If you want to know exactly what the Ford Territory is, she’s the girl you picked up at the bar for a one-night stand, only to wake up the following morning (after the deed is done, of course) and realize: holy crap, she’s not as pretty as you thought she was.
Okay, while I have no personal experience on this whole one-night stand thing (pinky promise), my hypothetical view comes from watching Seth Rogen movies. In this case, think of Ms. Territory as this scene-stealing hot “gurl” who appears one night at your bar/disco/night club/mixer (whatever kids call them these days). Not only is she dressed to impress with her 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and panoramic sunroof, but you hear people whispering: she’s the daughter of Ford. You quickly see the resemblance to his brother, Explorer. You check her out, smack your lips, and say to yourself, “wit-wew, not bad. Not bad at all.”
Then, you do a bit of Googling, Facebooking, or LinkedIn-ing (?), and you see she’s just half a Ford. She may be wearing that Ford badge, but she spawned with the help of some Chinese joint-venture. Regardless, Ford’s managed to hide Ms. Territory’s less than global origin by raising and tutoring her in Australia. True enough, look through the usual places like the door jams and engine bay, and her Chinese origins have all been erased. There’s not a single bit of Mandarin nonsense stamped anywhere; heck, you can’t even switch the infotainment language to Chinese. Instead, it’s all Ford, Ford, English, Ford.
Finally, you get the courage, and buy her a drink. You talk to her; she talks back. She whispers sweet things of tech—the language of gadget-loving millennials. She’s loaded with the stuff from cooled/heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital instrument cluster, a large screen for infotainment, and heck, she can even park herself when you’re lazy enough not to be able to. She sounds strong, independent, confident, and pleasing on the eye—your kind of girl.
You take her out, and we fast forward to the morning after. Oh my goodness, only then you realize what a hot mess she is.
Her petite Explorer is still somewhat appealing, but there are some little design details that seem odd. One is that those muffler cutouts are completely fake. In the greater scheme of things, it’s a minor infraction, but it’s criminal when Ford points them out as a legit design cue. Second, and more unsettling on a personal level is the way the word, “Territory” is spelt out back. Surely, Ford was going for the same badge treatment seen on their Everest, Explorer, and the like—but the execution here isn’t as great. Maybe it would have been better if they integrated it into the chrome garnish.
An even bigger problem though is what you find, or rather what you don’t find inside. Ford continuously touts the Territory as having their Ford Global DNA, but you just have trouble seeing it anywhere inside. She may have that “Ford” badge on the steering wheel, but that Aussie upbringing all but disappears. Her Aussie twang is gone and instead, she says, 我是中国人. The problem here isn’t space, there’s plenty—heck, it’s even bigger than some compact SUVs, nor is it the build quality, as everything is screwed in quite well. The issue here is how all that tech comes together into one needlessly complicated cabin.
There are minor infractions for the convoluted gauges (except the Classic mode), but the Territory’s biggest issue is how all of its major car functions are solely governed by the large infotainment screen. It’s great in principle with a Tesla or Volvo vibe going on, but in practice, it’s a pain in the ass. The generous dimensions, measuring 10 inches in size, make it seem easy to use at first, but navigating through the quadrant-based menu can be a chore. Some functions that require a single tap can sometimes take two or more with this interface. It’s even more tedious when you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For example, when the climate control automatically switches to Fresh from Recirculate (and it does this once every trip), it’ll require you to exit Waze, exit CarPlay, tap the Climate menu, and tap Recirculate—that’s four steps in a move that should have required just one. And imagine doing all this while on the move. Yes, there’s a control knob with short cuts just behind the shifter, but the placement doesn’t make things intuitive.
When it comes to the all-important aspect: the drive, Ms. Territory ends up being as Aussie as Xi Jinping. She’s fast in a straight line, but she doesn’t have the same level of polish and refinement you’ve come to expect from Fords.
