What is the Ford Territory equivalent in the US?
The Ford Territory does not have a US-market counterpart under that name. In the United States, Ford's closest mid-size SUV equivalent to the Australian Territory is the Ford Explorer. The Territory was produced for Australia and New Zealand, while the Explorer serves the US and global markets and remains in production today.
Context: what the Ford Territory was
The Ford Territory was Ford Australia's flagship mid-size SUV, launched in 2004 to compete with models like the Toyota Kluger and Honda Pilot. Built on a Falcon-based platform, it offered five- or seven-seat configurations, all-wheel drive, and a range of V6 engines. Production wound down as Ford shifted away from local manufacturing in Australia, with the Territory exiting the lineup around 2016. Importantly, Ford did not offer the Territory under that name in the United States.
The US equivalent: Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has served as Ford's main mid-size SUV in the United States and many other markets. It fills a similar family-haul role as the Territory, and across generations has evolved from a traditional body-on-frame SUV to a modern unibody crossover design in recent years, with an emphasis on seating versatility, safety features, and tech integration.
How they compare in practice
This list highlights practical similarities and how buyers in the US might view a Territory-like vehicle when evaluating the Explorer.
- Size and seating: Both are mid-size SUVs offering flexible seating for five to seven passengers.
- All-wheel drive and capability: Both provide AWD options and are marketed as capable family SUVs suitable for everyday use and light towing.
- Market positioning: Both target family-oriented buyers who prioritize interior space, cargo versatility, and comfort on longer trips.
The Territory’s role in Australia mirrors the Explorer’s role in the US in terms of size, versatility, and family-friendly appeal.
Key differences to note
While they occupy the same segment, the two models diverge in engineering and timeline. The Territory was built on a Falcon-based platform specific to Australia, with engine options and configurations tailored to that market. The Explorer, especially in the latest generations, relies on Ford’s global platforms and modern unibody construction, with a broader range of engines—including turbocharged EcoBoost options—and updated infotainment and safety systems. The Territory was discontinued in Australia in 2016, whereas the Explorer remains a staple of Ford’s US lineup and continues to evolve with new generations.
Before the next list: A quick note on how the two models differ in platform, powertrains, and market strategy.
- Platform and engineering: Territory used a Falcon-based architecture; Explorer uses Ford’s US/global platforms, moving toward unibody design in recent generations.
- Powertrains: Territory offered local V6 options and AWD; Explorer offers a broad US lineup, including EcoBoost turbo engines in newer generations.
- Availability: Territory was never sold in the US under that name; Explorer remains in continuous production in the American market.
These differences reflect distinct regional strategies and engineering priorities across Ford’s global operations.
Current status and takeaway
The Ford Territory is now a chapter in Ford Australia’s history rather than a current US product. In the United States, the Ford Explorer continues to serve as the practical equivalent in size, seating, and versatility, adapting to evolving consumer demands with newer powertrains, technology, and safety features. For US buyers seeking a Territory-like experience, the Explorer represents the most direct, ongoing option in Ford’s lineup.
Summary: In the US, the Ford Territory’s closest equivalent is the Ford Explorer. The Territory name never reached the American market, but the Explorer fills the same niche as a family-focused, mid-size SUV and remains a core part of Ford’s US lineup today.
What does the Ford Territory compare to?
Car models that are most compared against Ford Territory are Toyota Rush, Suzuki Jimny, Haima S7, Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Maxus D60. These 5 model are top Ford Territory alternatives in terms of price, performance, features, engine, economy, dimensions, safaty & security.
What car is similar to a Ford Territory?
The Ford Territory is the product of a joint venture between the Blue Oval and Jiangling Motors Co. and it's a spacious and practical (if conventionally packaged) medium SUV, in a similar style to the Toyota RAV4 , Volkswagen Tiguan , Mazda CX-5 , Haval H6 , Kia Sportage , Hyundai Tucson and other models.
What is a good replacement for a Ford Territory?
Ford Territory direct competitor are Tucson, Sportage, Mazda CX5, Honda ZRV and RAV4. Anyone who has never kept a Ford would buy it otherwise with slightest of knowledge might for for competition.
Is the Ford Territory sold in the US?
No, the Ford Territory is not sold in the US. It is currently manufactured in China and sold in other markets, including Mexico, South America, the Philippines, and the Middle East. The current version of the Territory is a separate model from the one previously sold in Australia, which ended production in 2016.
- Market: The Ford Territory is a compact SUV designed for emerging markets, such as China and those in South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
- Production: It is produced through a joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) in China.
- US exclusion: It is not sold in the United States, although Ford does have other SUVs that are available in the US, such as the Edge and the Explorer.
