My time with the Ford Territory Dark Edition has come to an end, culminating in a year of living with the SUV in two different variants. Over that time, I've driven the Territory Dark Edition just shy of 3,000kms.
For this review, I won't rehash what I went over in my previous reviews, but rather point out my final observations and experience with the Ford Territory Dark Edition.
First things first, it's fitting to address the fuel consumption figure in light of the fuel price madness that's currently taking place. I've paid attention to Territory's Dark Edition's thirst levels in various settings and found that it can be frugal, but only when the conditions are right. These conditions are on freeways at cruising speed in its Eco mode. I also disappointingly found out that the Territory Dark Edition can be quite heavy on fuel, and this is in urban settings with a lot of stopping and going. I did previously mention that some sort of hybrid tech in the future Territory model would be ideal.
With fuel out of the way, I'll briefly mention that the Ford Territory is not the cheapest in its segment, nor is it the flashiest. However, it makes up for it beyond the numbers, as mentioned in my penultimate review. It's a reliable, easy-to-live-with, and practical SUV. It's straight to the point and is honestly a great family SUV in its segment, based on that alone.
The winning USP with the Ford Territory Dark Edition is, of course, space. I'll leave it at that. If you are in the market for something that will provide your family with small kids ample space, the Ford Territory is hard to look past.
Driving it daily, the 1.8-litre EcoBoost engine paired with the seven-speed automatic does the job without feeling out of place. The 318Nm of torque comes in early, which helps in town driving, and on the open road, it settles comfortably. There were times when I desired more power, especially on inclines. But I got through without
Ride quality is another area where the Territory Dark Edition performed reasonably well. The MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension setup gives it a balanced feel. It handles rougher roads well enough and remains composed at speed, which adds to that easy-to-live-with nature.
Where the Dark Edition separates itself is mostly in the details. Visually, the black roof, satin black grille, and 19-inch ebony alloy wheels give it a more cohesive and slightly more premium look compared to the standard model. It’s not overdone, but it does enough to make the car stand out a bit more on the road.
Inside, the changes are just as subtle. The leather seats with orange stitching add a bit of character to what is otherwise a straightforward interior, and the overall layout remains practical. The twin-screen setup continues to do its job without fuss, and features like wireless charging and multiple USB ports make daily use easier.
The addition of the 360-degree camera is one of the more notable updates on paper. In practice, though, it falls into the category of a nice-to-have feature. It works well in tighter parking situations, but it’s not something you find yourself relying on all the time. The standard sensors and overall visibility already do a good job.
I'll give my final verdict. The Ford Territory doesn't win on paper; it's up against formidable opponents, it's under a brand berated for not being as reliable as others, but its strong points make it a compelling car to live with, and that's the key difference. The Ford Territory will be missed.
Pros:
- Spacious, practical cabin
- Comfortable ride and easy daily usability
- Strong torque for everyday driving
Cons:
- Fuel consumption can climb in urban settings
- 360-degree camera useful but not essential
- Infotainment system not the best Ford has to offer
