Anton: For the budget conscious, Chinese-built models have become a more, let’s say, acceptable option these days. Aside from aggressive pricing strategies, these models typically come loaded with features and are bigger than similarly priced options.
We understand the temptation to go for one of these. Besides, who wouldn’t want a bigger vehicle for less? Case in point, there’s the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid and Ford Territory Titanium.
Both these subcompact crossovers are on the larger end of the scale, yet undercut smaller vehicles in the same size class. The Chery and the Ford are among the popular choices in that field, so it only makes sense that we chose these two for our latest installment of Head to Head.
It’ll be me and Assistant Managing Editor Leandre Grecia to choose which one of these comes out on top. As tested, the mildly electrified Tiggo 7 Pro retails for P1,350,000, while the Territory Titanium can be yours for P1,335,000.
Spoiler alert: The red one wins.
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Styling
Anton: One could call the Chery’s styling a little bit on the conservative side. Not that it looks bland, but the Ford projects a bigger presence on the road, at least in my eyes. Perhaps it’s the extra-wide grille and the aggressive-looking headlights, but the Territory looks meaner when viewed from the rear-view mirror.
Simply put, the Chery looks its size while the Ford appears larger than its dimensions suggest. Presence is everything on local roads, and the Territory has a bit more attitude in the styling department. Still, that’s not to say the Tiggo 7 Pro is ugly. Its neat and tidy proportions won’t offend anyone’s sense of sight.
Leandre: In a way, these two crossovers have similar design cues. The Territory, however, has the more aggressive-looking front fascia. I would argue it’s much sleeker, too, as it looks more modern and apt for the times. In fact, I’d even go so far as saying the Tiggo 7 Pro looks a tad bit dated when standing next to it.
At the rear, it’s a bit closer between the two. The Tiggo looks a bit snazzier out back than it does up front, and I like how the taillights stretch the width of the liftgate. The Territory holds its own on this end, though, as the taillights match the front clip quite nicely. Good on Ford for removing the chrome bits here, too, to give the vehicle a cleaner look. This is why in the design department, I’m gonna have to go with the Territory here.
Interior
Anton: It’s a mixed bag, this one. The Chery has a far nicer looking and feeling interior compared to the Ford. Its textures are fit for those in more expensive vehicles, while the buttons and dials feel much nicer to touch. However, rear accommodations are on the tighter side, while the pinched rear windows don’t give off an airy vibe. The cargo area, while large, doesn’t offer as much as the Ford.
If it’s practicality that takes priority, the Ford takes the cake. Okay, it doesn’t feel as premium or inviting as the Chery, but the Ford would be a better fit for families. More passenger room, more cargo space, and a tad more interior flexibility sways me towards the Territory.
Leandre: I’m going to have to disagree with Anton on this one. He told me he liked the feel of the Tiggo’s interior better, and while I concur that the materials seem somewhat better in the Chery, it’s the layers of texture and mixture of colors inside the Territory that draw me in. They’re not too aggressive, they’re nice to the touch, and they’re quite pleasing to the eye. Oh, and I also like how Ford has regular rugs inside, because the leather floor mats in the Tiggo just don’t work for me.
Space-wise, the Territory gets the nod, too. There’s just much more room to go around in the Territory, and that also adds to the overall comfort whether you’re a passenger in front or at the back. You can’t go wrong with either in terms of cargo space, because the Tiggo’s trunk is still sizeable despite being a bit smaller than that of the Territory. But in terms of the overall interior, I’m giving my vote to the Ford yet again.
Engine performance
Anton: Here’s a no-brainer, folks. The Chery takes the easy win here. On paper, it doesn’t look that way as it has slightly less power and torque compared to the Ford. The thing is, the spec sheet is only half the story. What matters more is how it feels on the road.
