Ford has long been known for its lineup of sedans and hatchbacks, but with changing consumer preferences, the Blue Oval brand has shifted its focus towards SUVs and pickups. In the UAE, Ford's lineup is primarily composed of SUVs and trucks, with the Taurus and Mustang being the only exceptions. The latest addition to Ford's SUV range is the all-new Ford Territory, which should not be confused with the previous model of the same name that was built and sold by Ford Australia from 2004 to 2016. Unlike its defunct Australian namesake, the new Territory is manufactured in China and features a front-wheel-drive platform.
The Ford Territory fills the gap left by the discontinued Escape, and its mid-sized dimensions and competitive pricing (starting at Dh111k) position it against popular rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, and a growing number of Chinese SUVs. While some may have reservations about Chinese-built cars, the Territory impresses with its solid build quality and meticulous fit and finish. Ford Middle East ensured the vehicle's durability and performance in extreme climate conditions by conducting exhaustive heat and durability tests in the local market.
Visually, the Territory boasts a generic and unassuming design that could easily blend in with offerings from other manufacturers. However, this could be a selling point for many buyers who prefer a design that doesn't stand out too much.
Under the hood, the Ford Territory is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo EcoBoost engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite the engine's modest size for an SUV of this class, the 190hp and 320Nm of torque provide decent acceleration, complemented by the smooth-shifting dual-clutch gearbox.
The Territory's suspension calibration is where it truly shines. Contrary to expectations of soggy handling, the SUV surprises with crisp and responsive steering, maintaining commendable stability even when pushed through corners at higher speeds. This agility doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort and refinement, as the all-independent suspension efficiently absorbs road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride.
Inside the cabin, the Ford Territory offers three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend, and Titanium. The mid-spec version, which we tested, comes with appealing features such as 18-inch alloys, partial leather trim, front and side airbags, virtual instrument gauges, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, LED headlights and taillights, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The cabin design is inviting, with an attractive layout and soft-touch materials throughout.
Passenger comfort is not an issue, as the driver's seat provides adequate adjustments, and the rear seats offer ample space for passengers to relax. Even taller occupants will find plenty of knee and headroom. The cargo space is also commendable, with 448 litres of capacity (enough for two large suitcases), expandable by folding down the rear seats.
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