In the world of SUVs, few names command as much respect as the Ford Endeavour.
Now, after a brief hiatus, this behemoth is set to make a triumphant return to Indian shores, and boy, has it been worth the wait!
A Brief History
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the new model, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane.
The Endeavour (known as the Everest in some markets) first graced Indian roads back in 2003. It quickly became the go-to vehicle for those who wanted a taste of American muscle combined with genuine off-road capability.
I remember test driving the first-gen Endeavour. It felt like piloting a tank, in the best possible way. The commanding view of the road, the torquey diesel engine, and the sheer presence it had – it was love at first drive for many, including yours truly.
The Comeback Kid
Fast forward to 2024, and the new Endeavour is ready to reclaim its throne. Ford’s decision to bring back this iconic nameplate wasn’t taken lightly.
“We listened to our customers,” says Vinay Raina, Executive Director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India. “The demand for a robust, capable, yet luxurious SUV has never been higher.”
And robust it is! The 2024 Endeavour is built on Ford’s latest T6 platform, shared with the Ranger pickup. This means it’s got the bones to handle everything from city streets to the harshest off-road trails.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the new Endeavour offers two engine options:
- A 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine churning out 210 PS and 500 Nm of torque
- A 3.0-liter V6 diesel powerhouse producing 250 PS and a whopping 600 Nm of torque
Both engines come mated to Ford’s latest 10-speed automatic transmission. “It’s about giving the driver the right amount of power at the right time,” explains Raj Sarkar, Ford’s Head of Powertrain Engineering in India.
During my test drive through the challenging terrain of Rajasthan, the Endeavour felt unstoppable.
The bi-turbo diesel pulled strongly from low revs, making light work of steep inclines. The V6, on the other hand, felt like it could tow a house and still have power to spare.
Off-Road Prowess
Let’s face it – while most Endeavours will spend their lives on tarmac, its off-road capability is a big part of its appeal.
Ford hasn’t forgotten this. The 2024 model comes with an advanced four-wheel-drive system with selectable drive modes:
- Normal
- Eco
- Sport
- Slippery
- Mud/Ruts
- Sand
- Rock Crawl
Each mode adjusts the vehicle’s systems to tackle different terrains. I had the chance to test the Rock Crawl mode in a particularly gnarly section of our test route. The way the Endeavour clambered over boulders the size of coffee tables was nothing short of impressive.
Tech That Impresses
Step inside the new Endeavour, and you’re greeted by a cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury car.
The centerpiece is a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s SYNC 4A software. It’s intuitive, responsive, and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But it’s not just about entertainment. The Endeavour is packed with driver assistance features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Blind Spot Information System
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- 360-degree camera system
“Safety has always been a top priority for Ford,” says Sarkar. “With the new Endeavour, we’re bringing premium safety features to the mainstream SUV segment.”
Comfort and Practicality
Despite its rugged capabilities, the Endeavour doesn’t compromise on comfort. The cabin is whisper-quiet, thanks to active noise cancellation technology.
The seats, especially in the top-spec Titanium+ trim, are wrapped in plush leather and offer heating and ventilation functions.
Space is abundant, with comfortable seating for seven adults. The third row, often an afterthought in many SUVs, is actually usable in the Endeavour.
With all seats up, there’s still enough room for a couple of large suitcases.
The Competition
The SUV market in India has heated up considerably since the Endeavour’s last outing. It goes up against established players like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and the upcoming Jeep Meridian.
How does it stack up? Well, in terms of off-road capability, it’s hard to beat. The Endeavour’s mix of technology, power, and Ford’s off-road expertise gives it an edge when the going gets tough. In terms of on-road manners and features, it’s right up there with the best in class.
Price and Positioning
Ford has priced the new Endeavour competitively, starting at ₹35.10 lakh for the base Titanium variant, going up to ₹45.50 lakh for the top-spec Titanium+ 4×4 (ex-showroom prices).
It’s not cheap, but given the level of technology, capability, and comfort on offer, it represents good value in the premium SUV segment. “We’re offering a vehicle that can go toe-to-toe with luxury SUVs costing much more,” says Raina.
Ford Endeavour
After spending a couple of days with the 2024 Ford Endeavour, I can confidently say that it was worth the wait.
It takes everything that made the original Endeavour great – the tough-as-nails build, the go-anywhere capability – and brings it firmly into the 2020s with cutting-edge tech and refinement.
Is it perfect? No vehicle is. The sheer size might be daunting for some urban drivers, and the thirst of the V6 engine might raise a few eyebrows at the fuel pump.
But these are small prices to pay for a vehicle that can tackle the urban jungle during the week and conquer actual jungles on the weekend.
The 2024 Ford Endeavour isn’t just an SUV; it’s a statement. It says that you don’t have to choose between luxury and capability, between technology and ruggedness.
It’s a vehicle that’s as comfortable on Park Street as it is on no street at all.
As I handed back the keys after our off-road adventure, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. The Endeavour had lived up to its name – it was indeed a grand adventure.
For those in the market for a premium SUV that can do it all, the Ford Endeavour should be at the top of your list. It’s not just back; it’s back with a vengeance.