial impression is that it drives better than the outgoing model. Power delivery is now more on point – thanks to the 7-speed automatic. It drives more relaxed and feels less sluggish when accelerating from a standstill.
Its power delivery is more responsive compared to the older model
The steering wheel feels a bit weighted but it’s not that bothersome. I actually prefer it more than the feather-like steering feel of the old Territory as the new model gives more control and better road feedback.
The next-gen Ford Territory also feels more stable than the outgoing model. The suspension is a tad firmer than the old model but it still gives a comfortable drive. Expect more detailed driving impressions once we fully reviewed the 2023 Ford Territory.
2023 Ford Territory First Impressions Review: Initial Verdict
From the looks of it, the next-gen Ford Territory has what it takes to keep its charm in the local market. Its revamped exterior and interior design is a step in the right direction. The new Territory looks more assertive and more seamless as compared to the Territory that debuted in the Philippines last 2020.
Pricing for the 2023 Ford Territory starts at Php 1,335,000
I also appreciate that Ford has updated the features that matter most such as increasing its overall length and wheelbase. This yields more cabin space that can comfortably accommodate five occupants while having a generous amount of cargo space. Another thing is the infotainment touchscreen’s new interface as well as the dedicated panel for aircon blower speed adjustment contribute significantly to making drives more comfortable and safer.
The new Territory comes with a starting price of Php 1,335,000 for the Titanium trim while the top-spec Titanium X variant retails at Php 1,599,000. Some might say that it’s a tad expensive. But, considering all the improvements integrated into the next-gen 2023 Ford Territory, its price tag is arguably justifiable.