Abbey, my ever-prepared partner and friend, had meticulously planned our weekend adventure.
But her idea of adventure wasn’t scaling mountains or bungee jumping; it was taking full advantage of Ford Philippines’ generous offer for me to test drive the 2024 Ford Territory Titanium. My dad took rein for the car but I had it for a glorious 24 hours. Yes, my partner, the human embodiment of a perfectly organized spreadsheet, had a wild side–a passion for well-engineered SUVs, apparently.
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Abbey?
The woman who color-coordinates her sock drawer and plans her outfits a week in advance? In a car that wasn’t a sensible sedan? It was like finding a hidden stash of rock concert tickets tucked away in her meticulously organized planner.
But there we were, keys in hand, a gleaming white Territory waiting for us in the dealership parking lot. As Abbey slid behind the wheel, a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes.
“Buckle up, buttercup,” she winked. “We’re about to have some fun.”
And fun we had.
With one of the two whole days at our disposal, we explored every nook and cranny of the Territory’s capabilities. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine roared to life with a surprising gusto, like Abbey herself after a triple espresso — all energy and ready to conquer the world. The 160 horsepower and 248 Nm of torque effortlessly propelled us through city streets and winding country roads, the 7-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission shifting gears with the smoothness of Abbey transitioning from yoga poses.
The Ford Territory adventure began at the crack of dawn, 5:00 AM to be exact. Leaving my cozy Laguna home, we cruised down C5, snaking through the early morning stillness to Marikina where my meticulously organized partner, eagerly awaited our escapade.
Our first stop, the charming Cafe Katerina in Tanay, fueled our journey with hearty breakfast fare and steaming cups of coffee. With bellies full and spirits high, we pointed the Territory eastward, passing through Paete’s artistic streets before veering off towards Real, Quezon to visit a friend who is terminally ill. We left a bit depressed.
The scenic drive culminated in a delightful lunch at Fiesta Infanta, where we savored local delicacies and toasted to the open road. The afternoon saw us weaving through Laguna’s picturesque landscapes, from the serene Kalayaan to the historic Pagsanjan, before a sharp turn towards Cavinti led us into Quezon. Our grand finale was a refreshing halo-halo merienda in Padre Garcia, a sweet reward for a day well-traveled. In total, we covered an impressive 353 kilometers, a testament to both our adventurous spirit and the Territory’s unwavering endurance.
We tackled steep hills and tight corners, the Territory’s suspension absorbing every bump and dip like Abbey effortlessly deflecting nosy questions from our aunts. The Blind Spot Information System alerted us to unseen vehicles, just as Abbey always seems to sense when someone needs a comforting word. The Adaptive Cruise Control maintained a safe distance from the car ahead, much like Abbey ‘s impeccable social boundaries.
Inside the spacious cabin, Abbey and I chatted and laughed, the panoramic sunroof flooding the interior with light. The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system was a bit like Abbey ‘s taste in music — a mix of classic elegance and modern pop, with a few unexpected gems thrown in. The rotary shifter control, however, was a bit of a mystery, like the time she showed up to a family gathering wearing a pair of neon pink sneakers. But hey, everyone’s entitled to a little quirkiness, right?
As we reluctantly returned the Territory to the dealership, I couldn’t help but grin. The Ford Territory had surprised me, just as Abbey had surprised me with her unexpected enthusiasm for this SUV. It was a car that reflected her practicality, her intelligence, and her adventurous spirit — even if that spirit was expressed through meticulously planned road trips.
Abbey may be her family’s golden child, but the 2024 Ford Territory proved that she’s not afraid to break the mold and embrace a little spontaneity. And just like Abbey , this SUV is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and unexpected surprises. It’s a car that’s sure to turn heads and spark conversations. And like my partner extraordinaire–she is a keeper!
