Ford has unveiled the newest Ford Territory Hybrid in the Gulf region, marking a significant milestone in its Middle East lineup. The Territory – already Ford’s best-selling nameplate in the Middle East – will now “arrive electrified in 2025” across all trims . This move adds a much-anticipated hybrid compact SUV to Ford’s regional portfolio, underscoring the brand’s strategic push toward electrified vehicles. The launch, which comes on the heels of record sales growth for Ford in the GCC , is poised to capitalize on the Territory’s popularity by offering Gulf consumers a more eco-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
The Ford Territory Hybrid is positioned to be a game-changer in the UAE and broader GCC market. At a recent regional debut event, Ford Middle East introduced the Territory Hybrid alongside other new models, highlighting its importance in “joining [the] lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles” in the region . By electrifying a top-selling model, Ford aims to attract the growing segment of buyers looking for fuel-efficient SUVs, and to strengthen its footing as the Middle East embraces greener mobility.
Hybrid Powertrain: Efficient Performance for UAE Roads
Under the hood, the Territory Hybrid features a sophisticated gasoline-electric powertrain engineered for efficiency and everyday performance. It pairs a downsized 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (around 148 hp and 230 Nm of torque) with an electric motor that can contribute up to 215 hp and 315 Nm on its own . The system is a self-charging full hybrid, meaning there’s no need to plug in – the battery is recharged via regenerative braking and the engine, much like Toyota’s well-known hybrid system . This setup delivers a combined output that Ford says maximizes efficiency “without compromising performance” . In fact, the Territory Hybrid’s instant electric torque makes it quicker off the line than the standard petrol model; it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 8.5 seconds – adequately brisk for city driving and highway merges.
Perhaps more importantly for GCC consumers, the hybrid promises significant fuel savings. Ford estimates the Territory Hybrid can achieve about 19.6 km per liter in mixed driving , a notable improvement over the conventional 1.8L EcoBoost model. This means drivers can expect fewer stops at the petrol station during long UAE commutes or road trips across the emirates. With petrol prices no longer as heavily subsidized as in the past, such efficiency is a welcome benefit. The hybrid system seamlessly transitions between electric and gas power, delivering smooth and quiet operation – an advantage in stop-and-go Dubai traffic where the car can often glide on battery power at low speeds, cutting both emissions and noise. By blending fuel-efficient electric assist with turbocharged power, the Territory Hybrid offers GCC drivers the best of both worlds: reduced fuel consumption and the confidence of a gasoline engine when needed.
Design and Tech: Territory’s Latest Features
Beyond the new hybrid drivetrain, the latest Territory comes with a host of updates that enhance its appeal for modern SUV buyers. Ford has given the 2025/2026 model a fresh facelift – including a redesigned front end with full LED headlights and a bold grille – to signal this is a new, forward-looking variant . Two new body colors (such as Cactus Grey and Oasis Green) have been introduced to add flair, and the top “Titanium X” trim rides on stylish 19-inch alloy wheels for a premium look .
Inside, the Territory Hybrid is loaded with technology and comfort features tailored for both family use and daily commuting. The cabin now sports dual displays – a fully digital driver cluster alongside a large central touchscreen – each 12+ inches in size for a cutting-edge cockpit feel . This infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and Ford has improved the interface so that drivers can adjust climate controls without leaving the navigation or phone screen . Additionally, the FordPass™ connected services are being rolled out, allowing owners in the UAE to use a smartphone app for remote start, door locking, and even pre-cooling the cabin in Dubai’s summer heat . This kind of tech integration – a first for the Territory line – reflects Ford’s intent to cater to a tech-savvy Middle Eastern customer base.
Safety and driver assistance also see an upgrade. The Territory Hybrid carries an extensive suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind spot monitoring, along with unique touches like Comfort Braking, which stabilizes the SUV under hard braking to keep passengers comfortable . In the 2026 model update, Ford even added Lane Centering Control to help gently steer the vehicle in the middle of the lane , complementing existing aids such as automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree camera. These enhancements make the Territory one of the better-equipped models in its class, especially considering its price point. In the UAE, the petrol Territory starts at around AED 115,395 for the new model , which Ford has positioned to be “one of the most affordable compact SUVs in the GCC” given its space and features . The Hybrid will likely slot slightly above that, but still aims to deliver strong value as a high-tech, efficient SUV that undercuts many Japanese and European hybrid SUV rivals on price.
Strategic Market Positioning in the GCC
The introduction of the Territory Hybrid is a strategic move by Ford to tap into emerging consumer trends in the Gulf. Over the past few years, the standard Ford Territory (with its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine) gained a reputation as an affordable, economical SUV for Middle East buyers . Launched in late 2022 in the region, it quickly became a top seller across markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait . By offering a hybrid version, Ford is doubling down on what made the Territory successful – good fuel economy and value – and taking it a step further to appeal to the environmentally conscious and cost-conscious alike.
Crucially, the Territory Hybrid enters a competitive compact SUV segment where hybrid options are increasingly in demand. Models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid have found buyers in the GCC who appreciate their mix of efficiency and performance. Ford is positioning the Territory Hybrid to “directly challenge the Tucson Hybrid in the GCC market” once it goes on sale , and to offer a compelling alternative to Toyota’s popular hybrid SUV. With its spacious interior, 5-passenger practicality and robust tech features, the Territory Hybrid stands to attract young families and professionals in the UAE looking for a modern SUV that aligns with their values on sustainability. At the same time, traditional SUV strengths – such as a high driving position, ample cargo room (448 liters expandable to 1,422 liters) , and the ability to tackle long highway drives across desert terrain – are all retained, ensuring it doesn’t alienate buyers used to conventional gasoline models.
