Ford Territory (Australia)
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | April 2004 |
| Defunct | October 2016 |
| Headquarters | Broadmeadows , Australia |
| Products | Mid-size crossover SUV |
The Ford Territory is a mid-size crossover SUV that Ford Australia produced from April 2004 until October 2016, with total output reaching 178,214 units. It holds the distinction of being the sole SUV manufactured domestically in Australia and represented Ford’s inaugural large three-row crossover. The model garnered several automotive accolades, notably winning the esteemed Wheels Car of the Year award in 2004, praised for its driving dynamics and suitability for families.
Development of the Territory entailed an investment close to A$500 million over a four-year period. Australian toolmakers played a key role in achieving cost efficiencies, resulting in production expenses lower than those of Detroit-based rivals, though still exceeding costs associated with Japanese imports. The Territory was also pioneering as the first Australian-made vehicle equipped with electronic stability control.
Initially, the Territory utilized the EA169 platform derived from the AU Falcon. Later iterations, including the SZ and SZ II models, transitioned to the E8 platform based on the FG Falcon, reflecting continuous platform enhancements throughout its production span.
Design
The Australian market offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. AWD variants included an optional anti-lock braking system designed to improve control on descents.
Conceived as an SUV, the Territory was available with seating configurations for five passengers (two rows) or seven passengers (three rows), targeting families with larger seating needs. Its seats were arranged in a "theatre style," where each subsequent row was elevated above the previous one. The middle and rear seats could fold completely flat into the floor to expand cargo capacity.
Ford launched the Territory alongside the Falcon wagon on a shared production line at the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant. Ford Australia's leadership anticipated that fleet buyers would shift from the Falcon wagon to the Territory; however, while fleet sales of the Falcon wagon persisted, the Territory primarily attracted family buyers. Production of the Falcon station wagon ceased in September 2010. Due to higher fuel consumption and increased weight, the Territory did not serve as a direct replacement.
Ford R7 concept
The Ford R7 was a concept SUV developed by Ford Australia under Geoff Polites and unveiled at the 2002 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne. Its favorable reception expedited development into the production Ford Territory two years later, previewing new front-end styling inspired by the Ford Falcon (BA) series.
Model range
From 2004 through 2016, five series of the Territory—SX, SY, SYII, SZ, and SZ II—were built on a consistent chassis architecture. The introduction of the FG series Falcon brought significant redesigns, including adding a turbodiesel engine option to address fuel efficiency concerns associated with six-cylinder petrol engines.
SX:
Produced between April 2004 and September 2005, the SX drew styling cues from North American models like the Freestyle/Taurus X, securing executive endorsement. Designed by Simon Butterworth with interiors by Marcus Hotblack, it featured practical elements such as adaptable cup holders and a dedicated handbag holder.
The SX was Australia’s first vehicle equipped with electronic stability control and became the first SUV to win Australian Wheels Car of the Year in 2004. It was available in RWD or AWD configurations, powered by a 4.0-litre DOHC Barra inline-six petrol engine combined with a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption averaged .
- Model range
At launch, SX variants and pricing were:
- TX: entry-level (RWD: ; AWD: );
- TS: safety-focused family model (RWD: ; AWD: );
- Ghia: luxury trim (RWD: ; AWD: ).
An Alpine DVD entertainment system featuring a 10.2-inch screen was either standard or optional depending on trim level. New Zealand versions came equipped with body-coloured bumpers and alloy wheels across all trims; RWD was restricted to base models there.
SY:
Debuting in October 2005, the SY introduced mechanical enhancements including an increase in engine output to , adoption of a six-speed ZF automatic transmission for AWD models—the first in Australia—and Australia's inaugural reverse parking camera (optional on TS trims and standard on Ghia). The updated 4.0-litre inline-six produced and , paired with either an improved four-speed automatic for RWD or six-speed ZF automatic for AWD models that enhanced fuel economy.
In mid-2006, Ford introduced an AWD-only Turbo variant featuring a turbocharged engine delivering and , prioritized over diesel options due to market demand for performance.
- Model range
SY trims and prices included:
- TX (RWD: ; AWD: );
- TS (RWD: ; AWD: );
- Ghia (RWD: ; AWD: );
- Turbo versions available in standard or Ghia trims priced at and , respectively.
Limited editions such as SR (February 2006 and June 2008) and SR2 (October 2008) were released. The color palette expanded over time to include Steel, Grace, Flare, Conquer, Silk, Ego, Seduce, Neo, Velvet, and Sensations.
FPV F6X:
Introduced in February 2008 by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), the F6X was FPV's sole model outside of Falcons. Based on the Territory Turbo with an AWD-only six-speed automatic transmission, it produced and , establishing it as Australia's most powerful SUV at that time with acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Despite advanced braking systems, seating options including an optional third row, and FPV-specific instrumentation, its high price tag of combined with poor fuel efficiency limited sales to only 251 units before production ceased in February 2009.
