Slated for arrival in the coming weeks, Ford’s Territory is taking up a critical position in the Blue Oval’s lineup. Below is a list of key takeaways that should help clarify its position in its own lineup as well as the mid-size SUV battleground.
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With gaps in Ford’s passenger vehicle lineup resulting from the discontinuation of several key models, both the Puma and Territory will serve in an ever-hotly contested battleground. Despite being priced within reach of each other depending on trim level, there are key differences between the entry-level SUV and the Territory that slots above it.
To reiterate, the Puma was the solution to fill the gap between the Everest and the discontinued EcoSport, but there was still room for a more family-oriented lifestyle vehicle which the Territory is promised to fulfil. In terms of size, the SUV comes in larger than its Puma counterpart thanks to a gain of 423 mm in length, 130 mm in width, and 169 mm in height. This overall dimension also places it with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Cherry Tiggo Pro 7 sure in its sights. The Territory’s boot space of 448 litres, or 1 422 litres with the seats down also dwarfs the Puma’s.
Related: Ford Territory – Pricing and Spec
When it comes to driving, both on and off the beaten path, Ford assures that the front-wheel drive model is equipped to tackle dirt and rutted roads with ease. This is courtesy of 26 mm more ground clearance than the Puma and an assortment of driving modes with the new Mountain setting which can maximise traction. Hill Ascent- and Hill Descent Control further add to its off-road capability.
Ford’s passenger cars and small crossovers have been underpinned by Ford’s venerable 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine for more than a decade however, to fill the Territory’s bigger boots, a new 1.8-litre engine has been introduced as the sole drivetrain. The four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol motor delivers a total of 138 kW and 318 N.m to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Related: Review: Ford Territory 1.8 EcoBoost
On the inside, the Territory boasts Ford’s latest tech, with all models equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen featuring smartphone integration on the infotainment screen. The Titanium model includes another 12-inch digital instrument cluster for greater customisation for driving data and displays.
