Baguio Mountain Drive: New Ford Territory Hybrid Demonstrates Versatility, Efficiency, and Superior Handling

MANILA, Philippines– Ford Philippines showcased the real-world versatility, efficient performance, and exceptional handling and ride comfort of the New Ford Territory Hybrid with a roundtrip journey from Manila to Baguio and back, spanning close to 600 kilometers of distance. The pre-determined route allowed media to experience firsthand how Ford’s newest hybrid compact SUV makes drives more enjoyable – from city driving and zipping along highways and various terrains to taking on country roads.

“The New Territory Hybrid is perfect and practical on Philippine roads. It delivers on features that we know Filipinos put a premium on – modern design, efficient performance, smart and safety features, and comfortable ride and handling,” said Pedro Simoes, managing director, Ford Philippines. “It was a nice 2-day drive for our media friends to fully experience and immerse themselves with the Territory Hybrid and what better destination to test its mettle than in Baguio known for its combination of challenging roads and terrains.” 

Fuel Efficiency Mated with Uncompromising Performance

The expressway segments between Manila, La Union, and Clark provided steady cruising where the 1.5L Turbocharged I-4 Dedicated Hybrid Engine paired with a 2-Speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and electric motor of the Territory Hybrid shone through.

With its sophisticated powertrain automatically switching between four power modes (pure EV, Series, Parallel, and Energy Recovery) the Territory Hybrid maximized its 1.83kWh Lithium-Ion NCM High Voltage Battery for smooth power delivery and quiet operation throughout the long drive.

As part of the drive experience, media participants engaged in a friendly competition to see who can achieve peak efficiency with the Territory Hybrid in real-world settings. The winning team reached a solid 20.4 km/L fuel economy reading, surpassing the officially-declared 19.6 km/L* combined fuel economy.  

Confident Driving with Smooth Handling and Unparalleled Ride Stability

The highway stretches on the journey up North also allowed extended use of the Territory Hybrid Titanium X’s driver-assist technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane centering control which supported consistent spacing and reduced fatigue over long periods.

*Combined Fuel Economy figure is based on a laboratory test with controlled conditions and may not perfectly reflect real-world driving conditions. Factors like driving habits, road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance can all influence actual fuel consumption.

The mountain legs to and from Baguio highlighted another strength of the Territory Hybrid as it offers customizable steering feel with selectable power steering modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. These modes can automatically adjust based on the selected drive mode or be manually selected by the driver via the shortcut screen for a more personalized experience and control especially on corners and twisties that Baguio is known for.

The ascent showed sustained torque and responsive acceleration on continuous gradients and linked curves, supporting confident overtakes and ensuring a steady pace. The descent highlighted energy regeneration, braking control, and composed handling through winding sections and elevation changes.

On the way back to Manila, the winds picked up and the rain started to pour, but drivers maneuvered the slick roads with confidence with the Territory Hybrid’s combination of electronic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, and hill descent control.

Ultimate Comfort and Convenience with Refined Touches

Throughout the more than 10-hour drive, little things like soundproof acoustic glass on the Territory Hybrid’s front windows provided a more refined driving experience reducing wind and road noise for a quieter ride, even at speeds of up to 120 kph.

The new seat and trim design paired with the generous cabin space and practical cargo capacity that has been a hallmark of the Territory supported long hours of travel even with production equipment and luggage for 3-4 passengers loaded up.

The Territory Hybrid Titanium X also features multi-color ambient lighting for a sleek interior aesthetic and a panoramic moonroof which allowed the participants to better appreciate the picturesque mountain views and grandeur of Baguio’s towering pine trees.

It boasts a wireless charging pad on top of multiple charging ports and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that allowed both drivers and passengers to enjoy smart connectivity as it comes with upgraded hardware and software to make phone pairing with wireless Apple CarPlay® and AndroidAuto™ easier, faster, and more seamless than ever. The new Arkamys SoundStage audio also elevated the drive with enhanced bass, sound quality, and 3D surround sound effects for a premium sound experience in-vehicle.

Conveniences like keyless entry with push-start ignition, hands-free power tailgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control which now lets users access the A/C menus without exiting phone projection further enhanced the overall user experience which made for a more enjoyable and relaxed trip.

A Milestone in Ford’s Electrification Journey

More than design enhancements that give it a bold and modern upgrade, the Territory Hybrid demonstrates Ford’s capability in electrified vehicles. It underscores Ford Philippines’ commitment to make smart and sustainable mobility more accessible to Filipino drivers.

“We are thrilled by how well the Territory Hybrid has been received by our customers so far. Since we launched it in August, orders have been better than our projections, confirming that we are on the right track in our electrification journey,” added Simoes. “The Territory Hybrid is more than ready for the realities of daily driving that banks on efficient yet powerful performance, and we are pleased to share that more units are expected to arrive in Ford dealerships soon.”

Explore Your Options

The New Territory Hybrid is available in two variants: Trend and Titanium X. The Territory Hybrid Trend starts at P1,399,000 while the Titanium X retails at P1,599,000. Both variants come in a range of exterior colors including Oasis Green (Titanium X only) Crystal Pearl White (Titanium X only), Star White (Trend only), Blue Panther, and Panther Black.

For more information, customers can visit their nearest Ford dealership or log on to ford.to/TerritoryHybrid.