Ford Territory. AWD v 4WD

Not released yet, anyone who has one works for Ford although you can order one now and lots have. I had a long drive of a pre production 6 months ago. It had heaps of grunt, smooth and quiet, just like driving a good sedan. Fuel consumption is 2L/100K above a Falcon sedan but that's to be expected as it weighs in at 2 tonne so it's no lightweight. Only a few weeks to go till release and you can test drive, some dealers may already have them as the factory is producing a fair few everyday now.

Typically, vehicles like the Ford Territory, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Subaru Outback, Toyota Rav 4, Toyota Klueger and a heap of other models are AWD or full time four wheel drive. The Honda CRV is front wheel drive with 4wd coming into play when front wheel slip is detected. While they are all good vehicles, one has to be aware of the limitations for"Off-Road" use.
To my knowledge none of the vehicles I mentioned above has "Low Range" and their ground clearance has to be taken into account when you are considering their intended use.
AWD is arguable a safer vehicle than a car with only front or rear wheel drive.
Traditionally, (determined somewhat by magazine scribes and others) the term 4WD has been used to imply that the vehicle has a fair degree of off road capability in the control of an experienced driver. Some 4wd vehicles are AWD in normal operation (Toyota Prado) others use 2WD for normal city work allowing selection of 4WD in various ways for slippery surfaces, sand, rough dirt tracks/roads, and rough terrain.
Hope this helps.
It's said that as many of 90% of "4WD" vehicles never leave suburban streets or highways.
When considering the Ford Territory you need to decide what is your intended use.

Yeah the ford is available as a 2wd only as well, just as the jeep cheroke is in the usa, good for the 'look' i suppose. might as well get a voyager if that is all you want.

David , the ford is set up as an awd , so no low range etc. basically a big version of a subaru forester etc. Probably will be good for dirt roads / forest roads as it looks like it will ride well, good for the snow as well. If they use more juice than the normal ba does, then you will need a healthy bank balance.

Bit of a write up here for what it worth.

http://carsguide.news.com.au

Hi, I'm from geelong and work at Ford, and see a fair few of them on the road 'cause Ford product development is down here, the Territory does not have low range 4wd and I'd be tipping that it never will. It is just a 'softroader' as for underneath, theres not much protection from damaging parts if the car is bottomed out. If your after something for taking off the beaten track a Landcruiser or patrol is the way to go. The territory is more for taking the kids to school. The only place the awd might be a mojor help is at the snow. As for taking it off road, I wouldn't take it much further then my Ford Focus.

David
If their anything like the Holden Cross 8 then read the latest copy of 4WD Monthly they don't get a real good Write Up for Offroadability!

HTH