Ford Endeavour launched: Competition Check

The current-gen Ford Endeavour was launched in India back in 2016. Ever since then, the full-size SUV from the American carmaker has soldiered on without any changes except for a few rejigging in the variants. Now, a mid-life update to Endeavour comes in the form of minimal cosmetic changes and added features. Here's how it stacks up against its direct rivals in the seven-seater SUV segment, read on to find out. 

Toyota Fortuner:

Also introduced in 2016, the current Toyota Fortuner has been the arch-nemesis of the Ford Endeavour. Both these SUVs are huge, imposing, and demand respect. The flagship Toyota has been in the Indian market for ages now and has made a significant impact amongst the Indian SUV enthusiasts. But the Endeavour does give it a run for its money in terms of street presence. The Fortuner is sleek and very Japanese while the Endeavour is hunky and properly American. Ultimately, choosing between the two cars boils down to personal preferences. 

Isuzu MU-X

The Endeavour is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder mill with six-speed AT. And the MU-X offers performance similar to the 2.2-litre variant, but it is no match to the full-blown 197bhp 3.2-litre variant of the Endeavour. The Endeavour garners a lot of road presence with its in-your-face styling, whereas even after the update last year, the Isuzu is too understated for some people. 

Mahindra Alturas G4

Mahindra entered the seven-seater SUV segment with the Alturas G4. Basically a rebadged Ssangyong Rexton, the Alturas G4 has everything that it takes to lock horns with the likes of Fortuner and Endeavour. The Mahindra flagship is loaded with features such as 360 camera and quilted leather upholstery.  It also looks imposing with its huge dimensions and muscular stance. And most importantly, it is more affordable than the Endeavour. 

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi continues to soldier on in the Indian market with the Pajero Sport. It is offered with a 2.5-litre power plant, and it also matches the Endeavour’s 2.2-litre in terms of power. The Mitsubishi seems like the most aged vehicle in this segment and given the shoddy after sales service, the Pajero Sport isn’t the first preference in this segment. Moreover, Mitsubishi is also slightly more expensive. 

Honda CR-V

Honda has resurrected the CR-V in India with a new diesel heart and a seven-seater configuration. Compared to the muscular Endeavour, the CR-V looks rather sophisticated. It also looks somewhat upmarket in comparison to the rugged appeal of the Blue Oval. Moreover, it offers a petrol engine option as well, which the Endeavour doesn’t. However, compared to the two powerful oil burners in the Ford, the CR-V has a modest 1.6-litre producing 118bhp. 

Skoda Kodiaq

Similar to the CR-V, the Kodiaq is an upmarket SUV. Available in a single trim, the Skoda is an expensive car when compared to the Endeavour. It also has lesser power output, but the Kodiaq offers plenty of modern luxury features such as nine airbags, compared to the Endeavour. Nevertheless, the Ford Endeavour is a true blue SUV in every sense.