🚙 The all new 2025 Ford Territory: A Stylish, Comfortable, and Surprisingly Fun SUV

This past week, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the all-new 2025 Ford Territory, and I wanted to share my honest thoughts and experiences with you. As someone who’s always excite

First Impressions: A Head-Turner in Black

Right from the start, the Territory’s Panther Black exterior caught my eye. It’s a deep, glossy black that gives the SUV a sophisticated and somewhat stealthy look. The blacked-out 19-inch alloy rims perfectly complement the body color, adding a sporty and premium vibe that elevates the overall design. I was driving a model with the ‘Dark Edition’ trim, which features a black grille and subtle black accents that really make it stand out on the road without being too flashy.

Whether parked or cruising, the Territory commands attention without screaming for it, which I personally appreciate. It’s the kind of car that looks just as good in a business district as it does on a weekend road trip.

Lighting That Shines Bright

One of the first things I noticed when driving at night was the Territory’s full LED lighting package. The headlights are impressively bright and crisp, illuminating the road ahead with clarity. This made night driving feel safer and less tiring on my eyes, especially on longer stretches.

I also really liked the “Follow-Me-Home” feature, which keeps the headlights on for a short while after you lock the car, lighting your path to the door. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that adds convenience and a bit of luxury feel. The LED daytime running lights also give the front end a modern and distinctive look during the day.

Step Inside: Navy Leather and Comfort

Opening the door, I was greeted by a navy-themed leather interior that felt surprisingly upscale for the segment. The leather seats were plush and supportive, making long drives comfortable and enjoyable. The navy color adds a unique touch of elegance and sophistication, setting it apart from the typical black or grey interiors you see in most SUVs.

The cabin is spacious, with plenty of legroom both in the front and rear seats. I found the rear seats especially accommodating for passengers, with good headroom and a comfortable seating position. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats make it easy to expand cargo space when needed, which is great for weekend getaways or hauling larger items.

The dashboard and center console feature tasteful piano-black trim with subtle wood accents, which add to the premium feel without being over the top. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin sets a relaxing mood during evening drives, which I appreciated after a long day.

Technology That Keeps You Connected

The 2025 Territory doesn’t skimp on tech. The centerpiece is a sharp 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s responsive and easy to navigate. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so connecting my phone was seamless. Wireless charging was a nice convenience, and the premium sound system delivered clear, rich audio that made every playlist sound great.

The digital gauge cluster was another highlight, providing clear and customizable information right in front of me. GPS navigation worked smoothly, and I found the system intuitive to use even while driving. Rear air vents and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin ensured everyone stayed comfortable and connected.

On the Road: Smooth, Efficient, and Comfortable

Under the hood, the Territory is powered by a 1.8L turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers a lively 140kw and 320 Nm of torque. Paired with a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission, it handled city traffic and highway cruising with ease.

Acceleration felt responsive without being aggressive, which is perfect for an SUV aimed at families and daily drivers. The fuel efficiency impressed me too, averaging around 6.3L/100km (about 15.9 km/l) during my mixed driving, which is quite economical for this class.

Ride quality was comfortable and composed. The suspension soaked up bumps and rough patches without transferring harshness into the cabin, making for a pleasant driving experience even on less-than-perfect roads. Steering was precise and gave me confidence when navigating tight corners or parking.

Driver Assistance: Helpful but Room for Improvement

The Territory comes equipped with some neat driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. I found these systems to be genuinely helpful, especially during stop-and-go traffic or on long highway stretches.

That said, I did notice the lane-keeping system sometimes felt a bit overzealous, nudging the steering wheel more aggressively than I expected. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it did take some getting used to. The adaptive cruise control was convenient but occasionally a little jerky in how it adjusted speed, especially in heavy traffic.

Overall, these features add a valuable layer of safety and convenience, but I’d love to see Ford refine them further in future updates for a smoother, more natural feel.

Safety and Peace of Mind

Speaking of safety, the Territory is well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of features. These include Blind Spot Information, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Hill-Start Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

Driving with these aids gave me added confidence, especially in busy urban environments or tight parking situations. It’s clear Ford has prioritized safety without overwhelming the driver with too many alerts or warnings.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Ford Territory starts at around R432,836.37 and goes up to about R526,860.75 depending on trim and options. For what you get-stylish design, comfortable and spacious interior, solid tech, and a strong safety package-I think it offers excellent value in the competitive family SUV segment.

Final Thoughts: A Week I Really Enjoyed

After spending a full week with the 2025 Ford Territory, I can say it’s a car I genuinely enjoyed driving. The combination of the sleek black exterior, navy leather interior, and thoughtful features made it a joy to own for a short time.

While the driver-assist tech could use a bit more polish, it’s still a really cool and useful addition that enhances safety and convenience. The LED lighting, comfortable ride, and efficient engine all add up to a well-rounded package that’s perfect for families, commuters, or anyone looking for a stylish and practical SUV.

If you’re in the market for a new SUV that balances comfort, style, and technology without breaking the bank, the 2025 Ford Territory definitely deserves a spot on your test drive list.

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back next week with another in-depth look at a new press car. Stay tuned!

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