When Ford sent the Territory to us, they didn’t ask for a road test, travelogue or gravel road report. They wanted to know what happens when their new SUV becomes part of your daily rhythm.
At the time, I was behind the wheel of a long-term Ford Everest Sport, and the suggestion was to let my partner, Ali, be the primary driver of the Territory and share her experiences of the family-oriented midsize SUV. Her journeys ranged from short stints in and around our area in Gardens, to mid-distance trips to her family in Newlands, and other errands in between, as she prepared to go overseas the following week. The busy week and extensive time behind the wheel gave a clear picture of how the Territory fits into everyday life.
Design & Presence
First impressions matter, and in Panther Black, the Territory finds arguably its best coat. At 4.63 m long, 1.94 m wide (with mirrors) and 1.71 m high, the vehicle sits in the sweet spot between compact crossovers and full‑size SUVs; it’s got real road presence without feeling like a barge in city traffic. The high bonnet and squared‑off corners make it easy to place in tight parking spaces, and the large windows and 190 mm ground clearance help with visibility. Ali reported feeling secure and robust on the road, without the vehicle feeling clumsily big or difficult to handle.
Related: Ford Everest Sport 4×4: Long Termer Introduction: Leisure Wheels
The black paint also accentuated the vehicle’s clean lines and swept‑back LED lighting, and despite its Chinese platform, the Territory adopts a slightly different design language to that of the general crossover. It has poise and presence, and the sleek silhouette gives off an air of understated luxury. We drove the mid-level spec Territory Trend.
Cabin & Practicality
Inside, the Territory is deceptively spacious. Ali loved the commanding driving position and the airy cabin, and felt that the space inside did justice to the wheelbase stretches to 2.73 m, freeing up ample knee‑room for rear passengers, and there’s enough head‑room for tall occupants both front and back. The boot holds 448 litres with the rear seats up and expands to 1 422 litres when they’re folded. Unfodled was enough for the various bits and pieces transported around during the week.
Related: Ford Everest Sport 4×4: Long Termer Update – Leisure Wheels
Ford’s tech offering is generous. A 12.3‑inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster dominate the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and multiple USB ports come standard too. Soft‑touch materials, leather‑look upholstery and tasteful accents keep the cabin consistent with the sophistication promised by the premium exterior.
The safety kit is comprehensive. Six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and hill‑launch assist are standard. The Titanium model we drove adds driver‑assist tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The reverse-camera always serves as a useful assistant in town, especially the quality of the Territory’s one.
Powertrain & Performance
Ford’s 1.8‑litre EcoBoost turbocharged four‑cylinder engine powers all Territory models, producing 138 kW at 5,200 rpm and 318 Nm and drives the front wheels through a 7‑speed automatic transmission. An official fuel‑economy rating of 7.0 l/100 km on the combined cycle is optimistic; Ford’s own brochure claims 7 l/100 km, and independent tests have averaged closer to 8.8–9.3 l/100 km. Our week’s driving mirrored those real‑world figures, as we returned a consumption of 9.5 l/100km. That’s not exceptional, and perhaps one of the only drawbacks in an otherwise comprehensive package.
The dual‑clutch gearbox is generally smooth but occasionally feels hesitant at low speeds – a common trait in many Chinese‑built SUVs. My biggest frustration was the throttle and brake calibration (initial pedal response is numb, then suddenly grabs), and it’s an irritation I still haven’t quite overcome. Perhaps it was an overreaction, because while Ali noticed it too, she adapted quickly and was driving smoothly within a few short trips. Ford has tuned the Territory for comfort, and the suspension is generally comfortable and composed. Steering is light, which speaks to the previously mentioned point of manoeuvrability.
Related: Ford Everest Sport 4×4: Long Termer Final Update – Leisure Wheels
While the Territory takes a while to get up to speed, the 1.8‑litre engine pulls strongly at highway speeds. There are four selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport and Mountain), and we found Sport mode perked up throttle response, but Eco had a generally more positive effect on throttle and braking response.
Everyday Driving & My Partner’s Verdict
Our test involved a mix of Cape Town’s congested CBD, the hilly roads of Gardens and the highway through to the southern suburbs. The high driving position and large mirrors give confidence to the driver, and the vehicle is light and easy to navigate through traffic. From Ali’s perspective, the Territory nails the brief. She felt safe and seen thanks to the vehicle’s build, and well-served by the tech and space offering inside.
Where I remained annoyed with the throttle and brake calibration, she found it easy to live with after a few days and remarked a number of times on the positive overall driving experience.
Ford’s return to the mid‑size SUV market with the Territory is significant, and the model offers a compelling mix of space, technology and style. The 1.8‑litre EcoBoost delivers strong performance and the interior punches above its price class.
Price and warranty
The Ford Territory Trend is priced from R650,000 in South Africa, positioning it as the mid-tier offering in the Territory range. Buyers are backed by a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, a 4-year/60,000 km service plan, and 4 years of roadside assistance, providing strong aftersales support. Routine services are required every 15,000 km or once a year, helping owners manage long-term maintenance with ease.