Despite being fitted with a boosted 1.5-liter engine, she’s down on power compared to the competition. Regardless, she manages to maximize it very well. Her Achilles heel though is her transmission. Ford rarely dabbles in gearless CVTs, and it shows right here. On the move, it’s quite alright, but in stop-and-go traffic, there are noticeable delays in its responses. Furthermore, it loves to shift ratios unexpectedly (typically at the slightest hint of an up- or downhill). Again, that’s great in principle for engine braking and all, but it’s hard to get used to. Once or twice, you’d think the transmission’s gone bonkers. Fuel economy too could be better: at 7.40 km/L, she’s quite thirsty.
Sadly, Ms. Territory’s not quite good around the bends too She thinks having a softly-sprung ride is comfy. Instead, it makes her tip and roll through corners, reducing her sense of sportiness and agility. Combine that with a body rigidity equal to a wet noodle, and you end up with a crossover that wallows all over the place. And even if you’re not an enthusiast-level driver, there’s pronounced brake dive which could make some feel unwell.
I’m pretty harsh on the Ford Territory, and for very good reason: it’s supposed to have that Global DNA. It’s supposed to give Ford vehicles a recognizable personality, a trait that makes it instantly recognizable as a Ford. Sadly, this doesn’t. And this trouble me a lot: most people will be sold on this crossover based on what they’ve seen on the brochures—the razzle-dazzle of the tech, and of course, the astonishingly affordable price. During this time of penny-pinching, value’s a strong language, and one that’s going make or break a vehicle. In all fairness, the Territory ticks those boxes. A caveat though is that she doesn’t feel like a Ford. She has the badge and the upbringing even, but in the end, her non-Ford lineage is far too dominant not be ignored.
2021 Ford Territory
Titanium+
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| Ownership | 2021 Ford Territory Titanium+ |
| Year Introduced | 2020 |
| Vehicle Classification | Compact Crossover |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 kilometers |
| The Basic | |
| Body Type | 5-door SUV |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/F |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 1.5 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | EFI |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 143 @ 4,500-5,200 |
| Nm @ rpm | 225 @ 1,500-4,000 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / 91~ |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Cruise Control | Yes, Adaptive |
| Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed | 7.40 km/L @ 19 km/h |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,580 |
| Width (mm) | 1,936 |
| Height (mm) | 1,674 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,716 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,465 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Multi-Link |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Tires | Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max AW 235/50 R 18 H (f & r) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes, with EBD |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes, Front & Rear, 360-degree camera |
| Front Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR x 3 |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes |
| Other Safety Features |
Blindspot Monitoring System Lane Departure Warning Lane Keep Assist |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front & Rear |
| Auto Lights | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | Yes |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | Electric, 8-way |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | Manual, 4-way |
| Seating Surface | Leather, Ventilated & Heated (Front) |
| Folding Rear Seat | Yes, 60/40 |
| On-Board Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, with Fold |
| Proximity Key | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes, w/ Rear Vents |
| Audio System | Stereo USB Bluetooth Apple CarPlay Android Auto |
| # of Speakers | 8 |
| Steering Controls | Yes |
I dont know, but it looks very chinese to me. Interior and Exterior wise.
ReplyDeleteOn papers, the engine looks more powerful than the CX-30?
ReplyDelete"This here is a properly engineered SUV; designed and engineered primarily for the Chinese market, sure, but it’s still a Ford through and through."
ReplyDeleteNo amount of words and tech features that would the fact the this is a garbage product. Not to mention their after sales service still sucks big time. Hopefully buyers are smarter this time and just stick with Japanese/Koreans and even Geely Coolray
Ngee! Geely. Chinese din. Out of the frying pan and into the fire ang dating nyan.
DeleteMy point is, if you really want an affordable alternative (read: Chinese) might as well go for Geely Coolray, although chinese, its platform (BMA) to which it is based on is much newer and truly co developed between Volvo (here, Geely is taking advantage of Volvo tech, not the other way around for Ford on its Territory). Though you can't say the same for Azkarra which was based on an old platform.
Deletethat BMA platform is actually going to be used in the upcoming volvo x20
DeleteThe sexual metaphors used in this car review are far too many.
ReplyDeleteagreed, the way its written hindi bagay sa car review.
DeleteWTF this review puro negative, may galit ka SIR?
