New Ford Territory Overview for UAE — Practical Family SUV or Not?

Abu Dhabi: In the UAE's highly popular and equally fierce compact SUV segment, the Ford Territory has emerged as a choice of the customers. Since its arrival in 2023, the Territory has gained considerable market share, which is quite visible with its growing number on UAE roads. It appeals to families who want space, comfort, and modern features without stepping into premium pricing. It’s positioned as a suitable alternative to well-known Japanese and Korean rivals, promising a spacious cabin that feels upscale and a value-focused equipment list that suits daily family use.

The 2026 update builds on that foundation with a fresher exterior look, enhanced in-car technology, and importantly, the introduction of a hybrid option for buyers thinking about efficiency. While it is not your typical sporty luxurious SUV, the Territory has some strong characteristics, such as being high on practicality, ease of ownership, and comfort in local driving conditions. The key question for buyers is whether it has what it takes to become long-term reliable and fulfil their expectations as a family SUV with Style, Technology, and Performance. Priced between AED 115,395 and AED 135,345, it's competing against the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5. But is this compact SUV practical for UAE families? We try to find out the answer. 

2026 Ford Territory Unlock Premium Value

Here’s a clear fact: the Territory is a compact SUV built in China for Middle East markets. It is 4,630 mm long, 1,935 mm wide, and 1,706 mm tall, with a 190 mm ground clearance that handles speed bumps and mall parking without issue. The 2,726 mm wheelbase gives rear passengers real legroom, not the cramped knees‑to‑chest feel of smaller crossovers.

Ford offers three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend, and Titanium. A hybrid version (HEV) is available on the Trend and Titanium trims. The Ambiente is shown in brochures, but exact pricing is not confirmed for the UAE market. Frankly, most UAE buyers end up considering Trend and Titanium.

Exterior Design

The facelift brought noticeable changes, and it now genuinely looks sharper and more premium. The grille is larger and more aggressive, with full LED headlights standard across all variants, plus tri‑element LED daytime running lights that look sharp without being overdone. Front fog lamps are useful in dusty conditions, and buyers appreciate this – it makes early morning drives on Sheikh Zayed Road easier.

From the side, the design is simple and clean. Chrome accents feature on the door handles, and power‑folding mirrors with LED turn signals are standard. The Ambiente and Trend variants come with 18‑inch alloys (235/55R18), while the Titanium and Titanium HEV get 19‑inch wheels (235/50R19). The bigger wheels look sportier but ride slightly firmer on broken roads.

At the rear, there’s a full‑width LED light bar and 3D‑style taillights. A faux rear diffuser and roof spoiler add some character. The Titanium gets a hands‑free power liftgate, which is genuinely useful when carrying groceries or luggage.

Exterior Feature	Ambiente	Trend	Titanium
LED Headlights	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alloy Wheel Size	18-inch	18-inch	19-inch
Power Liftgate	No	No	Yes (Hands-free)
Panoramic Sunroof	No	No	Yes
Faux Roof Bars	Yes	Yes	Yes

Interior and Space

Inside, the Territory goes for modern over traditional. The first point of attraction is the dual 12.3-inch screens that handle instrumentation and infotainment. The digital cluster is clear and configurable. The touchscreen responds quickly, with no lag when switching between apps or adjusting climate control.

Material quality is good for the segment: a dual‑tone black and beige colour scheme, leather upholstery, and satin chrome plus faux wood trim. It’s not luxury‑grade, but it feels solid and well‑put together for the price. Panel gaps are tight, and the finishes seem durable.

Front seats in Titanium get a 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support. The heated and ventilated seats are Titanium-only, which matters in our climate. The flat-bottom steering wheel has paddle shifters. Seats offer good cushioning for long drives.

Rear legroom is generous thanks to that 2,726 mm wheelbase, and three adults fit comfortably, even for slightly longer drives. The rear AC vents and USB charging ports (on Titanium) keep passengers comfortable and relaxed.  There's a rear armrest with cupholders, nothing new; it's mostly standard in this segment. 

The cabin storage includes a deep centre console, door-mounted bottle holders with 1-litre capacity, and rear armrest storage. The wireless charging pad comes on Titanium. There are several USB-A and USB-C ports throughout, plus a 12V socket.

Most buyers care about the boot size, which is 448 litres (not class-leading, but adequate for weekly groceries and airport trips). With the rear seats folded, it expands to 1,422 litres. Loading is easy thanks to the low lift‑over height. The electronic parking brake with auto‑hold frees up cabin space and works with hill‑start assist. Dual‑zone automatic climate control is powerful enough to cool the cabin quickly in Dubai summers.

Safety Features

You get six airbags on Titanium. ISOFIX anchors for child seats. Standard stuff like ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, and traction control.

The Territory gets Level 2 ADAS:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keeping assist
• Forward collision warning
• Auto-emergency braking
• 360-degree camera (Titanium)
• Rear parking sensors (all trims)
• Front parking sensors (Titanium)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Hill-start assist

The 360‑degree camera (Titanium) is a real help in tight parking spots. The lane‑keeping assist works well on highways but can feel intrusive in busy city traffic. The blind‑spot warning is accurate and useful for Dubai’s fast lanes.

