Ford Territory 2014 Review

The Territory sat middle of the road in its accommodation, and yet it offered the worst third-row comfort on test. The small, flat seats provided compromised legroom – although head and shoulder room was reasonable – and could not compete with the likes of the cavernous Holden Colorado 7 or plush Mazda CX-9. The third row of seating is also a bench arrangement (so it’s all or nothing), whereas many of its competitors offer a split third row, which ups the versatility and appeal of the seven-seat format.

While the Territory fell short on its seven-seat capability – with rearward vision and overall packaging resulting in the lowest score in this criteria – there’s much to be said for its practical personality and ease of use. The interior was well equipped for in-cabin storage across all seating positions. It was also the only vehicle on test to feature a split tailgate.

With seven-seat configuration in play, the Territory offered 200 litres of load space.

Excellent paint quality was marred slightly by slight mismatching where plastic bumpers met metal body panels, and by some skimpy spray work under the bonnet.

The engine bay was clean and workmanlike, if not as finely detailed as the best of the rest, although the gas strut to support the bonnet was appreciated.

Body panel gaps tended to be wide but consistent, and the double door seals differed from the rest by being attached to the doors only, rather than on the jambs as well. No big deal functionally.

Inside, the Territory offered reasonable quality and tactility, but the dash featured hard-touch plastic, the glove box lid fitted badly and, although the seats were big and comfortable, the upholstery fabric proved difficult to clean. Bland colour matching detracted from perceived quality too.

The cooperative six-speed transmission reacts quickly to input and is clean of shift, but perhaps not as keen to hold lower gears when travelling downhill.

The Territory also provided the best ride/handling compromise of any in this company, and was the most at home on rough roads. Handling is both predictable and secure.

With steering that is weighted appropriately to road speed and a firmer but consistent braking action the Territory proved quite communicative, though at times the vehicle did feel heavy underfoot, even if it is the second-lightest vehicle on test.

Value for money The locally-built Ford Territory is a perennial family favourite and, along with the Nissan Pathfinder, is priced from $39,990 in entry form to make it the second-cheapest SUV on test behind the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Territory range tops out at $62,740 with the Territory TS rear-wheel drive variant as tested priced at $46,990 (plus on-road costs). Metallic paint is charged at an additional $385.

All Territory variants are offered with an industry-standard three-year/100,000km warranty, 12 months of included roadside assistance, and a six-year/105,000km capped-price servicing plan. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with the first service charged at $280.

According to redbook.com.au the Territory holds 34 per cent of its new price after five years.

However, many of the dashboard’s hard buttons are small and difficult to decipher, while the trip computer controls either side of the instrument display are just plain confusing. Also on the debit side, the Territory offers the usual steering wheel controls for numerous functions including cruise control, sound system and Bluetooth, but they aren't illuminated at night.

However, the halogen headlights are fantastic and connecting your mobile phone to Bluetooth is about as easy as it gets. The single-CD audio system is okay, as is the wiper-washer system, and the climate control copes well with blistering Australian heat, even when the temperature soars above 40 degrees. Adjustable vents are provided for front and middle-row passengers only.

Price: $39,990 – $62,740 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.0-litre
six-cylinder petrol
Output: 195kW/391Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
automatic
Fuel: 10.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 249g/km (ADR Combined)

Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP