Crossover SUV duel
South Africa's love of SUVs and crossovers mirrors what is happening in the rest of the world. Consumers are attracted to the command driver position, elevated ride height, and lifestyle elements of SUV ownership. This has led to the market being absolutely flooded by various crossovers and SUVs from every manufacturer, even more so by new market entrants from China.
Related: Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier (2024) Review
Ford released the new Territory in early 2024, which was almost immediately met with a competitor from the east, the Jaecoo J7. Both vehicles sport seven seats and an impressive family crossover SUV vibe. Both vehicles hover around the R500 000 mark, but which marque should you drive off the showroom floor? We compare the two models across several categories to see.
Ford Territory 1.8T Trend (2024) video review
Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier
Priced from R 549 900
Powertrain
Powering the Jaecoo J7 is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 145kW and 290Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via 7-speed DCT. The J7 has a fuel tank capacity of 51 litres, and Jaecoo claims economy figures of 7.0 L/100km, meaning you should technically get 729km from a tank of fuel.
Standard Equipment
The Jaecoo has an impressive list of features that range from automatic climate control and a cooled centre console to a full artificial leather interior, auto wipers and lights, and a sliding panoramic sunroof.
Safety
The Jaecoo has level 2 ADAS consisting of Lane Keep Assist, Blind Sport Monitoring, Head-up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and a 360-degree camera with PDC front and rear. The Jaecoo also has 8 airbags and LED fog lamps. It scored 5 stars on the CNCAP (Chinese New Car Assessment Program)
Practicality
The Jaecoo has plenty of room for drivers and passengers, boasting a cargo space of 412- 1 335-litres. It has an electric tailgate and heated and ventilated front seats, with the driver's seat having an electric adjustment.
Price and Value
The Jaecoo J7 1.6T in Glacier spec comes at R 599 900, making it marginally more expensive than the Ford. It comes with the brand's market-leading 5-year (vehicle) / 10 Year (engine) for the first owner warranty and a 5-year / 70 000km service plan
Ford Territory 1.8T Ambiente
Priced from R 593 900
Powertrain
Under the Territory's bonnet is a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 138kW and 318Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed DCT transmission. The Territory has a 60-litre fuel tank capacity, and Ford reports a fuel economy of 7.0 L/100km, which should return 857km from a full tank of fuel.
Standard Equipment
Although the Territory also has a laundry list of features, it falls short on some of the niceties found in the Jaecoo. It does not have a sunroof, automatic controls for lighting wipers or climate, and has a cloth interior. It does not have heated and ventilated seats like the Jaecoo but does have a slightly bigger cargo space.
Safety
Ford scored a 5-star ANCAP rating but does not have ADAS on board and also lacks adaptive cruise control and front PDC. The Territory has 6 airbags but no auto services for lights and wipers.
Practicality
The Territory has a bigger cargo space sporting 448-1 422-litres of packing space while it does not have many comfort features in the Jaecoo.
Price and Value
The Ford Territory 1.8T Ambiente is priced from R 593 500 and comes bundled with a 4-year / 120 000km warranty and a 6-year / 90 000km service plan, which can be unbundled to save on costs.
Verdict
The Jaecoo may be a few thousand rand more expensive but its comprehensive list of features and equipment is far greater than that which is found in the Territory. The Ford has a better brand footprint in the country, meaning that you will find it far easier to service or get parts for your Territory. The Jaecoo has a better drive and feel and is more comfortable but the Ford will have the better economy in the long run. We highly advise driving both back to back to see which machine appeals to you.
