Ford launched the current-generation Territory in South Africa in 2024, filling a gap in its passenger line-up left by the discontinued Fiesta and EcoSport. It sits in the C-segment SUV market, slotting between the smaller Puma and the larger Everest, and is built in China through Ford's partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation.
For 2025, Ford has introduced a Dark Edition that replaces the previous Titanium flagship — and it's the one we spent a week with.
What's new on the Dark Edition
The Dark Edition leans fully into its name. Outside, you get a satin black grille, high-gloss black treatment on the skid plate, foglight surrounds and mirror caps, 19-inch Ebony Black alloys, and gloss black finishes on the roof, roof rails, lower guard trim strip and window surrounds. A blacked-out "Territory" badge at the rear completes the look.
Colour options are limited to Star White, Panther Black, Lustrous Grey and Ruby Red. Our test car came in Panther Black, and the black-on-black treatment genuinely elevates the SUV's presence, particularly in combination with the sleek LED daytime running lights.
Inside, the Dark Edition adds leather seats with Cyber Orange contrast stitching — a visual cue borrowed straight from Ford's Wildtrak bakkies — and layers a 360-degree camera on top of an already generous standard kit list.
Powertrain
The Dark Edition uses the same 1.8-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder as the rest of the Territory range, producing 138kW and 318Nm through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Ford claims combined consumption of 7.0 l/100km, though our mixed and highway testing returned figures closer to 8.2–8.7 l/100km — noticeably above the claim, but not unreasonable for real-world driving.
How does it drive?
Once up to operating temperature, the EcoBoost engine is a pleasant companion, with clean shifts from the dual-clutch gearbox and enough mid-range shove to make overtakes comfortable. It's at its best on the open road, where it settles into a relaxed cruise and turns the cabin into what can only be described as a moving living room.
Interior space is one of the Territory's real strengths. Rear passengers get genuine legroom, and front occupants benefit from a raised seating position and comfortable, electrically adjustable seats. It's a cabin designed for long drives, and it shows.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
Ambiente – R593 500 Trend – R650 500 Dark Edition – R733 000
(The Ambiente and Trend remain as the entry and mid-range trims; the Dark Edition replaces the previous Titanium flagship at the top of the line-up.)
The retail price includes a six-year/90 000km optional service plan, four-year/120 000km mechanical warranty, four-year/unlimited-km roadside assistance and a five-year/unlimited-km corrosion warranty. Ford Protect upgrades are available, extending service or maintenance coverage up to eight years or 165 000km, the warranty up to seven years or 200 000km, and roadside assistance by a further one or two years.
Verdict
The Dark Edition is the most visually striking Territory in the range, and for buyers drawn to the blacked-out aesthetic, it lands the look convincingly. The 360-degree camera and Wildtrak-style orange stitching are welcome additions, and the cabin remains one of the most spacious in the segment at this price. The EcoBoost engine is willing rather than quick, and real-world fuel consumption sits comfortably above Ford's claim — but neither is a dealbreaker for the kind of family buyer the Territory is aimed at. If you want a well-equipped, well-priced C-segment SUV with genuine road presence and don't mind the Ford-via-China provenance, the Dark Edition makes a strong case. Against rivals like the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max, Haval H6 GT and Volkswagen Tiguan, its trump cards are Ford's aftersales network and the standout looks.
Looking at a used Ford SUV instead? There are plenty listed on Gumtree right now — browse Cars & Bakkies to see what's available in your area.