Could PH get 2023 Ford Territory from Vietnam?

After being teased first in Cambodia before making its way to North America a couple of weeks ago, the all-new Ford Territory has officially been launched for the ASEAN market. Making its regional debut in Vietnam, the 2023 Territory not only gets a sleek new look, but it also gets a wide array of intelligent driver aids and a more powerful EcoBoost motor.

Now wearing the brand’s new global DNA design language, the Territory is essentially the Equator Sport with a different name. It now gets a two-tier headlight design with LED headlights placed near the bumper for improved visibility. Meanwhile, the unique LED daytime running lights give the vehicle an unmistakable look.

The all-new Territory sports a more chiseled appearance, particularly on the rear and side. From bold LED taillights to its muscular curves, the sloping roofline, and stylish 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on lower variants), the Territory is brimming with style.

Moving to the interior, the crossover gets a new pair of digital displays; one for the instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen infotainment system. Both measure 12-inches in size which translates to a widescreen interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the touchscreen which makes it easy to use smartphone apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Waze, and Google Maps.

Other interior amenities available inside the all-new Territory include; a full-leather two-tone interior, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free smart tailgate that can automatically open or close, an engine start/stop button with auto stop-start technology, and 4 different driving modes that include Normal, Eco, Sport, and Mountain.

Powering the 2023 Territory is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. But unlike the current Territory which makes 143 PS and 225 Nm of torque, the one in the new Territory makes more with 170 PS and 260 Nm of pull. This translates to an extra 27 PS along with an additional 35 Nm. Instead of a CVT, the new crossover comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.

Giving the 2023 Territory an extra pair of eyes is a long list of intelligent driver aids. These include lane departure warning, intelligent automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function. Other available safety systems on the 2023 Territory are electronic stability control, traction control, automatic parking assist, and a 360-degree camera system for an all-around view.

The all-new Ford Territory for the Vietnamese market will not be sourced from another country. Instead, it will be manufactured and sold locally via the company’s Hai Duong factory. Customer deliveries are set to begin sometime in November.

With Vietnam also a left-hand drive (LHD) country like the Philippines, could Ford actually source the next-gen Territory from Vietnam instead of China? That we’ll have to find out soon.