ReplyDeleteBias ang review ni Sir
DeleteSir totoo po lahat ng sinabi nya sa review, kasi po nirereklamo ko po ang ford territory titanium ko, ang brake nya hindi basta nakagat, ang gasolina grabe, weekly full tank lagi, kaya in one month po 4x full tank, at ang aircon problema, papalitan po namin ng Ford Everest, kasi talagang hindi sya ok. Kung nuon nabasa ko na ito, eh di sana di na kami bumili nyan. Ilang beses namin dinadala sa casa ang territory.
Delete"Combine that with a body rigidity equal to a WET NOODLE, and you end up with a crossover that wallows all over the place"
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Nice one. Kidding aside, thats why Carguide.ph is the most objective in the industry - only site that consistently comments on platform/chassis/rigidity - which is the most important part of the car and where the big chunk of R&D is spent on not only for driving dynamics but also for SAFETY in the event of crash.
Napansin ko nga ;(
ReplyDeleteHe shared a lot of great insights. Be a wise spender!
ReplyDeleteIm planning to buy a Geely CoolRay but the arrival of Ford Territory made me change of heart. It's the perfect New Crossover in town. And better than the new comer Toyota Corolla Cross.
ReplyDeleteWeh?
DeleteThank you for the brutaly honest review. Yeah the aircon controls integrated in the infotainment screen is silly. What if the screen fails wala ka na aircon?
ReplyDeleteGanun din sa MG 5 at di ko gusto iyan. Dapat hiwalay ang aircon controls sa infotainment system.
DeleteSuch a sexist review.
ReplyDeleteThis review is the only negative one as opposed to the many other reviewers and journos.. test the car yourself to find out. Take this one with a grain of sand
Oh yes he should test drive the unit first.
Deleteuhhh I think you should read it again, there is a fuel consumption amount as well. So I guess he did test drive it
DeleteThis review is distasteful and immature. No proof. BIAS. Mas maniniwala ako sa mga car reviews with videos. Some were asking is the car reliable? Now I am asking "is this review reliable"?
ReplyDeleteConsistent ang review sa test drive experience ko ng FT
Deleteyour first mistake was comparing a person to a machine. your second mistake was to objectify and sexualize a woman in ab automobile review. 2020 na uly, grow up pls. yang style mo na yan, pag nagka anak ka, magandang babae ibibigay sayo, pambayad utang lol.
ReplyDeleteHe said he maybe too harsh to the Territory, but i think he is just being harsh to CHINA.
ReplyDeleteThe only honest review ive seen so far :)
ReplyDeleteWaah, Ford must be having a major major turn on reading this review.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree when it comes to Ford, they don't seem to get it right many times. They brought in the Escape oops, too expensive, too gas guzzling too boring design. Leave it. The little Ecosport, it sizzled initially then they seem to forget about it, worst, transmission problems begins to surface. Then there was the Lynx, the Focus. All orphaned. Ford has only two segments that's still breathing normally their pick ups and SUV. The safe bet is, unless you're buying a pick up or an SUV, shun them.
Uly, how do you get the curb weight figures of the cars you review? do you weigh them yourself or do you simply list the manufacturer's claimed curb weight? i noticed for example you listed the 2019 ford ranger wildtrak bi turbo 4x4's curb weight as 1,880 kilos when on another review i saw on youtube in australia it weighs daw 2,200 plus kilos, the same model. then again on your 2019 xlt ranger 4x2 a/t review you listed it weighs 2,080 kilos. I'm assuming some of them are typos, of course. I think weight is one of the most underrated specs people should think about. thanks for always including them on each of your reviews!
ReplyDeleteWe just use whatever the car manufacturer gave us.
DeleteIn the case of Ford's new Ranger line-up, they don't give the curb weights officially. In this case, we used the Gross Vehicle Weight and subtract the payload capacity.
For the XLT Ranger in 2019, if memory serves, they did provide the curb weight then.
It's not the best solution I know, but better than keeping the line blank.
What's with all the hate in the comments? Are everyone really acting like overly sensitive girls in 2020? Grow a pair guys. Have some sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteFinally a brutally honest reviewer who doesn't get blinded by all of the features. Come on people, THIS IS A CHINESE CAR. Why don't you want to accept that extremely obvious fact?
