Best SUV in class: Ford Endeavour

Are you truly dissatisfied with your daily routine? Do you wish to take a vacation from your normal routine? Want to take a vacation and get away from it all? Is your outdated car, on the other hand, unfit for a long journey? Are you looking to replace your outdated SUV? So many inquiries. For you, we offer the finest answer. The Ford Endeavour is the greatest SUV in its class.

Since its introduction in our market nearly two decades ago, the Ford Endeavour has gone a long way. In terms of driving dynamics and general aesthetics, the SUV has advanced dramatically. In fact, we tested the facelifted model just last year, so returning to Sam Dunes in Jaisalmer to test the upgraded 2020 Ford Endeavour was a bit of a déjà vu. However, based on the appearances, it’s difficult to believe that anything has been updated. The 2.0-liter 2020 Ford Endeavour was initially released in 2017 to fulfil Euro 6 emissions rules in global markets, and it has since been powering the Thailand-spec Ford Everest (Endeavour). While we were anticipating the firm to offer the engine in India with the Endeavour makeover last year, the company stated that the engine will be available with the BS6 update, which we have now received. The engine is tweaked to produce 168 horsepower and 420 Nm of peak torque. The motor now has 20% more low-end torque than the previous 2.2L TDCi engine, and it’s also more efficient, with the 4X2 version returning 13.90 Kmpl and the 4X4 version returning 12.4 Kmpl on average. With a 4-decibel reduction in idle noise, the Ford EcoBlue engine is likewise more refined and quieter.

The 2020 Ford Endeavour is also the first car in India to use a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which, according to Ford, eliminates the gaps in available power and acceleration between gears, resulting in a smoother acceleration response. Progressive Range Select or Select Shift is also available for transmission. The SUV is visually identical to the BS4 model, but it now includes Ford Pass, the company’s mobility, and connectivity solution. The system includes features such as starting, stopping, locking, unlocking the vehicle, and knowing the remaining fuel levels and distance to empty and remotely locating their vehicle. The SUV also receives all-LED headlights with low and high beams that deliver up to 20% more lighting penetration for improved vision at night. Terrain Management System (TMS), SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay will all be available on the SUV. Semi-Auto Parallel Park has a panoramic sunroof that covers up to 50% of the roof. Hill launch aid and hill descent control are also available on the SUV.

Overview:

• Ex-Showroom Price: From ₹ 29.99 Lakh Onward
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Fuel Economy/Mileage: 4 – 13.9 Km/l
• Curb Weight: 2204/2415Kg
• Dimensions: 1869 mm (width)/1837 mm (width)/2850 mm (wheelbase)
• Class: SUV
• Engine Type: 0L EcoBlue Diesel Engine
• Transmission: Automatic
• Base Model0l Titanium 4×2 AT
• Top Model: 0l Sport 4×4 AT
• Rivals: Toyota Fortuner / Honda CR-V / Isuzu MU-X / Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace

Key Features:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Driver Knee Airbags
• Front Parking Sensors
• Electrochromic IRVM
• Hill Descent Control
• Curtain Airbags
• Child Safety Lock
• Keyless Entry
• Airbags

Price and Variants:

The Ford Endeavour ex-showroom price ranges from 29.99 lakh to 36.25 lakh. On the road, the highest Ford Endeavour model costs 42.12 lakh. In addition, Ford offers four different versions of the Endeavour.

• Endeavour 2.0l Titanium 4×2 AT

1996 cc, Diesel, Automatic, 13.9 Km/l

₹ 29.99 L

• Endeavour 2.0l Titanium Plus 4×2 AT

1996 cc, Diesel, Automatic, 13.9 Km/l

₹ 33.8 L

• Endeavour 2.0l Titanium Plus 4×4 AT

1996 cc, Diesel, Automatic, 12.4 Km/l

₹ 35.6 L

• Endeavour 2.0l Sport 4×4 AT

1996 cc, Diesel, Automatic, 12.4 Km/l

₹ 36.25 L

Colors:

Diamond White, Absolute Black, and Diffused Silver are the three colors available for the Ford Endeavour.

Design:

Well! It’s difficult to discern the differences at first look. However, if you look closely enough, you’ll find that the headlamps are different. Though the cluster’s architecture stays unchanged, all of the units are LED, with more noticeable daytime running lamps (DRLs) than the predecessor’s projector beams. The rest of the time, it’s similar to the outgoing model in every way, which is a good thing. The Ford Endeavour has always had a distinctive appearance. The Endeavour fan club admires its bold, butch, and huge road presence, which is still unrivaled in its class. Then there’s the new Endeavour emblem on the fender, which replaces the 3.2 or 2.2 writing and suggests a major upgrade under the hood. Finally, there’s also the Ford Endeavour Sport, which includes blacked-out parts like the grille, alloy wheels, and other chrome accents, while the rest of the vehicle is identical to the top-of-the-line 4×4 Titanium Plus specification.

Cabin:

The black and beige inside is unchanged, but there are a number of segment-first features. Powered front seats, power foldable third-row seats, foot-gesture operation for the powered tailgate, semi-auto parallel park aid, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof are just a few of the features available. With soft-touch materials on places your hands will regularly brush across, it yet feels sophisticated. Also included is an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Microsoft sync, which is now pre-configured with FordPass linked car technology, which receives updates over-the-air (OTA). So you can lock/unlock, start/stop, and even precool the cabin remotely, and that’s only the beginning; the feature list is endless. Seven airbags are installed, including a driver knee airbag, seatbelt pretensioners, and ISOFIX child seat anchoring.

