Seeing the Next-Gen Ford Territory is like looking at someone you’ve known for years.

You’ve seen their upgrades, you’ve heard their stories and milestones, and you know the journey of who they used to be and who they are now.

My first foray at the Territory was when we drove it off in the midst of the pandemic back in 2021.

It seemed like a feature-packed vehicle apt for the techies and those who prefer to modernize the way they drive. The roads back then were perfect for a test drive, since there were little to no vehicles in sight.

The next year, I brought it with me as I celebrated my birthday at a beach resort in Calatagan, Batangas. I’ve seen its capabilities during a road trip and how it made the drivers and passengers comfortable during a long drive.

This year, I had an opportunity to drive the Next-Generation Ford Territory Titanium. And boy, the experience is much, much different.

It’s like coming across someone who just leveled up, and you just want to get territorial so no one else would have them.

All eyes on you, my magician

At a glance, the Next-Generation Territory commands attention. Up front, it exudes a tougher stance with its honeycomb grille, signature daytime running lamps, and full LED headlights lowered towards the ground.

Its 10mm longer wheelbase and ground clearance made the vehicle stand out on the road. And its 18-inch Alloy Wheels? It just added to a tough guy vibe.

Think: Someone with broad shoulders whom you can cry and rely on.

All eyes were on me as I drove past everyone around the city. The unit I have is coated in Ruby Red, giving off a sleek yet seductive aura that makes you want to cradle your fingers and touch its frame.

Its rear design is equally stunning, creating a tough imagery that you don’t want to mess with. It looked bulky on its rear, like yours truly, but it had a solid, spacious vibe for a 5-seater SUV.

The 3D LED Taillights added to that tough look, especially when you see the Territory at night.

Somehow, the Next-Gen Territory Titanium in Ruby Red exhibited how I liked my partner. I want it to be attention-grabbing, but you can only stare at it because I’m the one commanding it. It’s already my territory.

I’ll be your commander

We’ve already talked about how the Ford Territory is a techie’s paradise. In the Next-Gen Territory, it turned the vehicle quite into a moving, rideable gadget.

Upon entering, I was greeted by its long, fully digital dashboard. It has a 12-inch central touchscreen complemented with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

You can check the settings, devices connected, music source, and Ford’s SYNC technology that lets you connect with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

It also has access to controls of all vehicle functions from air temperature to vehicle settings such as lights, locks, door & windows, and more.

The Adaptive Cruise Control is on the left side of the steering wheel, and the star button opens up the different driving modes.

The right side of the steering wheel makes it easy to connect your devices and adjust music playback and the volume while driving.

On the driver’s left side, you can find the lock and unlock buttons, along with the keys to the car’s windows and the adjustment buttons for the side mirrors.

Meanwhile, the center console houses plenty of controls and compartments for various needs.

Cozily connected

Beneath the physical controls for the A/C system, you can find the wireless charging pad. It’s been particularly useful when I forgot my lightning cable for my iPhone.

During my long drive to the South, I just kept my iPhone wirelessly charging to ensure I had enough battery throughout the day and night.

Underneath, you can find a USB-A and USB-C port. Of course, I wasn’t able to use it since I forgot my cable. Luckily, I have a USB-C to USB-A cable which powered my OPPO Find N3 Flip and subsequently connected to Android Auto.

The Next-Generation Territory comes with a rotary dial shifter, instead of the traditional gear shifter. It contributed to a more sophisticated interior, but I felt stupid adjusting to the shifter. I get anxious whenever I’m too slow to shift between modes and the motorcycles are honking.

The change in shifter comes with the new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wet-dual clutch system mated for the Next-Generation Territory.

On the other end of the center console are the volume controls, other buttons for music and connectivity, and the electric parking brake that you can flick on a switch.

Extra space

Beside the rotary shifter and electric parking brake is a cup holder that can be closed when empty.

There’s also a big compartment in the center console where you can slide a tray to see the whole compartment covered up by the armrest. The tray has been helpful at times when you don’t know where to put all the cards and anything you give and receive through the windows while driving.

Underneath, it became a storage space for every mess I had while driving: parking tickets, drive-thru receipts, gas receipts, and other papers meant to be in the trashcan.

Also, above the rearview mirror are controls for lights and storage for your sunglasses. It has been helpful in safekeeping since I used to misplace my glasses when in a hurry or end up breaking them.

Comfort in driving

The Next-Generation Territory takes pride in an efficient performance while providing comfort, both for the driver and passengers. It uses an EcoBoost 1.5L engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission that technically handles more torque.

It comes with four selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain. Of course, I didn’t get to use Sport since I’m afraid of speeding up, and I didn’t opt for a Mountain mode since my uphill drives are always on paved roads and not rocky trails.

I’m happy switching between Eco and Normal mode when driving in Manila traffic or cruising along the freeway.

The steering wheel has been light and easy to maneuver, and the same sentiments were shared by my friends whom I asked for help when I was filming and taking photographs of the interior.

It felt lightweight and effortless to drive, but you know that it can surely pack a punch. After all, it’s built to take on different road conditions — even if it’s not a 4×4.

Parking made easier

I think this won’t change anytime soon, but I’m deeply in love with Ford’s Advanced Driver-Assist Technologies. Comparing it to the vehicles I drove this year, nothing still beats the safety features equipped with Ford’s vehicles.

It’s still evident in the Next-Gen Territory. When parking, I always get anxious about fitting in between vehicles. Perpendicular and angle parking are made easier using Active Park Assist and through the help of the 360-degree camera.

Though I take pride in my ability to parallel park, the built-in technology still made it easier to alight without hitting a curb.

Made for long drives

Long and night drives are also a breeze. When I was picking up and dropping off my friend in the South, I had to drive around Eton City in Laguna. Navigating expressways and almost pitch-black roads seems like a challenge, but nothing that can’t be conquered by the Next-Gen Territory.

Every time a vehicle is detected by the sensor, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert sounds an alarm to notify me about an incoming vehicle.

It definitely helped whenever I’m speeding up and changing lanes on the freeway. That, or when I’m overtaking a bunch of slow-moving cars.

For memorable adventures

The Next-Gen Territory is built for making core memories. It’s an ideal daily driver suited for everyday adventures. Comfort and safety are its top features, both on short, city drives and long drives out of town.

It’s perfect for navigating the city, cruising from one adventure to another, or seeing new places to visit and experience with people close to your heart.

I was able to bring it for my regular training sessions, hop between cafes and restaurants, visit some friends and families, and even drive 80km for a date night.

Somehow, the Next-Gen Territory really looked like an ideal partner. Not just as a vehicle, but as a mirror of the person that should be in our lives.

Someone who’s willing to go through adventures with us, brave hellish traffic, and make plenty of moments to cherish.

Life is one big adventure, and the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium can help you own every moment.

For more information about the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium, visit the Ford Territory page. Reserve the Next-Gen Ford Territory through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

SEE ALSO: Ford Territory: Feel at ease while traveling in style | Celebrating spesh occasions with the Ford Territory | Ford Territory: A techie finds his dream car