New Ford Territory redefines form and function

Ford South Africa announced the arrival of the New 2026 Ford Territory, building on the already established success of the popular model in the South African market.

The New Ford Territory combines effortless power, smart technology and uncompromised practicality into one trendy and chic package, with a badge that South Africans know and trust. Developed with ‘real-world family use’ in mind, it delivers capability and efficiency without forcing customers to make trade-offs, reinforcing its role as a versatile SUV designed for everyday life. “Territory has always been about empowering, dynamic families to get the most out of every day,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Director of Product Marketing, Ford South Africa. “With the New Territory, comfort and smart technology come to the fore. It’s everything our customers have asked for, and more.”

Confident Design Language with Modern Presence - The New Territory introduces a more confident and mature design aligned with Ford’s latest SUV design language.

It boasts a muscular and imposing silhouette with sculpted lines that balance rugged appeal with everyday elegance. The front fascia has been redesigned with a more chiselled hood, amplifying its geometric appearance and elevating the hood profile. In tandem with the more muscular front fenders, the design yields a stronger visual impression. The front grille visually emphasises the Territory’s width and combined with the precise detailing, the new Territory radically shifts into a more modern, premium expression.

Coupled with the trapezoidal bumper, which provides a sense of protection, the front end conveys an assertive appeal. The iconic L-shaped “Laser” headlights, a signature element of Ford vehicles, feature clean yet distinctive lines that create a rich layered effect. Paired with the latest 15mm ultra-compact LED lens module, which integrates high and low beams, the headlights illuminate the road with confidence and exclusive exterior paint options called Cactus Grey and Oasis Green, on all variants, further enhance its premium appeal. “For the New Territory, we wanted to give it a more expressive front end,” added Sewmohan. “The new LED lighting gives the vehicle real personality and presence on the road.”

A Spacious, Comfortable Cabin for Families - Inside, the New Territory continues to prioritise space, comfort and refinement, creating a calm and welcoming environment for families.

The cabin remains generously proportioned, offering class-leading shoulder room for front occupants, ample rear knee room and a flat rear floor that delivers comfort for all passengers. Updated seats with wider, more supportive headrests improve long-distance comfort, while thoughtful features such as fast-charging USB and USB-C ports, rear air vents and an available panoramic sunroof enhance everyday usability. Another highlight is the generous 448-litre boot that expands to 1,422 litres with the rear seats folded down. “Customer comfort is incredibly important to Ford,” said Sewmohan. “That’s why we’ve examined everything from seating to refinement, enhancing key details to help our customers feel relaxed and confident wherever their journey leads.”

Proven Performance with Everyday Versatility - Powering the Territory line-up is Ford’s proven 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. Producing 138 kW of power and 318 Nm of torque, the engine features Auto Start-Stop technology to help reduce fuel consumption in everyday driving. The engine is paired with an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers smooth, responsive performance without compromising efficiency; whether navigating daily commutes or heading out on longer family journeys. Gear selection is handled via a rotary e-Shifter on the centre console, complemented by an electronic parking brake.

Four selectable drive modes allow drivers to tailor the Territory’s performance to different conditions. Normal mode offers a balanced setup for everyday use, Eco mode prioritises fuel efficiency on the highway, Sport mode sharpens throttle response and steering for a more engaging drive, while Mountain mode optimises control on uneven surfaces such as gravel, sand or muddy terrain. On longer journeys, adaptive cruise control helps reduce driver fatigue by automatically maintaining a safe following distance.

Smart Technology That Simplifies Everyday Driving - Technology plays a central role in the Territory’s form and function. The cabin is anchored by a redesigned dual 12.3-inch infotainment display that offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility enables seamless smartphone integration, while a dedicated climate-control bar remains permanently visible on screen for quick and easy access.

The Arkamys™ 3D Audio software further enhances the in-car experience, delivering immersive sound quality for all occupants. For the first time, the Territory is offered with Ford App connectivity, allowing owners to remotely lock and unlock their vehicle, schedule remote start times, monitor vehicle status and receive vehicle health alerts from their smartphone.

Advanced Safety For Added Peace Of Mind - Safety remains a key focus, with the New Territory featuring an expanded suite of advanced driver-assist technologies designed to support driver confidence.

These include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Centreing Control, which helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane under certain driving conditions. “We want our customers to feel safe and confident every time they get behind the wheel,” concluded Sewmohan. “That’s why the new Territory is equipped with advanced driver-assist technologies designed to help protect them and their loved ones.”

With the arrival of the New Territory, Ford South Africa continues to strengthen its SUV offering, delivering vehicles that combine modern design, intelligent technology and everyday practicality to meet the evolving needs of South African families.

Ford Family Promise - The Ford Family Promise ensures that customers are treated like family, benefitting from Ford’s national dealer network across South Africa, along with flexible finance through Ford Credit and comprehensive insurance.

As with all new Ford vehicles, the Territory comes with a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Customers have the option of purchasing Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years. T&Cs apply. Further to this, the customer gets a 2-year/unlimited distance on Accessories and other parts bought and over the counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW).

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