The Ford Territory was first introduced to the Philippine market back in 2020 as the automaker’s newest addition to its fleet, and moved in as the replacement for the discontinued Escape.

This five-seater compact crossover vehicle has done quite well for itself on our shores, selling over 25,000 units. The successor, however, is bigger, better, louder, and has gained a respectable following. It’s surpassing expectations and reinforcing itself in the local compact crossover scene, and here’s why.

It’s not hard to spot one on the road. The overall design commands enough attention to give motorists a second look. It’s exceedingly more striking compared to its predecessor, for sure.

The honeycomb style grille, the modern LED headlights, and the daytime running lamps (DRL) are probably the most head-turning features at first glance, which will then lead you to check out the emblem.

Oh, it’s a Ford. But is it, really?

Well, technically it’s a JMC-Ford—a product of China’s Jiangling Motors and Ford. However, this bit of information isn’t new. By this time, it’s an accepted fact and hardly a deterrent.

The Territory, in particular, might prove some preconceived notions wrong, and it has its attractive sporty looks and finish partly to thank for the positive attention, with or without familiar branding in place. Can’t deny that it looks good.

The sleek 12-inch digital instrument cluster is a noticeable upgrade from the introductory model’s seven-inch screen. Meanwhile, the 12-inch touchscreen comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging.

The main cabin is ambient, spacious, and well-ventilated through its dual-zone climate control system. Headroom and legroom are surprisingly generous for a compact SUV—your tall friends would be seriously impressed.

The partial leather perforated seats are inviting, suggesting relaxation from the get-go. But automatic seat adjustments are reserved only for the driver’s seat, which is a bit of a letdown in terms of the car’s futuristic winning streak.

The ultra-modern panoramic moonroof more than makes up for this, though, and so far it’s the crowd favorite among the Titanium X variant’s experiential features. In addition, the eight-speaker sound system will complete the full effect of a luxurious atmosphere throughout the ride.

Opting toward a more hands-free approach, the keyless entry and the automatic tailgate are just some features of the Titanium X that are designed for nothing but comfort and convenience.

The 448L boot capacity adequately satisfies the needs of an owner with a young family, and can be expanded with the folding rear seats. The conscious effort to elevate well-being and accessibility for both driver and passenger is worth giving credit where it’s due.

An added difference from the predecessor is the rotary dial shifter, which gets you from Drive to Park with a switch of your fingers. This, along with the electronic parking brake button, is foreseeably driving conventional shifters and pull-levers into obsolescence.

A word of caution, though, the volume dial is situated slightly close to the rotary gear shifter, and could bring some confusion if you’re distracted. It’s probably not the biggest deal, but it’s worth taking note of.

So, it looks good and it’s comfortable. But the critical factor would be on the Territory’s capability. Well, it has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with 158hp and 258Nm.

It’s front-wheel-driven, but it’s accompanied by four driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, and Mountain) for a boost of performance. It’s going to get the job done whether it’s a city errand or a leisurely drive out of town.

It comes with an ample inventory of driver-assist technologies such as a 360° camera, blind-spot monitoring, active park assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation system.

Alongside some protective features like child locks for the rear doors and Isofix anchor points, the Titanium X is loaded with much more tech in comparison with the base Titanium variant.

If you’re still feeling cautious over the Territory’s origin story, Ford offers a warranty that will last you up to five years or 150,000km, whichever comes first.

That comes with comprehensive coverage for parts replacements and labor, and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for peace of mind.

Given all the upgraded visuals, technical features, and details, the efforts to elevate the Territory’s status are intentional in exceeding expectations, and it’s paying off. It seems to have reinforced its position as a viable choice for an affordable but luxurious compact SUV.

The improvements—and there are plenty—are hard to overlook given the price point of P1,599,000 for the Titanium X.

In terms of competition, it might come from within given that the base-model Titanium is priced significantly lower. However, it would be up to that certain demographic of consumers who want the Titanium X’s exclusive add-ons and to “own the moment.”