Powertrain and Performance

Specification	1.8L EcoBoost	1.5L Hybrid
Engine	1.8L turbo 4-cyl	1.5L turbo 4-cyl. + electric
Power	190 hp @ 5,200 rpm	148 hp (combined)
Torque	320 Nm @ 1,500-4,000 rpm	Not specified
Transmission	7-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	15.9 km/L (est.)	Better than petrol
Fuel Tank	60 liters	60 liters
Drive	FWD	FWD

Four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Trail. Normal handles daily driving fine. Eco gives you fuel economy, and Sport sharpens throttle response, and Trail mode helps on light gravel, but this car isn't an off-roader.

In city traffic, the 1.8L EcoBoost delivers smooth, refined power. The 7‑speed automatic shifts smoothly most of the time. The 5.5‑metre turning radius makes tight parking manageable. Fuel efficiency is decent for urban use. On highways, the Territory feels relaxed and stable at higher speeds. There’s enough power for safe overtaking. The acoustic hood insulation helps reduce engine noise, making the cabin noticeably quieter on the highway.

Technology and Features

• Dual 12.3-inch displays for instrument cluster and touchscreen
• Full LED headlights, taillights, and DRLs
• FordPass connectivity
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8-speaker audio system
• Arkamys 3D audio system
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
• Wireless charging pad 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Hands-free power liftgate 
• 360-degree camera 
• Four drive modes

The 12‑inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto work reliably. The 8‑speaker audio system in the Titanium is decent for the segment. FordPass connectivity offers useful features like remote start, vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock via smartphone.

Variant Breakdown

Variant	Price (AED)	Key Features
Ambiente	113,295	The vehicle features LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, and standard safety measures. Budget reliability.
Trend	115,395	The car features partial leather, a 12-inch touchscreen, and lane-keeping. +AED 2,100 upgrade.
Trend HEV	129,045	The hybrid efficiency surpasses the trend.
Titanium	135,345	The Titanium gets 19-inch alloys, full leather, ventilated seats, a sunroof, ADAS, and a 360° camera. Best value variant
Titanium HEV	135,345	The price is the same as titanium, but the hybrid powertrain offers better economy and less power.

Practical Family SUV or Not?

This is the real question for most UAE families who want to switch to an SUV after a long ownership of a sedan. So, here's what works: the Territory gives you decent space, modern tech, efficient performance, and comprehensive safety features at a competitive price. The 2,726 mm wheelbase translates to real rear legroom. Boot space handles weekly grocery runs and weekend trips. The dual-zone climate control matters in UAE summers. Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring reduce driving stress.

But there are trade-offs.

Resale value: This may be a concern because Ford does not have as good a resale value as Toyota or Nissan. The Territory is relatively new here in the UAE. If you plan to sell in a few years, this matters, but holding for longer should work. 

Service network: Ford has fewer service centres than Toyota or Nissan in the UAE. If you are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you are fine. But if you're in smaller emirates or travel frequently to remote areas, access to service might be inconvenient.

Parts availability: Linked to the above. Common wear‑and‑tear parts (wipers, filters, tyres, brakes) are generally available, but more specialised or hybrid‑specific components could take longer to source than for mainstream brands.

Brand perception: In the UAE market, Toyota and Nissan dominate because people trust them. Ford does not have that same reputation here, despite being a major global player, but this is changing. But nevertheless, you need to consider it. 

Depreciation: Expect steeper depreciation than a Corolla Cross or RAV4. This affects your total cost of ownership even if the initial price seems attractive.

Given that most rivals now offer a hybrid, this optional HEV powertrain makes the Territory more interesting. The hybrid version gives better fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, which matters in the UAE. But to get that benefit, you pay a higher upfront price. You should calculate whether the fuel savings justify the premium based on your actual annual mileage and daily routes.

Boot space at 448 litres is adequate for most families but not class-leading. The Mazda CX‑5, for example, offers more. If you regularly carry large items or need space for three child seats plus a stroller and trolley, the boot might feel a bit tight.

Also, keep in mind: the Territory is not an off‑roader. The 190 mm ground clearance and Trail mode can handle dirt roads and light gravel, but it’s nowhere near the capability of a Fortuner or Everest. If your weekends involve serious dune trips, look elsewhere. You also don’t get all‑wheel drive, so this could be a concern for buyers who want extra traction in rain or occasional off‑road use. Front‑wheel drive is fine for normal UAE conditions but limits versatility.

Conclusion

A closer look at the 2026 Ford Territory reveals its new avatar to the market, not just the interior and exterior change, which now make it highly desirable. But there is a hybrid option too; this widens the appeal for those buyers who are keen on efficiency. Overall, there are several key strengths of this compact SUV in a segment where competition is intense.

The Ford Territory offers families strong value with modern features, a spacious cabin, and competitive pricing. And this should actually be enough to make it a practical family SUV, and if you are in the market right now to buy one, this one certainly deserves your attention. Explore, test drive and check out rivals before you arrive at a decision.