As solid and weighty as a petrol-driven SUV should be, the Territory handles holiday road trips and school runs equally well. The stock version of Ford's SUV is within reach of more drivers but if you're fond of your in-cabin accoutrements, the Titanium is the one you should unlimber your wallet for.
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Design
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Performance
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Infotainment
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Features
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Value
You needn’t go full-bore into the Ford Territory Titanium. If it’s just the drive-train you’re after, you can opt for the Ambiente trim and lop about R130k off the asking price (before options). Stuff had the fully loaded R725,500 Titanium on test, and this is the one to own if you’re more about the in-car tech. Either way, you’ll find yourself in an excellent family car, with loads of space for siblings to do battle in the rear while you threaten to turn this car around.
Which is no hardship because the Ford Territory Titanium is as fun to drive as any Ford. Despite its SUV size, it’s weirdly nimble – like a Sumo wrestler that also does ballet. To continue the comparison, it’s also not a sprinter. It’ll handle the highway comfortably, but if you’re hoping for some instant robot-to-robot action, pick something that weighs less than 1.6 tons.
The Ford Territory is a bruiser of a cruiser, at its best when you’re at the speed limit and looking down on surrounding traffic from your elevated and comfy position. A neat collection of in-cabin tech and a delightful sunroof mean it almost drives itself, leaving you to prod the accelerator and swivel the steering wheel when needed.
Trip to space
The first thing you’ll note when climbing into the Territory’s cabin is the generous amount of space you’ve got. This isn’t reserved for the driver, either. All passengers are similarly looked after. They’re also protected by a six-airbag system, assuming the bulky exterior frame isn’t protection enough
There are slight drawbacks for the driver, however. Ford’s usual layout is a touch off, perhaps a side-effect of this one being manufactured in China. The only niggling touch is the gear selector, a knob on the gear column that we kept confusing with the equally knobby volume control. Time corrects this, however.
Stay inside
Expect loads of tech inside the Territory’s glossy Titanium-trimmed exterior shell. The instrument cluster is a bright 12in screen that shows the usual metric – speed, revs – just as well as old-school analogue might. Even better, the front passenger can play with an oversized 12.3in touchscreen that the driver really should ignore.
Ford includes a rear parking camera in its premium Titanium. It’s not the best we’ve ever seen, and the included sensors are very focused, but you’ll also spend less than a million on one of these. There are plenty of other sensors living under the Territory’s smooth skin, too. With the right stalk settings selected, it’ll swipe at rain and turn on your lights without being told to. There’s also a blind-spot indicator for those incidents.
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Driving assistance is everywhere. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, and collision detection join stalwarts like ABS, stability control, and hill launch assistance, which relieves the driver of a lot of pressure.
The gear column has a wireless charging pad, but it’s not the quickest we’ve encountered. A wired connection is a better choice for top-ups. The rear seats include Isofix fittings for current or prospective parents, making fitting a baby or booster seat into the back a trivial matter.
Star traveller
The Ford Territory doesn’t feel like it’s in a hurry, even when you’re hammering the highway at 20km/h over the speed limit. We reckon that’s a good thing, especially since its ride height and weight can make you feel like a predatory shark weaving around minnows on regular roads. The pace just cinches it.
With the eight-speaker audio system muted, you’ll note nary a whisper from the exterior. There’s a slight engine note that comes through, but it’s felt more than heard. Pop on some tunes or a podcast via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and even that vanishes from perception.
Ford’s figures officially reckon you’ll suck up seven litres per 100km but its own in-car data reported it as more like 10l per 100km. That wasn’t because we were lead-footed, but we also reckon consumption sits somewhere between those two figures. The 60-litre tank costs in excess of R1,300 to fill, but you won’t regret the expense as you whisper neatly up a rough incline with hardly any signs of slowing down.
Ford Territory (2024) Titanium verdict
The only serious drawback here for Ford is that there is a ton of competition in this segment in South Africa. Haval, Jaecoo, and Omoda, all Chinese brands, are just a few of those to sew up this section of the SUV market. Ford’s entry, also made in China, is competitive enough to go toe-to-toe with those brands and others. It’s a solid drive, but you should bear in mind that there are loads of other options looking to grab your attention.
Tech specs
Engine 1.8L GTDi EcoBoost Capacity 1799cc Power 138kW Torque 318Nm Transmission 7-speed automatic Fuel tank 60 litre Fuel economy 7.0l/100km Top speed 190km/h Display 12in cluster, 12.3in touchscreen Connectivity Bluetooth, USB-C, 3x USB-A Features Wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, voice control
