As hybrids grow in popularity, Ford Territory introduces what it calls a Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle – simply meaning it need not be charged – even as it retains the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version. Significant changes include a whole gamut of ADAS features, a more contemporary façade and useful tech.
Sizing up the Ford Territory
While the Ford Escape was withdrawn in many markets just this year, Middle East replaced the model long ago with a 10 cm longer SUV built on a value proposition the world was subscribing to – A Chinese made American SUV. Actually, a Chinese made American SUV designed and engineered in Ford’s studio in Melbourne. Something of a world car then, for the value-conscious SUV lover.
Dimensions: 4630 x 1930 mm
Boot space: 420L (some sources cite 448L)
Kerb weight: 1580 kg
Drawing a parallel, Chevrolet Captiva, which is again a Chinese made American made its appearance as a PHEV this year. This one is 4655 x 1835 mm big with 477 L boot space. However, Ford Territory scores with its powerful engine – a 1.8L turbo engine producing 45 hp more than the Captiva’s 1.5L turbo. Read about the new hybrid version
Compact SUV that is not exactly that!
Technically, Territory is a compact crossover but for SUV fans, there is much to like about this Ford – the high stance to begin with, giving the driver a generous view of the bonnet and the road ahead. Territory has a ground clearance of 190mm but it is a Front Wheel Drive. Still, there is something like a Mountain driving mode, which makes acceleration more useful and controlled while tackling rough terrains.
Looking new for 2026
Ford Territory looks more modern with what I call a metallic, hyphenated grille. The classic honeycomb grille bids goodbye. Besides the new coast to coast Daytime Running Lamps and full LED lights front and back, it is nice to see the yellow turn lights when the wide white smile is wiped. 19” alloy wheels in Titanium trim; Trend gets 18”.
Spacious inside with smart tech
Step in to discover the not-so-compact Ford Territory – especially in the rear legroom that warrants AC vents. The boot space (some say 420L; others say 448L) is ample unless your airport run needs space for more than a large and a midsize suitcase and a couple of duffel bags. As the Territory is a 5-seater, there is 1200L+ space once the rear seat is knocked down. The Chinese car inspired console gets a double deck for storage!
The Ford Territory seats come in Vinyl and leather. In the Titanium, they are ventilated and electrically adjustable (driver seat 10-way and front passenger 4-way). Armrest and dual zone AC come as standard. Even with all these features of comfort, the interiors don’t pretend to be expensive.
Two 12” screens for touchscreen and driver information cluster adorn the Titanium dash while the Trend gets 7” screen for driver info. The way the central screen is fixed, the driver might need to reach out a bit.
Titanium: Wireless charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Arkamys 3D system with 8 speakers, Powered tailgate, Panoramic Moonroof
SAFETY BUNDLE in Titanium: 6 airbags, 360º camera, Ford 360 Pilot (Adaptive Cruise Control to Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking)
STANDARD in Trend: 4 airbags, Rear parking sensors and camera, BLIS, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, TPMS
The drive
For those who would like to chill with an ICE model, Ford Territory offers a 1.8L Ecoboost with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission good for 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque. While my last outing yielded a meagre 8.5 kmpl, this time the dashboard showed 11 kmpl. Not bad, but still way below the 15.6 km they claim! That must be why Ford is bringing us a hybrid with 241 hp of combined output and the promise of 23.2 kmpl (I clocked over 18 kmpl) – read the review of the Ford Territory Hybrid 2026 now.
The China-made Ford adopts a light and easygoing style of driving which most people seem to like nowadays – what enthusiasts would have once called ‘wishy washy’ with not much regard for sharp steering!
The essential Ford Territory ICE 2026
Territory offers the perfect choice for people who value practicality, useful power, high stance and clever space management. Moreover, this year they offer the pleasure of staying on the ICE side or moving one step closer to the electric with a hybrid that doesn’t need to get charged. The difference in price is only AED 12,000 for the Titanium trim (AED 122,000 and 134,000 for ICE and Hybrid respectively); so if fuel economy matters in the slightest, simply crossover to the hybrid territory.
The price (approx): Trend – AED 115,000 Titanium – AED 121,800
