Ford Territory Trend (2024) Review

The Ford Territory Trend is now part of our long-term fleet, and after a few weeks of driving, here’s a comprehensive look at what this SUV has to offer.

Styling and Design:
The Territory’s exterior is classic Ford, with a functional and broad appeal rather than eye-catching design. It’s designed to cater to a wide audience, emphasizing practicality over flair. Its design, while conservative, aligns with safety regulations and is intended to meet utilitarian needs effectively.

Interior and Space:
Inside, the Territory offers a well-constructed interior with good material quality. It deviates from the familiar Ford Sync infotainment systems found in other models due to its origins from Ford’s Chinese division. Instead, it features a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system similar to those in the Changan-built Ford models. The SUV is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a reasonably sharp screen.

The Territory excels in practicality with a spacious cabin. It boasts impressive rear seat space and a 448-litre boot, expandable to 1,422 litres with the rear seats folded. This allows it to comfortably accommodate larger items, like a medium-sized mountain bike, without needing to remove the front wheel.

Drivetrain and Performance:
Under the hood, the Territory is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine producing 138kW and 318Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the drivetrain offers strong performance, there are some issues with the Start/Stop system and gearbox calibration that can cause occasional driving discomfort, especially at low speeds. However, the Territory shines in mid-to-high-speed cruising, providing a comfortable and refined ride, ideal for long commutes.

Fuel Economy:
The Territory’s claimed fuel consumption is 7.0 L/100km, but real-world figures are around 8.2 L/100km. This is slightly higher but still reasonable for its class, and we expect it to stabilize as we continue to drive.

Safety:
The Trend model comes with a comprehensive safety package, ensuring a secure driving experience. For detailed safety features, check out our dedicated safety review.

Pricing and Rivals:
The Territory Trend is priced at R632 600, with an additional R14 000 for a 6-year/90 000km service plan. It competes in a crowded SUV market, alongside models such as:
– Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 1.6TGDI AWD at R609 900
– Hyundai Grand Creta 1.5D Elite at R644 500
– Jaecoo J7 1.6T Inferno AWD at R679 900

Conclusion:
One month in, the Ford Territory Trend is proving to be a capable and comfortable SUV. While it has its quirks, particularly with its drivetrain and infotainment system, it delivers solid performance and practicality. We look forward to further testing and updates as we continue to explore its long-term value.