OD SUV Slugfest: Ford Endeavour

Bob Rupani Updated: September 05, 2018, 07:26 PM IST

Known for both, its on-road and off-road capabilities, the Endeavour has found favour with many and its fame continues to rise.

Styling and street presence

It has the long-established two-box SUV design with particularly strong and muscular styling. The Endeavour's front end is also amongst the most vertical and upright ones around, and it possesses terrific street presence.

Seating and visibility

The high seating and low dash present a commanding front view, but the A-pillars hamper vision around turns considerably. The wipers do not clean part of the right edge of the windscreen, further hindering visibility. Need to use the running boards to climb in and though it has four grab handles in front and two at the rear, it's not entirely elderly friendly.

All-terrain capability

At 225mm, the Endeavour's ground clearance is exceptional and it has a proper 4WD drivetrain with the transfer case containing an additional set of gears with a far lower ratio. You can select 4WD low and change the gear ratios to deliver max torque and power at much lower engine rpms and vehicle speeds. It also has an outstanding Terrain Management System with modes like Auto, Sand, Snow/Mud and Rock. It also comes with an electric locking rear differential, hill descent control and launch assist, all of which make the Ford Endeavour a seriously capable off-road machine. Such all-terrain capability is now getting rarer with each passing day. But the 4X4 is only available on the top most variant with an automatic transmission and 3.2 litre diesel engine.

Practicality

Spare wheel access is simple and the Endeavour comes with proper engine underbody protection. Luggage space even with third row seats up is good, and there are convenient hooks to fasten the luggage.

Touring ability and performance

The Endeavour has the highest capacity engine in its category generating the maximum power and torque. Despite the moderate fuel economy, the 80 litre fuel tank gives it a range of about 920km. The high speed ride quality is very good and it feels composed even over badly broken patches. All this, along with the assuring high speed stability, make it a first-rate touring machine.

Stage timing

3m 29.01s

The Ford Endeavour grips the ground and transfers its power effectively. Its handling is also predictable but its large size and weight of over 2.5 tons (estimated), means it cannot be thrown about impulsively. Despite this, its stage timing is respectable.

Specifications

Price: Rs 39.65 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Engine type: 3.2D/200PS/470Nm
Fuel Economy: 11.5kmpl
Fuel capacity and Range: 80l/920km
2WD/AWD/4WD: 4WD
4WD lock: Full-time 4x4
Diff Lock: Rear
Ground Clearance: 225mm
Dimensions (LWH) mm: 4,892 x 1,860 x 1,837
Wheelbase: 2,850mm
Weight: NA
Off-Road Driving Modes: Yes
Headlight Washers: Yes
Boot Capacity: 1,050l