Ford Territory Titanium RWD petrol 2015 Review

Priced at $48,490 (plus on-road costs), the new Ford Territory Titanium (rear wheel-drive) is the most affordable top-shelf model in the Territory range, and more than $5000 less than it used to be, slotting in underneath the diesel ($51,740) and AWD diesel ($56,740) versions.

It's not a quantum leap forward compared to its predecessor, and certainly hasn't had the visual updates that were lavished on the FG X Falcon, but it remains a solid family hauler with the practicality of seven seats should the need arise.

Changes to the new model, designated SZ II, are minor at best, with subtle exterior changes including a new front fascia, including grille, fog light nacelles and skid plate motif. New 18-inch alloy wheel designs add a little more sparkle too.

The interior benefits from the only significant update however, the SYNC2 infotainment system, controlled via an eight-inch high-res colour touchscreen.

This might not sound like much of an upgrade but it adds a great deal of useful technology to the Territory, including a digital radio tuner (DAB+) and voice controls for sat-nav, radio and even climate control; best of all, the voice recognition works most of the time, able to understand even my slurring, garbled yowling.

Simplified voice commands work well. Utter "warmer" and the heater temp will be increased. Say "find a car park" and the system will find the nearest car park. My favourite was "I'm hungry". Sadly, "I'm itchy" doesn't result in a logical response…

The SYNC2 system features an intuitive interface, where the touchscreen is split into four coloured quarters: climate, entertainment, phone and navigation. You just tap the quarter you want, at any time, and you're there. Easy.

Two USB ports, an SD card slot and they regular auxiliary port are good additions, and the ability to make the car a Wi-Fi hot spot is handy for passengers without roaming data, such as iPod touch users.

The sat-nav is also a huge improvement on the previous system, with improved visuals, smooth scrolling and split screen details making complex directions easier to digest.

All Territory models now get things like front and rear parking sensors in addition to a reversing camera, which is always welcome as it adds extra 'eyes' when reverse and parallel parking. The Emergency Assistance system is also standard on all models, which provides vehicle location and can call emergency services if it registers a serious crash.

The updated technology makes behind-the-wheel experiences more pleasant and ensures that daily driving duties are that much easier. But the most remarkable quality of the Territory is still its progressive dynamics.

Simply put, the bits that connect the wheels to the car's body – springs, dampers, metal linkage arms, probably even a few choice bolts – have been so expertly torqued and tuned that the car rarely feels like a 2041kg heifer. It tracks through corners with a confidence not usually felt in an almost 4.9-metre long, seven-seat family hauler, and although there's body roll through corners, the connection the driver feels with the road is distinct.

This locally-developed SUV's dynamics are still without par in the segment, testament to the skill and understanding of Ford Australia's spanner men and women. To make a large SUV so easy (and enjoyable) to drive is no mean feat.

More importantly for a lot of family buyers, ride comfort in the Territory is very good.

The way Terri glides over imperfect roads, whether in the 'burbs or out in the country, is notable, keeping passengers isolated from all but the worst pot holes and bitumen fractures. No bangs and thumps are felt, just a clam, cruisey ride.

It's also not too shabby in the 'burbs, its light, direct steering giving it a good deal of manoeuvrability for parking and navigating tight situations. An 11.4-metre turning circle on this rear-drive model is commendable, also making U-turns less stressful. A reversing camera and parking sensors conspire with the direct steering to make the SUV far more car-like than it has any right to be – a welcome trait.

It's a quiet and comfortable SUV too, the large, welcoming front and middle row seats providing good support for journeys long and short. There's loads of space in the Territory too, and five adults is not impossible. The third row seats are cramped and not as easy as competitors' to fold, and the curtain airbags don’t cover them. But as occasional seats with seatbelts and cup holders they do they do the job.

With the third row seats folded flat the Territory offers a handy 1153 litres of boot space, more than enough for loads of sports gear, beach equipment, a massive grocery shop or a dozen bags of potting mix. There's also a plethora of incidental storage cubbies, with places for phone, wallets, purses, toys, books, food, drink, you name it.

Longer journeys are not as effortless as in the diesel Territory, which can cover up to 1000km on a single tank, because the 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol is a thirsty donk… But it's beautifully sonorous when on song.

In its defence the engine motivates the Territory's two-plus-tonne mass very effectively, providing ample acceleration across the speed spectrum. On one occasion I gave it a bit too much gas from the lights and the rear wheels squealed in protest. It was accidental, your honour!

The creamy smooth straight-six power deliver is aided by a capable six-speed automatic ZF transmission that smoothly and swiftly takes shifts gears. Rarely was it necessary to override the transmission's gear choices, but it's handy to have the option should the situation warrant it.

Speaking of warrants, the three-year / 100,000km warranty that covers the Ford Territory is par for the course, but certainly not class-leading, where Hyundai's Santa Fe offers five-years, unlimited kilometres. Ford does offer an extended warranty, to six-years and 200,000km, but you have to pay extra for it.

The capped-price servicing regime lasts seven years or 135,000km, whichever comes first, which is good but again not class-leading, with some brands offering capped-price servicing for the life of the vehicle.

In summation, the Territory may be getting old but it's still one of the most apt seven-seat large SUVs for the Australian continent, and the price cuts are added bonus. It's a shame the Territory will never have an Aussie-developed successor beyond 2016, when it'll likely be replaced by a US-sourced replacement.