SY II:
The SY II facelift launched in May 2009 featured refreshed front-end styling and upgraded interior materials with modern upholstery choices. Suspension revisions addressed previous front lower ball joint issues by modifying load dynamics from tension to compression. Powertrain options remained mostly unchanged except for discontinuing the FPV F6X.
- Model range
Launch prices were:
- TX: now standard with body-coloured bumpers and alloy wheels (RWD: ; AWD: );
- TS: added new alloys plus standard seven-seat configuration (RWD: ; AWD: );
- Ghia: included side indicator mirrors, privacy glass, new alloys (RWD: ; AWD: ).
Turbo variants were offered exclusively as luxury Ghia trims priced at . TS Limited Editions introduced late 2009 through 2010 helped boost sales figures. Available colors included Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Velvet, Harmony among others.
From January 2010 onwards, a front passenger seatbelt warning chime was added across all models enabling full five-star Australasian NCAP crash safety ratings.
SZ (major redesign):
Released in April 2011 after approximately in development costs, the SZ adopted the FG Falcon E8 platform incorporating Ford's Kinetic Design philosophy for improved aerodynamics (with a drag coefficient around 0.38). Higher-spec TS models replaced fog lights with LED position lamps. The interior gained an eight-inch touchscreen SYNC system borrowed from FG Falcons.
Safety enhancements comprised a driver’s knee airbag plus Bosch version 9 stability control featuring anti-rollover functionality. Mechanically notable was Ford Australia's debut locally produced diesel engine—a turbocharged direct-injection 2.7-litre V6 "Duratorq"—offered alongside an upgraded petrol inline-six available solely in RWD form; petrol AWD variants were discontinued.
Transmission choices included six-speed automatics—ZF 6HP26 for petrol RWD models and Ford-manufactured ZF-based 6R80 units for diesels.
- Model range
At launch SZ trims and prices were:
- TX: alloy wheels plus iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth phone integration, cruise control; RWD petrol ($39,990), RWD diesel ($43,240), AWD diesel ($48,240);
- TS: added larger alloys, power-adjustable driver seat, touchscreen interface, fog lamps, climate control system, premium audio setup including reversing camera & seven seats; RWD petrol ($46,990), RWD diesel ($50,240), AWD diesel ($55,240);
- Titanium: top-tier features such as memory seats, chrome grille surround trim elements, satellite navigation with traffic updates Alpine rear DVD entertainment system with headphones & leather upholstery; RWD petrol ($54,990), RWD diesel ($58,240), AWD diesel ($63,240).
The Titanium trim emerged as best-selling within this series. In 2012 production milestones included manufacturing Territory’s 150,000th unit. Additionally starting late that year Titanium AWD diesel versions were exported to Thailand. An August 2012 TX Limited Edition incorporated features derived from TS models. Color selections encompassed Havana, Vanish and Lightning Strike among others.
SZ II:
Production of SZ II commenced alongside FG X Falcon assembly in October 2014 as part of one of Ford Australia’s final locally manufactured vehicles before ceasing operations in October 2016. Launched officially in December with minimal changes to model offerings but featuring subtle exterior revisions such as updated front fascia design and new alloy wheels while replacing LED position lamps with conventional fog lights.
Mechanical improvements enhanced transmissions along with aerodynamic refinements delivering roughly half a percent better fuel economy. Interior upgrades included fresh trim color schemes plus an updated SYNC2 infotainment system offering voice command capabilities Wi-Fi connectivity DAB+ digital radio reception and emergency call functionality.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, a total of 12,000 Ford Territory units were sold.
South Africa
Ford commenced Territory sales in the South African market on June 22, 2005, offering both TX and Ghia variants with all-wheel and rear-wheel drive options. Before the official release, Ford’s South African division conducted an evaluation of the Territory in 2004. Around 2,300 vehicles were shipped to this region.
Thailand
Exports to Thailand began in April 2006 with the introduction of the Ghia 4WD model, following the SY Territory's presentation at the 2005 Bangkok Motor Show. This export operation was supported by the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement effective at that time. Approximately 100 units were sold by August 2012 after Ford Australia showed interest in a diesel version unveiled earlier that year. Nonetheless, the imposition of steep import duties in 2013 cast doubts on the sustainability of Ford Australia’s export initiative to Thailand, significantly increasing costs and restricting sales.
Sales
| Calendar year | Australian sales |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 13,583 |
| 2005 | 23,454 |
| 2006 | 18,364 |
| 2007 | 17,290 |
| 2008 | 12,882 |
| 2009 | 10,884 |
| 2010 | 11,558 |
| 2011 | 13,866 |
| 2012 | 14,646 |
| 2013 | 14,261 |
| 2014 | 9,828 |
| 2015 | 8,902 |
| 2016 | 6,928 |
| 2017 | 1,764 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| Total | 178,214 |
Available safety features
The Ford Territory was equipped with essential safety components including airbags for both driver and front passenger, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and seat belts.