Does the Ford Territory Have Enough Power to Handle Saudi Roads?

Saudi Arabia: This compact SUV from the American brand has enough to easily navigate Saudi roads. The newly arrived 2026 Ford Territory runs a 1.8L EcoBoost turbocharged engine making 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 7-speed automatic gearbox. For everyday driving on Riyadh's King Fahd Road or the long stretch between Jeddah and Makkah, this engine promises a great experience without any issue whatsoever. Although it is not a sports car, it is more than enough for how most Saudi families actually drive.

Powertrain

The Territory's engine is the same turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder found in several other Ford models globally. In the Saudi market, this matters because it means parts are relatively available and local workshops understand it. Here are the key numbers:

Spec	Detail
Engine	1.8L EcoBoost I-4 Turbo
Power	190 hp
Torque	320 Nm
Transmission	7-speed Automatic
Fuel Economy	15-16 km/litre (combined)
0-100 km/h	8.5 seconds
Top Speed	190 km/h
Drive Type	Front-Wheel Drive

That fuel economy number, around 15–16 km/liter combined, is reasonably good for a family SUV. On the highway between Riyadh and Dammam, expect real-world figures closer to 14-15 km/liter, which is quite fine for a turbocharged engine doing 120-130 km/h.

Drive Modes

The Territory gives you four selectable drive modes, which are more useful than you would think. Most buyers ignore these, but in Saudi Arabia, they actually make a difference:

• Eco mode: Best for city stop-and-go traffic in Riyadh or Jeddah. It softens throttle response and reduces fuel consumption noticeably
• Normal mode: balanced and natural. This is where most drivers will leave it most of the time
• Sport mode: The gearbox holds revs longer, and the throttle sharpens. Not dramatic, but noticeable on open roads
• Trail mode: adjusts traction for loose or uneven surfaces. Useful for light desert driving on the outskirts of Buraydah or Taif, but do not push it into serious dunes

The FWD 

The Territory is front-wheel drive only, and you don’t have an AWD option anywhere in the lineup. For most buyers in Saudi cities, this is completely fine. FWD handles tarmac well, and the Territory's 200 mm ground clearance helps with occasional rough patches.

But if your weekends involve serious wadi crossings or desert camps with soft sand, you will feel the limitation. The Trail mode helps, but it does not replace AWD. Keep this in mind before buying.

On-the-Road Refinement

At highway speeds, the engine is smooth and quiet up to about 130 km/h; this is quite positive for this SUV. Above that, some wind noise begins to get in around the door seals. It is not loud, but it is there. Some buyers on long-distance drives between Makkah and Madinah may notice it. The suspension absorbs most road imperfections well and never feels harsh.

So in conclusion, it is fair to say that the Territory's 1.8L EcoBoost engine is genuinely well-suited for Saudi driving conditions, city commutes, highway trips, and light outdoor use. The lack of AWD is a real compromise for adventure-minded buyers, but for families who mainly drive on paved roads, it is a non-issue. Fuel economy is competitive, and the four drive modes add practical value to everyday ownership.

Also Read: How Much Does the Škoda Kushaq Cost in Saudi Arabia, and Which Variant Makes Sense?