Yes, the Chery is a shade slower, but its engine and transmission combination are far, far smoother than its rival. It’s more refined, and more relaxing on the move. You don’t have to adjust your driving style here at all. Couple that with good fuel economy and the Tiggo 7 Pro is the one to choose.
Leandre: The last time I drove the Territory, its fuel economy was far from impressive. This second time I had it, it was more of the same story. It still felt a bit sluggish, too, especially when compared to the Tiggo 7 Pro.
The ‘electrified’ powertrain doesn’t exactly feel like a full-on hybrid setup, but at least the Tiggo chugs less fuel than the Territory. With both highway driving and terrible city traffic, the Tiggo can yield about 11-12km/L while the Territory barely reaches 9km/L in the same conditions.
Ride and handling
Anton: It’s yet another effortless win for the Chery here. The seats are more supportive, the ride is better sorted out, and it’s more hushed around town and on the highway. You get the impression that you’re getting more for what you paid for in terms of comfort.
It’s the more engaging one to drive, too. Sure, these crossovers don’t exactly have the spirited driver in mind, but there’s a bit more joy behind the wheel of the Chery. The best part is, it doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.
Leandre: To my surprise, the Chery felt a bit livelier to drive, and it was also lighter on its feet. It felt nimbler and more agile than the Territory. Interestingly enough, the Tiggo also had the plusher ride between the two.
By no means is the Territory a harsh-riding crossover, though—it’s just that when pitted directly against the Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid, it pales a bit in comparison.
Extra features
Anton: Yes, we know, we’re comparing a top-spec model versus an entry-level variant. The thing is, these two are so close in price that it’ll all depend on one’s negotiation skills to get the better deal. That said, the two are similarly equipped.
Both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging and a 360-degree view camera. The airbag count is the same, too, while traction control and stability control are also standard. However, I feel like I have to give the nod to the Chery. Yes, the features are identical, but these are a tad easier to use in the Tiggo 7 Pro.
Leandre: It’s almost identical here across the board, with both crossovers offering similar safety tech and extra amenities. What’s most notable is how the head unit is bigger and clearer in the Territory, and how the audio setup also sounds a bit better.
However, I can forego both of those if it means I can get the Tiggo’s smaller display that requires much less effort to operate. Ford has a knack for burying its controls inside its infotainment system, and the simplicity of the Tiggo makes it more user-friendly and thus, ideal. I also like how Chery added a cubby underneath the center console—it’s not that big of an addition, but it does wonders in keeping the cabin clean and organized.
The top-spec Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid also has one thing that the base Territory Titanium does not: A huge sunroof up top. Not everybody wants a sunroof, but you’ve still got to hand the Tiggo a point for this.
Verdict
Leandre: It was a close bout, this one. The Territory started out strong with the aesthetics and interior bits, but it fell off a bit with the things that matter more: Driving dynamics, performance, comfort, and ease of use. It’s still a solid option in the segment, and it’s no surprise that it’s been selling well for Ford Philippines, but when you’re talking about overall practicality and value for money, the Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid just takes the cake here.
For good measure, you can check out the table below to see how the scores went in the way of the Chery. Do you agree with the results here, or would you take the Territory instead? Scroll on further below for more specs and photos of these two, then head on over to the comments section to share your insights.
Scoring tally
2024 Ford Territory Titanium |
2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid
|
|
| Styling | 2 | 0 |
| Interior | 2 | 0 |
| Engine performance | 0 | 2 |
| Ride and handling | 0 | 2 |
| Extra features | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 4 | 6 |
SPECS: 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid
Price: P1,350,000
Engine: 1.5-liter mild hybrid
Power: 154hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Layout: FWD
Seating: 5
SPECS: 2024 Ford Territory Titanium
Price: P1,335,000
Engine: 1.5-liter turbopetrol
Power: 158hp
Torque: 248Nm
Transmission: 7-speed wet dual-clutch
Layout: Front-wheel-drive
Seating: 5
Photos: 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, 2024 Ford Territory
