“Everest is far more composed than than Ranger through the lane change”
ALEX INWOOD
THE JUDGES’ quotes were telling. “Really well thought-out. Ford has not just copied best practice in SUVs; it’s established best practice in many areas,” noted one. “Software has been developed by Australians for our conditions. You can feel the difference, especially in the effectiveness of the ABS calibration on gravel,” said another. “The chassis stability system’s tuning is outstandingly effective in Australian conditions.” Yep, they absolutely loved the Territory back in the February 2005 issue, marking the last time Ford walked away with the Wheels Car of the Year award.
Fast-forward 18 years and there’s a strange kind of symmetry that marks the Blue Oval’s long-overdue return to the top step of the podium. The Territory benefited from an eligibility change in the rules that allowed it to become the first SUV to win COTY. Prior to 1999, they were categorised as Light Trucks and, as such, denied invitation. This year, dialling back the dogma to allow hugely popular ladder-framed vehicles
