Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Polo and Territory are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Territory
+1 pts
Efficiency
Polo
+1 pts
Safety
Polo
+2 pts
Practicality
Territory
+3 pts
Ownership
Territory
+4 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Territory
Performance
13/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
16/20
Polo
Performance
12/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Polo
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Territory
Pros
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Polo
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Territory
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Polo
Territory
Ground Clearance
151
190
Wheelbase
2564
2716
Length
4053
4630
Width
1751
1935
Height
1461
1706
Kerb Weight
1105
1635
Gross Vehicle Weight
1530
2150
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
351
448
Towing Capacity
1000
1200
Front Track Width
1522
-
Rear Track Width
1497
-
Turning Radius
5.1
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Engine
1.4L TSI Turbocharged Petrol (GTI)
1.8L Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement
1395
1798
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
147
140
Power @ RPM
5000-5500 rpm
-
Torque
250
320
Torque @ RPM
2000-3500 rpm
-
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Single Turbo
-
Top Speed
230
185
0-100 km/h
6.7
9.8
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
-
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Transmission
7-Speed DSG
7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Available
Electronic
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
None
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Claimed Mileage
16.4
13.5
City Mileage
12
10
Highway Mileage
18
14
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
60
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Seat Material
Sport Leather
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Height Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Single Colour
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Rear Armrest
Not Available
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Climate Control
Automatic AC
Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows
All Doors
All Windows
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Remote Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Manual
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
12-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Standard
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital Cockpit
-
USB Ports
3
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
LED Headlamps
LED
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Halogen
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch GTI Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
GTI Rear Spoiler
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Tyre Size
225/40 R18
235/55 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Steel
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Height Adjustable
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R4,200
Moderate
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
24 Months
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Warranty Years
3
4
Warranty Kilometers
100000
120000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
4 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
CO2 Emissions
152
175
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Noise Level
67
-
Specification
Polo
Territory
Approach Angle
-
18
Departure Angle
-
22
Wading Depth
-
450
Terrain Modes
-
Normal
Locking Differential
-
Electronic
Final Verdict
🏆Ford Territory
wins with 68 pts
vs 63 pts for Polo
In structured scoring, Territory emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Polo may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
