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Ford Territory AWD vs Land Rover Freelander

Ford Territory and Land Rover Freelander go head-to-head.

Ford Territory AWD and Land Rover Freelander go head-to-head in this comparative review.

value

Ford Territory AWD

from $48,290

The updated all-wheel drive Territory range is diesel-only, starting from a slightly (just over $3000) higher $48,240 for the TX, $55,240 for the mid-spec TS and $63,240 for the Titanium flagship, which is about $3000 lower. Standard fare range-wide includes alloy wheels (TX sits on 17in, the rest on 18in), trip computer, steering wheel cruise and audio controls, Bluetooth phone and audio link, climate control (dual zone for the TS and Titanium), remote keyless entry, a single-CD iPod/MP3 sound system (the Titanium gets touch-screen satnav and an Alpine rear DVD system with wireless headphones and remote control) and cloth trim (leather trim is only on standard on the top-spec Titanium. The TX seats five as standard, while the third-row 7-seat set-up is standard on the TS and Titanium.

Land Rover Freelander

from $44,990

The Freelander Range starts from $44,990 for the TD4 through to the range-topping SD4 HSE with a $65,854 asking price. The features list includes steering wheel controls for audio, cruise and phone, dual zone climate control, manual reach and rake steering adjustment, power-adjustable front seats with armrests, rear parking sensors (front sensors on top-spec cars but no rear camera), Bluetooth phone link (for all models bar the TD4 base-model), leather trim for the seats (cloth on the TD4), steering wheel, gearshifter and console, trip computer, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels (17in and 18in) automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. The top-spec model also gets satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and puddle lamps.

design

Ford Territory AWD

It's a big, boxy second-cousin twice-removed (maybe) from the Falcon wagon, albeit with a nose and tail tweak that has sharpened up the looks of what was already a reasonable (if not inspiring) package. At 4883mm long, 1898mm wide, 1716mm tall with a 2843mm wheelbase, there's ample metal for the money, as well as the choice to go for a third row as required. The interior is spacious and versatile, with a flat-folding second row of seats, however the Territory's 175mm ground clearance isn't the highest in the segment.

Land Rover Freelander

It certainly has a little more panache in the looks department than many in this segment, with DNA from its larger siblings inside and out. The cabin is not cavernous, but then again none of the Land Rover is over-endowed with space. The cabin is better ergonomically and has plenty of switchgear familiar to the breed. At 4500mm long, 1740mm tall and sitting on a 2660mm wheelbase, the 200-odd kilogram lighter Freelander doesn't cover quite as much road as the Ford but has a more useful 210mm of ground clearance.

technology

Ford Territory AWD

The 2.7-litre common-rail single turbo diesel V6 is hardly cutting edge (the Land Rover Discovery had it more than a few years ago) but it still offers 140kW and 440Nm. Drive goes to the rear-biased all-wheel drive system via a ZF six-speed automatic that remains one of the smarter autos on offer, although the test car served up a couple of very grumpy and sharp shifts in Sport mode. Ford claims an 8.8-litre thirst for every 100km on the combined cycle (9 for Titanium), supping from a 75 litre tank. Our stint saw the computer displaying an average of 10.9.

Land Rover Freelander

There are two engines on offer (with six-speed autos and the odd manual as well) within the Freelander range - both 2.2-litre turbodiesels, but the more-powerful 140kW/420Nm engine misses out on the start-stop fuel saving system found on the 110kW variant - despite that it claims 7 litres per 100km and showed 9.7 on test. The Freelander gets Terrain Response, albeit it without the dynamic mode now on the actively-suspended Range Rover Sport. There's four modes for the front-biased Haldex drivetrain with the electronic rear diff - general driving, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts and sand - to tailor the electronic driver aids (including hill descent control) for getting it a little bit dirty.

safety

Ford Territory AWD

The all-wheel drive aspect of the Territory offers an element of active safety, as well as more traditional rear-drive dynamics - there's also stability (with anti-rollover program) and traction control, anti-lock brakes, dual front and curtain airbags, as well as a driver's knee airbag and only the base TX misses out on the reversing camera, but gets rear parking sensors. The Territory also has a proper spare tyre too.

Land Rover Freelander

Both these vehicles have the inherent active safety of all-wheel drive, plus the Landie's features list has anti-lock brakes with emergency braking assistance and brakeforce distribution systems, traction and stability control, as well as cornering braking and anti-rollover control systems and rear parking sensors. The passive side of the equation has dual front, front-side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags, as well as a driver's knee airbag. Plaudits for retaining a full-size spare.

driving

Ford Territory AWD

Driving the Territory is a reminder of what good can be done with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system - the Territory is better dynamically than the front-drive SUVs that are slowly taking over. It has good body control and handles well despite it's portly two-tonne kerb weight, with nicely-weighted steering and a ride quality that leans towards firm but not uncomfortably so. The turbodiesel is quiet and frugal - fuel use in the 10s was our average during mainly suburban duties - but it needs a solid prod to overcome a bit of turbo lag and two tonnes of kerb weight. The powerplant was good but feels as though it may have been left behind a little by the current crop of oil-burners.

Land Rover Freelander

The Freelander is no charlatan off-roader - the Terrain Response is off-roading made simpler and if you have confidence in the little Landy's under-body protection, it can be jump and bump over some more challenging terrain than many in the segment. On the sealed stuff, the Freelander is comfortable, with good ride comfort - paid for by a little more body roll than expected, although once settled on its suspension there's no cause for alarm.

Verdict

Ford Territory AWD

Land Rover Freelander

Perhaps not as stylish or aristocratic as the Freelander, the Territory is a very competent all-terrain wagon that is more than capable of getting itself dusty and muddy and making it home again, provided there's no need for ground clearance or low range. As a kid-carting all-rounder there's ability as well, given the scope for seven seats. For whatever reason Ford didn't go for the bigger three-litre twin-turbo diesel, it's a shame, but the current engine is quiet and useful, without being startling.

 

The little Land Rover might well be overshadowed now by the Range Rover Evoque but it's a worthy little contender if you're not a fan of big, burly "proper" off-roaders but still have a hankering to get away from it all. Smaller and more nimble - yes - but perhaps not as versatile as the big Ford, the Freelander makes ground no the Ford in some areas and loses out in others to finish with almost the same score.