ReplyDeleteLook at all the amount of fanboys (surprising that his car has any) who can't accept a European/American standard review. Finally, a brutally honest reviewer who isn't blinded by the price-to-features ratio. Because at the end of the day, this is a Chinese car with the amazing Ford after sales service.
ReplyDeleteAlmost everything now is made in China. Many known manufacturer put up factory in China. Even Tesla already have factory in China and lastly the reviewer might have Chinese blood...
ReplyDeleteYou really had to objectify women? You really had to go there to prove a point?
ReplyDeleteWHAT A TRASHY ARTICLE AND EVEN TRASHIER “WRITER”
I put a deposit on a Territory at Ford Davao. I hope to pick it up this week. Would anyone like to hear my thoughts? About me: I have owned more than 50 cars, and rented hundreds of others. Also, I am a mechanic. Let me know if you'd like to see a quick review from an actual owner. :)
ReplyDeleteYes please do sir
DeleteYes please Sir. We are planning to buy this car this year. Any suggestions anu pa yung ibang recommended niyo? budget is 900-1.3M Thank you!
DeleteBelo beauty to pre, yan ang uso. 😁
ReplyDeleteSo what happened sir, do you have any update about you new acquired FT?
ReplyDeleteNabili namin si Ford Territory Titanium last Oct 2020, maganda sa maganda, pero napansin namin, ang aircon problema, ang brake nya hindi nakagat agad, kaya pag nag drive ka dapat malayo pa lang mag brake ka na, kaya nga yung pusa, aso dito nasagaaaan ko kasi yung brake nya hindi ok, ang Gasolina grabe lagi syang uhaw, weekly laging full tank ang gasolina nya, wala pang traffic nyan dito sa Bohol. Lagi namin dinadala sa kasa at nirereklamo, ganun at di naman ma solve ang problem, kaya papalitan na min ng everest, natatakot ako baka ma aksidente or makaaaksidente ako.
ReplyDeleteikaw ang may problema. hindi ang sasakyan
Deletepano nya naging mali kung late ang kagat ng break at malakas sa gas ung sasakyan? masyado ka atang bualg kaibigan
DeleteAn objective car review should provide the pros and cons of buying a specific car..also, most of car manufacturers are in or going in China,and if this is really true then bakit hi di maingay sa social media na walang kwenta itong Territory, actually many are happy and most are seasoned drivers, and lastly can you name a car brand in the Philippines that is free from any issues? Even Toyota have its own share if issues..so why the hate?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/ford-territory-used-review-2004-2015-40353
ReplyDeleteBy the way, here's a link to the article on Ford Territory Australia, just in case you forgot to do your research, ang layo ng design and specs nito to tue current Territory released here in Ph.
Wag raw tyo magtiwala sa gawa ng Chinese, eh Chinese ung nag review so wag tyo magtitiwala sa kanya..this review is biased and lacks objectivity, there are no positive comments not even on the confort that this car provides which is praised by all those who tested this car. During the launch, there were a lot of positive reviews, syempre may negative rin so not sure saan pinanggagalingan ng editor bakit ganito review, akala ko ba unbiased and totoong review ito pero pag binasa mo pure of bias
ReplyDeleteLet's take note also that, unfortunately, the Ford Territory only got a 3-star safety rating from the Chinese NCAP :(
ReplyDeleteAh, the review is written in an extremely sexist, tasteless, misogynistic tone. I almost have to vomit in front of my phone in disgust.
ReplyDeleteGrabe sa fuel consumption.. every 100Liter naga refuel ako.. nsa 4km per liter ang ratio
ReplyDeleteHonestly isa akong dealer mechanic, sa experience namin sa fuel consumption ng 1.5L engine sa 7.40 km/L @ 19 km/h is too much, hindi kayang gastosan ng ordinaryong driver. Kaya mas marami na yong gamugamit ng diesel engine. Kunting deperensya nalang , kukuha nalang ako ng ibang diesel engine SUV. Nag enjoy pa ako sa driving. Good Luck.
ReplyDelete