Engine:

So the previous Endeavour’s massive 3.2-liter and comparatively efficient 2.2-liter motors, both coupled to six-speed auto transmission, have been dropped from the lineup, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine has taken their place. As a result, the Endeavour is now ‘future-ready,’ meeting the impending BS6 emission regulations. With 166 horsepower and 420 Nm of peak torque, it produces 30 bhp less and 50 Nm less torque than the 3.2-liter engine, but it still produces 8 bhp and 35 Nm more than the 2.2 unit. The argument is that this engine combines the best of both motors, performing on par with 3.2-liter engines while being more fuel-efficient than the 2.2-liter motor. How did Ford accomplish this feat? Well! Aside from the numerous calibrations that went into this new 2.0-liter engine, it’s the world’s first 10-speed automatic gearbox, which works flawlessly, offering all the power you need, just when you want it. Even this, like manual transmissions, can skip gears to keep you in the proper rev range. Let’s imagine you’re driving in eighth gear and want to make a quick overtaking; depending on your throttle input, it can shift down to sixth or even fourth gear. Furthermore, the shifts are precise, the ratios are correct, and it maintains the revs till 4000 rpm even when pushed in D mode; in S mode, you can easily rev the motor to the red line. The engine feels sprightlier right away, and the bottom-end latency isn’t noticeable. The mid-range has plenty of power as well. Also, because of the optimal gear ratios and healthy low-end torque, you can cruise at triple-digit speeds while the engine remains quiet and relaxed. However, when pushed too hard, the motor becomes a little nervous near the upper end, where it becomes more vocal and produces more noise than progress. Ford also claims that the new engine has 20% more low-end torque than the previous 2.2-litre TDCi engine, and it’s 20% more fuel-efficient, producing 13.90 kmpl in two-wheel drive and 12.4 kmpl in four-wheel drive.

Off-road:

The 10-speed gearbox also has Select-Shift functionality, which allows you to lock a specific gear beyond which it will not upshift, regardless of how hard you rev it. In the sand, where you can’t afford to lose momentum, that’s a huge plus. We were told to lock third gear on the shifter, and the transmission wouldn’t go much higher, causing the Endeavour to jump over even the steepest inclines without engaging the differential lock. With the security of a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system, all I had to do was keep a firm foot on the accelerator, and there were enough grunts to go swashing the dunes. You’ll feel like a hero even if you’re not doing much of the work. Then there’s the Terrain Management System, which unlocks the Endeavour’s dexterity, and as you switch modes from normal to gravel or mud, and finally to sand, you can feel the aggression growing up. Furthermore, the Endeavour has always been primarily an off-road vehicle. With high approach and departure angles and 225 mm of ground clearance, you rarely have to worry about scraping its nose or belly, even on the crests. The independent front suspension and linkage types at the rear are combined with anti-roll bars, and there are numerous electronics to ensure that you maintain control even when the vehicle slides.

Driving experience:

Yes, indeed! The Ford Endeavour is still capable of taking on any challenge. But, surely, not every owner will come across those perilous terrains? That brings us to how capable it remains as a daily driver and highway cruiser. Even at triple-digit speeds, the previous Endeavour surprised us with its body manners, and it still feels firmly anchored to the road. Though body rolls are noticeable at bends and turns due to the vehicle’s weight of over 2.4 tonnes, they aren’t conspicuous and won’t cause you or other passengers to jig around even at a reasonable pace. While the steering isn’t as quick as it should be, given its size and mass, you feel connected and always know what’s going on with your wheels. The suspension, on the other hand, is the sweet spot, as it functions quietly. Bumps and potholes are only noticeable if they are large or steep. On those 18-inch alloy wheels shod in thicker, high profile tyres, it nevertheless feels supple across undulations, allowing you to cruise around at normal speeds, which we all like, don’t we?

Pros of Ford Endeavour:

• The engine that is more refined and efficient
• Transmission has the ability to skip and lock gears.
• Off-road gear is still available in full.
• FordPass makes it the segment’s sole connected vehicle.
• Prices have dropped as a result of the loss of so much.

Cons of Ford Endeavour:

• There hasn’t been any substantial feature updates.
• The 3.2L’s torque surge is gone.
• Only a tilt-adjustable steering wheel is available.

Customer Reviews: 

• This is the most comfortable and safest SUV on the market. It’s far too muscular and appealing.
• In terms of features, this car is excellent. In terms of comfort, this is a fantastic vehicle. In terms of styling, this car is excellent. In every way, this is a fantastic vehicle.
• This vehicle is a monster. 3.2 Glides over poor roads with ease. At this pricing point, ‘Raja Gaadi’ Premium feels more premium than its competitor. It can also compete with the higher-end Toyota Prado.
• In comparison to the 3.2-liter engine, the 2.2-liter engine is not as good. That is a complete beast. I’m hoping Ford will release a 3.2-liter engine.

What are you waiting for? Get your Ford Endeavor today and bid farewell to the monotony of existence.