The latest iteration of the Ford Endeavour, known internationally as the Everest, has been spotted without camouflage in India, sparking hope for a Ford revival. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, the new Endeavour is expected to arrive in fully imported units.
This new generation of the Endeavour offers a range of premium features that set it apart from its Indian counterpart, the Toyota Fortuner. These additional features cater to the preferences of the feature-loving Indian audience, promising a superior cabin experience compared to the Fortuner.
Let's delve into the unique features that make the Endeavour stand out from the Fortuner:
- Panoramic Sunroof: The Endeavour boasts a panoramic sunroof, a highly sought-after feature among Indian car buyers. In contrast, the Fortuner lacks even a standard single-pane sunroof.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): The Endeavour comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and reverse braking assist. These features are absent in the Fortuner.
- Electric Parking Brake: Adding a touch of convenience, the Endeavour features an electric parking brake, which creates more space in the lower center console. The Fortuner, on the other hand, relies on a manual handbrake.
- 12.4-inch Digital Driver Display: The Endeavour boasts a striking 12.4-inch all-digital driver display with multiple view options for the driver. In comparison, the Fortuner offers an analogue instrument cluster with a multi-info display.
- Bigger 12-inch Touchscreen: The top-end variant of the Endeavour features a larger 12-inch touchscreen display in a portrait orientation, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Meanwhile, the Fortuner is equipped with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- 360-Degree Camera: Maneuvering the Endeavour is made easier with its 360-degree camera, particularly useful for parking and navigating tight spots due to its large size. The Fortuner, on the other hand, provides only a reverse parking camera with parking sensors.
- Drive Modes: The Endeavour offers a range of drive modes and off-road modes, including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. In comparison, the Fortuner offers eco, normal, and sport modes, lacking dedicated off-road capabilities like the Endeavour.
- Powered 3rd Row Seats: The Endeavour features powered third-row seats, a convenient feature for folding down the last row to create additional boot space. In contrast, the Fortuner requires manual folding of the third row.
- Heated Seats: Both SUVs offer ventilated seats, but the Endeavour goes a step further by adding heated seats, enhancing comfort, especially in colder regions.
- Heated Steering: Another noteworthy feature in the Endeavour is the heated steering wheel, commonly found in international markets. While not a high priority for Indian buyers, it can be beneficial in colder climates.
It's important to note that the Toyota Fortuner is yet to receive a generation update, unlike the Endeavour. When Toyota eventually updates the Fortuner, it's likely to incorporate many of the features found in the new Endeavour.
The potential pricing of the new Endeavour in India is estimated to be between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, the Endeavour will compete with the likes of the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq, establishing a unique position for itself in the market.