The local compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment has proven to be a competitive category with various models being released in the Philippines every now and then. That said, many Filipino car buyers have been drawn to the allure of these urban vehicles that promise added comfort and capability over traditional city cars.
Two notable crossovers available in the country are the Changan CS55 Plus and the Ford Territory. The former was released in November of last year while the latter, was launched in August 2020.
Interested to see which of these vehicles best suits your style, budget, and motoring needs? Find out in this compact crossover SUV comparo.
Our young gun under Changan Motor Philippines, Inc. (CMPI) has an overall length of 4,515 millimeters (mm), an overall width of 1,865mm, and an overall height of 1,680mm. It has a wheelbase of 2,656mm and a minimum ground clearance of 171mm.
Meanwhile, the segment staple measures 4,580mm long, 1,936mm wide, and 1,674mm tall. Per Ford Philippines, it has a wheelbase of 2,716mm and a ground clearance of 180mm.
At a glance, the Ford Territory is slightly larger than its rival making it a better choice for those looking to drive an SUV with a more imposing road presence.
At the fore, the Changan CS55 Plus wears a wide black grille flanked by LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL) on each side.
The side profile of the SUV boasts side view mirrors with LED turn signals, body-color door handles with touch-activated lock and unlock buttons, as well as a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. From here, one can also notice its roof rails.
Its rear features a roof-mounted spoiler with an LED brake lamp, a pair of LED taillamps, two rear fog lights, and twin exhaust pipes with a chrome tip.
As for the Ford Territory, the local wing of the Blue Oval brand gave it a decent-sized gloss black grille with chrome inserts bordered by LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and front fog lamps.
To its side are chrome door handles, power-heated side mirrors, puddle lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The rear of the SUV features LED taillamps, two rear fog lamps, a rear spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and double exhaust pipes — also finished in chrome.
Overall, both SUV models are neck and neck in terms of the exterior appointments they offer. In fact, they even look alike with both vehicles sporting plenty of straight lines and sharp angles.
That said, we give this round a tie.
The Changan CS55 Plus has a compact but spacious cabin that boasts leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a shift handle finished in chrome and leather.
For its onboard tech, the Changan CS55 Plus gets a 10-inch instrument cluster and either a 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch infotainment system. The higher variants get additional toys in the form of six Pioneer premium speakers.
In terms of air conditioning, the base variant of the Changan CS55 Plus gets automatic A/C with a PM 0.1 filter while the more upmarket trims get an additional ion generator. Likewise, the base model gets a standard sunroof while those up the variant ladder get an electric panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch and rain-sensing features.
Not to be outdone, Ford gave the interior of the Territory a few notable amenities. These come in the form of perforated leather seats, a multi-functional steering wheel swathed in leather, and a leather-covered center console.
Past the abovementioned steering wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system with adjustable quad view. Those into automotive audio will be delighted to find out that the PH-spec Ford Territory gets eight speakers.
To keep its occupants cool, this SUV offers automatic A/C with built-in CN95 cabin air filters and an integrated ionizer. The Ford Territory also gets a panoramic moonroof.
Both vehicles offer interior features that are virtually identical. That said, this closely contested round is a draw.
Powering the Changan CS55 Plus is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed shift-by-wire dual-clutch transmission with Sport, Eco, and Normal modes. This setup is able to make as much as 185 horsepower with 300Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the Ford Territory uses a 1.5-liter EcoBoost mill paired with a continuously variable transmission with Sport mode. Together, the powertrain makes 141 horses and 225Nm of pulling power.
Falling a little short in terms of power, this round goes to the newcomer — the Changan CS55 Plus.
The Changan CS55 Plus’ suite of safety features includes ones like an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), an electronic stability program (ESP), a traction control system, brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, as well as a driving recorder.
For the Ford Territory, it offers safety amenities such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, an enhanced active park assist system (with parallel and perpendicular parking assist), a blind spot information system, front and rear parking sensors, and a high-definition 360-degree camera.
With more advanced safety features, we give this round to the Ford Territory.
Changan CS55 Plus
CS55 Plus Lite – P1.179 million
CS55 Plus Hype – P1.283 million
CS55 Plus Luxe – P1.373 million
Ford Territory
Territory Titanium+ – P1.310 million
To note, the Ford Territory was initially offered in two variants when it was released locally. However, the automotive brand silently pulled out the Trend variant of the SUV leaving the Titanium+ the only available trim.
Both the Changan CS55 Plus and the Ford Territory come out as victors in the compact crossover SUV melee. The former appeared to have edged its rival with a more robust engine, but the latter proved that it can even thighs out with its offering of more advanced safety features.
That said, choosing between the two boils down to a matter of preference.
Photos from Ford Philippines, Changan Motor Philippines, Inc., and Ruben Manahan IV
Also read:
Changan adds Uni models in PH lineup
Changan Motor PH showcases CS55 Plus automotive technologies
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