Ford Endeavour facelift: Ford has recently made a re-entry into the Indian market, and now it is creating waves with rumours of a comeback of the Endeavour — but this time around with a facelift.
Sold internationally as the Ford Everest, the updated iteration of this full-size SUV has seen the light of the day in a number of global markets and has fans in India wishing it comes back.
This is not a refresh, it’s a total transformation that successfully marries ruggedness with leading-edge tech and plenty of macho kerb appeal.
The Ford Endeavour has always been, in the eyes of many SUV lovers, the benchmark for a proper ladder-frame off-roader that hasn’t lost touch of luxury.
The facelift builds on that recipe with bolder styling, smarter interiors, and more potent engine choices.
Bold, Sharper, and More American Looking
Design – The New Ford Endeavour has a masculine, chiselled design and looks stunning on the road, clearly inspired by Ford’s global truck family, in particular the Ranger.
Up front, there’s now the C-shaped LED DRL signature, a broaded grille and a more upright pose.
The ratios are also better, this makes it look larger and more threatening.
Also at the back, the tail-lamps are slimmer, while the tailgate gets discreet chrome inserts that give it a premium feel.
Big alloy wheels, squared-off wheel arches and skid-plates also contribute to the tough-yet-premium look.
The old Endeavour may have looked purposeful and elegant, but the facelift version looks more macho and bold, something that only American pickup trucks are generally associated with; and that, for SUV purists, is a great thing.
High-Tech, Spacious Interior
On the inside, the Ford Endeavour facelift moves upmarket by a huge margin.
Now it has a massive, 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen that’s flanked by a digital driver display and framed by a sparse, layered dashboard design.
The level of materials is good, offering soft-touch plastics, leather seating, and brushed metal touches.
There’s some great connectivity too that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, connected car tech, and several USB points.
Other creature comforts are powered front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and cavernous cabin storage.
Seating comfort continues to be a strength. The second row provides generous legroom and headroom, and the third row is less cramped than in many competitors.
With the third row folded, boot space is plentiful and makes the seven-seat SUV a practical family long-distance tourer.
Performance and Off-the-Road Performance
Powering the new Endeavour overseas, are 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbo diesel motors, with both coming mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
These are the most powerful and refined engines ever and freeway crusing is a joyful experience and off-roading is a snap.
The 4×4 version gets terrain management modes, low range gearbox and locking rear differential thus being a performer off the beaten path and gong up and down steep inclines.
It is yet to be clear as to which of the two variants will make its way to India, but we can assume that Ford is bound to bring back the Endeavour in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
Ride comfort is still cushy that the benefit of the properly matched suspension.
Despite that reach, the Endeavour still manages to offer a good compromise between a comfortable long-distance tourer and an outright off-roader.
Safety First
Ford is betting everything on safety. The updated Endeavour provides:
7 – 9 airbags (varies by specification)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
AEB stands for Autonomous Emergency Braking
Lane-keeping assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Adaptive cruise control
360-degree camera
Making the new Endeavour one of the safest full-size SUV’s in its segment, rivalling top-tiered names like Toyota Fortuner or Jeep Meridian.
Pros:
Bold American SUV styling
Luxurious and tech-rich cabin
Sophisticated diesel engines with plenty of torque
Great ride comfort and off-road competence
Top-notch safety features with ADAS tech
Cons:
Anticipated to be available on the pricier aspect
Can be tight in city traffic.
Outward visibility takes a hitReclining third-row optional only on Platinum gradesThirst for fuel in city drivingThird row still mostly for little ones or small adults
India launch timeline spotted The timing of Indian launch seems uncertain at the moment.
Fuel economy not a strong suit
Ford Endeavour facelift: Conclusion
The Ford Endeavour Facelift is a telltale of the fact that rugged ladder-frame SUVs are very much alive and kicking in the current market, especially when they come loaded with premium equipment and contemporary technology.
Whether it’s you as a city slicker enjoying the road command or you as an off-road fanatic looking for an adventure, you are promised that Endeavour should satisfy you.
If Ford does reintroduce the Everest in the Indian market, it will again pose some serious threat to the Toyota Fortuner — and offer Indian customers an alternative option without compromising on muscle, comfort, and road presence.