From Ford’s perspective, bringing the hybrid now is also about future-proofing its Middle East lineup. The company has seen enormous growth in the region, with sales doubling since 2022 and Ford becoming one of the fastest-growing auto brands in the GCC . The Territory itself was a key driver of that growth, being a locally assembled (China-sourced) model that hit the sweet spot in price and size . Now, as hybrids and EVs gain traction, Ford aims to maintain its momentum by offering more electrified choices. In addition to this hybrid, Ford is launching the all-electric Mustang Mach-E in the Middle East, and already sells hybrid versions of the F-150 pickup and Explorer SUV in some markets . By adding the Territory Hybrid, Ford “now offers four hybrid and electric vehicles in the region”, a lineup expansion that signals its commitment to a diversified, greener product mix . This broad approach helps Ford cater to various customer segments – from those ready to go full EV to those who prefer a transitional step with a hybrid.
Aligning with UAE Sustainability Goals and Consumer Trends
The launch of the Territory Hybrid in the UAE comes at a time when the nation’s sustainability initiatives and consumer preferences are increasingly aligned towards greener mobility. The UAE government has set ambitious targets under programs like the UAE Energy Strategy and Dubai’s Green Mobility Strategy 2030. In Dubai, for instance, authorities have mandated that at least 10% of all new vehicle sales be electric or hybrid by 2030 (along with 30% of government fleet vehicles) . Nationwide, the UAE has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with cleaner transportation being a key component of that vision . Introducing hybrid models such as the Territory directly supports these goals by reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions in the popular vehicle segments. Moreover, the UAE has been incentivizing electric and hybrid vehicle adoption through measures like free parking, reduced registration fees, and an expanding charging infrastructure – all signals that the era of gas-guzzlers is giving way to eco-friendlier choices.
Consumer attitudes are evolving in tandem. A recent Ford Motor Company survey found that 55% of UAE residents are considering purchasing an electrified vehicle (EV or hybrid) in the next 12 months – a remarkably high figure that underscores the shifting mindset of car buyers in the Emirates. Factors like increased environmental awareness, the desire to reduce fuel costs, and improved availability of new models are driving this interest. In this context, the Territory Hybrid arrives as a timely offering. It allows buyers to dip into electrification without the range anxiety associated with full EVs and without needing charging infrastructure at home, which can be a concern for apartment dwellers. For many, a hybrid SUV represents a practical stepping stone towards sustainability – cutting emissions and fuel use by a significant margin, while still operating like a regular car. The Territory Hybrid’s “practical self-charging hybrid system” is explicitly designed to slot into customers’ lives with no extra effort or change in driving habits .
Additionally, the GCC’s broader market trends favor SUVs and crossovers, and increasingly, those that are kinder to the environment. Other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia have included hybrid and electric vehicles as part of their national Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to reduce dependence on oil and lower transport emissions . Ford even noted that the Territory Hybrid and other electrified models align with these “broader regional ambitions around sustainability and mobility” . Early adopters in the UAE, often tech-savvy and socially conscious, are likely to appreciate that purchasing a Territory Hybrid isn’t just about getting a new car – it’s about contributing to the country’s green initiative while still enjoying the comforts and needs of an SUV lifestyle.
Availability and Ford’s Intentions in the Market
Ford’s rollout plan for the Territory Hybrid will see it available in showrooms across the UAE and GCC very soon, following the standard model’s mid-2025 refresh. While exact launch dates haven’t been publicly announced, Ford has confirmed the hybrid **“will join the Middle East lineup soon” after the petrol version’s debut . Industry reports suggest that the 2026 model-year Territory (revealed in mid-2025) was engineered with hybrid readiness in mind, and units could reach Gulf dealerships by late 2025 or early 2026. The hybrid will likely be offered in the same trims as the petrol (e.g., Trend and Titanium X), giving buyers the freedom to choose a hybrid at multiple price points – a strategy consistent with Ford’s statement that the hybrid is “available across all trims” of Territory .
Finally, the Territory Hybrid launch is part of a broader wave of product updates from Ford aimed at sustaining its sales momentum in the Middle East. Alongside this hybrid SUV, Ford is launching performance off-road models like the Expedition Tremor, and its first full EV, the Mustang Mach-E, is arriving soon . The company is also enhancing customer experience, with connected services (FordPass) and a new regional parts distribution center in the UAE to improve after-sales support . All these moves indicate that Ford views markets like the UAE as pivotal for growth, and it is investing accordingly. By expanding its electrified lineup and improving service, Ford is not only chasing sales but also aligning with the region’s vision of a sustainable, high-tech future.
In summary, the Ford Territory Hybrid represents a significant addition to the UAE and GCC automotive landscape – a bridge between the gasoline SUVs of yesterday and the electric mobility of tomorrow. It packages fuel-efficient hybrid technology into a popular, family-friendly SUV format that GCC buyers love, without pricing itself out of reach. In doing so, it supports national sustainability targets and caters to a new generation of drivers who want greener options. Ford’s strategic positioning of this model – emphasized by its strong feature set, competitive pricing, and region-specific marketing – suggests the Territory Hybrid could become a common sight on UAE roads. As the Gulf states accelerate towards their green mobility goals, Ford’s hybrid Territory is geared up to play an important role in driving that change, one eco-conscious road trip at a time.
