Ford Territory: The Australian SUV Legend

No, they are two completely entirely different vehicles from different eras. The classic Australian Ford Territory (2004–2016) was a heavy, rear-wheel-drive-based SUV built on the legendary Ford Falcon chassis. The modern Ford Territory (2018–Present), sold in markets like Mexico, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, is a front-wheel-drive compact crossover built in China through a joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).

If you are buying a used 2004–2016 Australian Ford Territory, you must be hyper-aware of the front lower control arm ball joints.

Hugegarage Technical Tip: The original factory ball joints endure massive stress due to the vehicle's heavy curb weight. They are notorious for snapping without warning at low speeds or while parking, completely collapsing the front suspension and ripping the wheel into the fender. Always ensure these have been replaced with heavy-duty aftermarket ball joints before driving a used Territory.

Yes, and it is the primary reason the Australian Territory remains a massive cult classic. The majority of 2004–2016 models are powered by the world-renowned 4.0L Barra Inline-Six engine. Experience the massive, effortless torque of an engine originally designed to haul heavy trailers across the Australian outback. Ford even produced a highly coveted Territory Turbo, which utilized the turbocharged Barra engine to produce over 320 HP, easily embarrassing dedicated sports cars at the traffic lights.

This is a catastrophic failure that plagues the 6-speed automatic ZF transmission found in the Australian Territory. The internal transmission fluid cooler (which is integrated inside the main engine radiator) frequently ruptures. This allows pink engine coolant and red transmission fluid to violently mix together, creating a thick, strawberry "milkshake" substance. This highly corrosive mixture gets pumped directly into the gearbox, completely destroying the transmission's internal clutch packs and requiring a massively expensive rebuild.

Your choice dictates whether you want bulletproof reliability or long-distance fuel economy.

4.0L Barra Petrol (Inline-Six)

An incredibly robust, low-maintenance engine that will easily surpass 300,000 kilometers. However, it is exceptionally thirsty, especially in heavy city traffic.

2.7L TDCi V6 Diesel

Introduced in 2011 and sourced from Land Rover. It produces massive low-end torque for towing and vastly improves fuel economy. However, it requires highly strict maintenance and is prone to expensive high-pressure fuel pump and timing belt failures.

Because it is built directly on the Ford Falcon passenger car platform, the standard base-model Ford Territory is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). However, Ford offered an advanced, permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system as an option across the lineup (and standard on Turbo and Ghia/Titanium trims). The AWD models are phenomenal on wet roads and light gravel, but they lack the low-range transfer case required for serious, heavy-duty off-roading.

The classic Ford Territory is highly regarded as one of the best tow vehicles of its era. When properly equipped with the factory Heavy Duty Tow Pack (which includes a load-leveling kit and transmission cooler), the AWD Barra or V6 Diesel models boast a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,700 kg (roughly 5,950 lbs). This makes it incredibly popular for hauling massive twin-axle caravans, large boats, or heavy horse floats across the country.

The seating capacity depends entirely on the option box checked by the original buyer. The base model Territory is a highly spacious 5-seater with a massive rear cargo area. However, it was widely popular as a family hauler because it could be optioned with a folding third-row bench, turning it into a genuine 7-seater. Unlike many older SUVs, the third-row seats ingeniously fold completely flat into the floor when not in use.

Ford officially ended production of the original Ford Territory in October 2016. This was not due to poor sales, but rather a massive corporate restructuring. Ford made the historic decision to completely shut down all of its Australian manufacturing plants (ending both the Falcon and the Territory). To replace the Territory in the Australian market, Ford imported the Ranger-based Ford Everest for heavy off-road buyers, and the Edge-based Ford Endura for urban commuters.

The modern, Chinese-built Ford Territory completely abandons the massive 4.0L inline-sixes of the past. To maximize fuel efficiency and comply with strict global emissions standards, it is powered exclusively by a small-displacement 1.5L or 1.8L EcoBoost Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (producing roughly 143 to 190 HP, depending on the region). It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, making it a highly economical front-wheel-drive commuter designed specifically for urban and suburban families.