Ford Australia Territory Turbo AWD
The Ford Territory represents one of the proudest achievements of Ford Australia's engineering team. Designed and developed entirely in Australia at Ford's Broadmeadows and Geelong facilities, the Territory was a mid-size SUV that could go head-to-head with anything from the global market — and often win.
The Territory was based on an evolution of the Ford Falcon BA platform, sharing its robust ladder-type subframe front end and advanced multi-link rear suspension. The key to its appeal was the legendary Barra inline-six engine family. The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter produced 190 kW (255 hp), while the turbocharged version delivered 245 hp with a massive 480 Nm of torque — giving the Territory performance that embarrassed many sports sedans.
Available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the Territory could handle everything from school runs to outback adventures. The AWD system used a Haldex coupling to distribute torque between axles, providing genuine off-road capability while maintaining on-road refinement.
The Territory went through three major series: SX (2004-2005), SY (2005-2009), and SZ (2011-2016). Each generation brought improvements in technology, safety, and refinement. The SZ series received a comprehensive update including a new 2.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 option, six-speed automatic transmission, and significantly upgraded interior quality.
The Territory was a sales success, consistently outselling imported SUV competitors and proving that Australian-made could compete with the best. It won multiple awards including Wheels Car of the Year consideration and various Best SUV accolades.
Production ended in October 2016 when Ford closed its Australian manufacturing operations, marking the end of an era for Australian automotive manufacturing. The Territory remains a popular used car and is increasingly appreciated as one of the finest vehicles ever designed and built in Australia.
The turbo Barra models are the most desirable and hold value well. Key checks: turbo oil feed line (can leak and cause turbo failure), transmission service history (ZF 6HP26 requires regular fluid changes), front suspension lower control arm bushings, and diff output shaft seals on AWD models. The 2.7 diesel suffers from injector seal issues. Avoid high-mileage turbo models without service history. The SZ series is the most refined and reliable. Rust is not a major concern on these relatively modern vehicles.
Designed and manufactured entirely in Australia. Based on Ford Falcon BA/BF/FG platform. Three series: SX (2004), SY (2005-2009), SZ (2011-2016). Engine options: 4.0L Barra I6 NA (190 kW), 4.0L Barra I6 Turbo (245 kW), 2.7L TDCi V6 diesel (140 kW, from 2011). Production ended October 2016 with Ford Australia factory closure.