Ford Endeavour: Ford Endeavour, which is sold in other markets as Ford Everest, was one of the much-appreciated full-size SUVs in the Indian market.
Even before Ford left local manufacturing in India, the Endeavour was already popular for its tough demeanor, good off-road credentials and a plush cabin.
Its legacy has seen to that, and despite no longer being on sale as a new product, used models remain a hot commodity.
Stunning Road Presence That can be Keenly Felt
The Endeavour always had a strong visual presence. It has a huge stance and a lot of ground clearance, a large front grille and muscular lines, so in silhouette it looks like a genuine, not just a crossover wannabe, SUV.
Its hard DNA is less compromised than some rivals, which have mellowed their design to appeal to urbanites.
The high bonnet line, broad body, aggressive wheel arches, and big alloy wheels all combine to give it real road presence. Even while sitting still, it appears ready for an adventure.
Be it highways or terrains, the Endeavour separates itself for all the good reasons.
Premium and Spacious Cabin
In the cabin, the cabin of the Ford Endeavour is premium yet practical.
The dashboard design is fresh and modern and combines soft-touch materials, chrome details, and a neatly integrated touchscreen infotainment system.
The seats are big and shapely, providing plenty of padding for long routes.
The second row has plenty of legroom and shoulder room, and the third row, though a better fit for kids or short trips for adults, adds versatility for larger families.
There’s a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and powered driver seat adding to the premium vibe.
The insulation in the Endeavour’s cabin is also remarkable. Engine and wind noise are also muted, thanks to active noise cancellation and thick glass, giving the cabin a quiet, peaceful ambience even at high speeds.
Powerful Engine with Smooth Performance
During its last stint here, the Ford Endeavour came with two diesel engines: a 2.2-litre four-cylinder and a high-power 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
The second of these was mated with a 10-speed automatic and made 170 PS and 420 Nm.
It wasn’t the on-paper most powerful SUV in the segment, but it was so well sorted both in terms of engine and gearbox, that it felt smooth and responsive in real world conditions.
The 10-speed transmission is smart and keep the engine in the sweet spot.
The Endeavour is designed for rough terrain. It can confidently take on off-road trails, muddy paths, and steep inclines with features such as a terrain management system, low-range 4WD, hill descent control and high water-wading capability.
Ride Quality and Handling
Underpinning the Ford Endeavour is a ladder frame chassis, however, it makes great concessions in terms of comfort.
It’s the bad road package with the suspension doing a fantastic job of absorbing bumps and potholes.
I never felt it out of its element, even while cruising for hours on a long stretch of highway.
It has light steering at low speeds but weights up very well at highway speeds, so it’s still easy to drive despite its size.
There’s acceptable body roll for a truck-based SUV, and the overall handling is superior to that of many competitors in the same class.
Features and Safety
The Endeavour was loaded with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium sound system, ambient lighting and selectable drive modes.
Higher-spec trims also offered or were embellished with a hands-free tailgate, parallel park assist, and semi-digital instrumentation.
Safety bits were seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX mounts.
These features made the Endeavour one of the safest in full-size SUVs available at the time.
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Pros
Tough looks with road presence and SUV styling
Superb ride for a body-on-frame SUV
Silky 10-speed automatic transmission
But it also can perform when there’s work to be done or a path to be taken!
High-class, well-insulated cabin
Cons
No petrol variant offered
Adults are a squeeze in the third row
Big can be difficult in city parking
Ford’s retreat from Indian manufacturing dents resale faith
Ford Endeavour: Verdict
With its blend of luxury, power, and off-road-ability, the Ford Endeavour was the almost-perfect big, boxy SUV.
Despite Ford’s exit from the Indian market, the Endeavour continues to be a star in the pre-owned market thanks to its comfortable ride, ruggedness and simply its road presence.
If you are someone who appreciates the bulkiness, luxury and the raw nature of an SUV, then the Endeavour would still seem like a great option.