2025 Ford Territory: 4 things that stand out

Photos by Kino Elliott

Four Things That Make the Territory Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Ford has clearly put a lot of thought into the Territory, and it shows. Here are four aspects that in my opinion, truly elevate it above the competition.

1. A Master Class in Storage and Interior Practicality: A Place for Everything

In an SUV, storage is paramount, and the Territory excels here. Ford has engineered a vehicle that genuinely understands the need for practicality in everyday life. Below the armrest, there is a cavernous storage bin, easily large enough to swallow a handbag or a small purse. What is more, it can be seamlessly brought down to conceal its contents, adding a touch of discreet security. Then there is the truly colossal compartment located beneath the centre console, cleverly utilising the space below the rotary gear selector. It is an ideal spot for tablets, books, or even a small backpack.

Beyond these larger havens, the Territory boasts an impressive 20 different storage spaces scattered throughout the interior. From cleverly integrated door pockets to discreet cubbies, there’ i a designated spot for practically everything. And when it comes to the boot, the figures speak for themselves: a generous 448 litres with the rear seats upright, expanding to a massive 1,422 litres when they are folded flat. This level of versatility means whether you are ferrying the family for a weekend getaway or tackling a substantial shopping trip, the Territory has you covered.

2. Creature Comforts That Pamper and Elevate the Experience

Stepping into the Territory, especially the Luxury edition, is akin to entering a well-appointed lounge. The twin-panel panoramic moonroof is a true game-changer. Expanding to cover up to 50% of the roof's total area, it bathes the cabin in natural light, creating an incredible sense of openness and freedom. It is not just a window to the sky. It is an immersive experience that significantly enhances the journey.

Adding to the sophisticated ambiance are the interior mood lights, which can be customised to suit your preference, lending a truly premium feel to nighttime driving. And for those moments when your hands are full, the Luxury edition's power tailgate with its foot-swipe activation is an absolute godsend. A quick sweep of your foot under the rear bumper, and the tailgate gracefully ascends – a small touch that makes a huge difference in convenience.

3. Performance That Defies Expectations on Jamaican Terrain

While I confess to a slight, lingering desire for an all-wheel drive option for those particularly adventurous off-road excursions (perhaps a future iteration, Ford?) The 1.8L Turbo EcoBoost engine in the Territory is peppy. Delivering a robust 187 horsepower and a staggering 236lb-ft of torque, it provides more than enough power for spirited driving, merging onto highways, and confident overtaking. What truly impressed me, however, was the torque delivery. It is accessible from low RPMs, meaning that the Territory feels incredibly responsive right off the line. Even with a full complement of passengers and luggage, this SUV effortlessly conquered Jamaica's steepest and most notorious hills, like the challenging gradients of Mount Rosser and the demanding ascent of Spur Tree. It never felt strained, always eager to respond, making light work of inclines that would genuinely challenge many other SUVs in its class.

The brakes, too, deserve a special mention. They are incredibly sharp, progressive, and responsive, instilling immense confidence on the road, particularly when navigating winding roads or needing to stop quickly. I strongly suspect the local dealer might have even fine-tuned them specifically for the unique demands of our terrain – the varied road surfaces, sharp corners, and sudden stops often required in Jamaica. If so, it is a thoughtful and highly effective touch. Furthermore, the turning radius is remarkably impressive for an SUV of this size. I found myself executing U-turns and manoeuvring into surprisingly tight parking spots with an ease that belies its exterior dimensions.

4. The Quintessential All-Rounder: From City Commutes to Country Escapes

Perhaps the Territory's greatest strength lies in its remarkable versatility. This is an SUV that genuinely excels as both a round-town daily driver and a comfortable, capable companion for out-of-town adventures. Its compact dimensions make navigating city traffic and parking a breeze while the refined ride quality and spacious interior ensure that long journeys are undertaken in absolute comfort. The absence of a transmission tunnel in the rear greatly enhances comfort for those seated in the back, a thoughtful design choice.

The 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12-inch digital instrument cluster are standard across both trims, providing a modern and intuitive interface. Multiple USB ports ensure that all your devices stay charged while the wireless charging pad adds another layer of convenience. Both the Trend and Titanium models feature LED headlamps and rear tail-lamps, automatic headlamps, and tyre pressure sensors, demonstrating Ford's commitment to safety and modern features across the range. The Trend offers a solid 6-speaker sound system while the Titanium Plus elevates the auditory experience with an upgraded 8-speaker system.

What else?

Both trims come with a five-year/150km manufacturer’s warranty, providing extensive coverage and long-term assurance. Additionally, a Manufacturer’s three-Year/64,000km Comprehensive Service Plan is included, significantly reducing the initial running costs and providing invaluable peace of mind. Standard features across both include the potent 1.8L Turbo EcoBoost engine, a smooth 7-speed FWD automatic transmission, power tailgate, convenient push-button start, remote start functionality, an electric park brake with auto hold, and the slick, space-saving rotary gear shifter.

The Titanium trim further elevates the experience with additional luxuries and advanced safety features such as the aforementioned Panoramic VistaRoof®, forward- collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lanekeeping aid (features that provide an extra layer of security), adaptive speed control and cruise control for effortless highway driving, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-fold side mirrors, dual-zone automatic temperature control for personalised comfort, power 10-way driver and four-way passenger seats for ultimate adjustability, striking 19-inch alloy wheels, and ambient LED interior lights complementing the stylish two-toned leather seats.

The 2025 Ford Territory is a well-rounded, highly capable, and genuinely impressive SUV that truly stands out in what has become an incredibly competitive segment. Its intelligent design, expansive and practical storage solutions, thoughtful creature comforts, surprising performance capabilities, and undeniable versatility make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new vehicle in Jamaica. Ford has clearly listened to what consumers want, and the Territory delivers in spades. If you are seeking a practical, comfortable, technologically advanced, and engaging SUV that can handle everything from bustling urban commutes to challenging rural terrain with commendable ease, the 2025 Ford Territory deserves a very, very close look. It is a vehicle that punches above its weight and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Specifications:

Cost: Trend $6.9m, Titanium $7.9m

Engine: 1.8L Turbo EcoBoost

Power: 187 HP

Torque: 236lb-ft

Transmission: 7-speed Automatic

Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

Fuel tank: 60L

Gas consumption: 8km/L

Body Type: Compact SUV

Competition: Nissan XTrail, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 876-923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com