In the global automotive arena, FORD is one of those that can rightly be called a heritage brand. Established in 1896 in its hometown of Detroit, the brand remained under the Ford family's ownership for over 110 years, with luxury car brands like Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Mercury having been under its belt at some point in time. Today, Ford is recognized for its all-American line-up of rugged pick-up trucks, the F-150, Ranger, and Ranger Raptor, as well as the Ford Everest SUV.

Those vehicles are massive, however, and perfectly suited for either the wide expanse of land of the American countryside or as efficient, functional haulers. Don't get me wrong - they're fantastic for transporting both cargo and people. But if I were a regular Joe, without the need for such space, I would be looking for an SUV that is capable, with adaptable drivability, impeccable styling, and has the features to keep up with a lifestyle that's constantly on mach-5.

Here is where Ford gets it right with the Territory. True to its name, the Ford Territory sets its sights on being the all-around SUV, setting up its own dominion that is apart from vehicles of the same class. At first look, it carries a modern-day, sophisticated style that is both classic and up-to-the-minute, with a minimalist feel that is adaptable for male or female. It is neither too large nor too compact, taking away the usual intimidating aura that you get with larger Ford vehicles.

The full experience sets in when you sit inside the cabin and realize that the Territory is designed to complement its owner's appetite for sport and exploration. The cabin offers comfort, entertainment, and functionality; and is able to house more than it seems from the outside. The driver and passenger seats are decidedly spacious, finished in luxe perforated leather and offering adjustable lumbar support. The second row is likewise generous, in a bench seating format with a split-folding seatback feature, with the legroom to accommodate taller, above-average height individuals. The cargo hold is cavernous for an SUV of its size, able to store a full weekend's worth of essentials and possibly any extra equipment.

One of the features that Ford prides itself on is how its vehicles are always updated with the latest technology. The Territory's in-vehicle infotainment system is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen that has built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upping the ante in entertainment and convenience for its passengers. What's great about the Territory is that it did not skimp on what matters to a modern-day driver; that is, the presence of a discretely installed wireless charging pad and three USB charging ports. Never run out of juice anytime on the road!

Staying true to its American heritage, the Ford Territory drives as you would expect an all-American vehicle - extremely light and easy on the steering, steady and smooth on the suspension, but delivering the kind of power feel that you wouldn't expect from a 1.5L CVT engine. Taking it through the city and out on the highway with the posse, the Territory is made for a long, continuous journey, taking the bumps and potholed streets like a pro, and doing even better on rougher terrain. In fact, despite its size, the Territory holds so much of the original signature Ford personality that it performs exactly how its bigger, more expansive brothers would.

Being ingrained with the Ford DNA does not make one a Ford. It has to live up to the name and the Territory does exactly that by being the kind of SUV that can support the grueling everyday of a fast-paced, demanding world. With the kind of features that the independent tech-savvy market can appreciate, it stands on its own pedestal as an SUV that is built on heritage but is carving its own niche - with a swagger to boot.