Ford Endeavour 2.2: First Drive Review

It's interesting to see how SUV-esque crossovers are ruling the Indian car market today, bringing in much needed sales numbers. Purists, especially those love their 'real' SUVs are barely impressed though, dismissing these crossovers as too soft. After all, SUVs are meant to be muscular and imposing, and also have a raw appeal, no?

Like Ford’s Endeavour. We all know how popular its last generation was, for these very virtues, and the full-sized SUV is back now, in an all-new avatar. We've told you all about the Endeavour with the 3.2-litre engine already, and now it's time to get behind the wheel of its more affordable version powered by a smaller, 2.2-litre engine. Does that make it any less appealing? Or is the 2.2-litre engined version, with the same six-speed automatic transmission and a whole of features a better deal?

Let's start with the design first. There's no visual difference between the Endeavour 3.2 and 2.2. In fact, if you were to mask the badging on the front fenders there's no way you can tell them apart. Which means that you get the same impressive yet brutish, typically American design and a hulk of an SUV. The new Endeavour clearly doesn't tread on the curvy lines of several new generation SUVs but it isn't as boxy as its previous generation either.

Of course, it is handsome looking, with generous helpings of chrome and a muscular stance that gives it the appearance of that bouncer outside the discotheque whose suit can barely conceal his rippled physique. There's a clear 'don't mess with me' aura, just like the said bouncer, and that also gets you a lot of respect. Goes without saying, that's also your ticket to bullying most people on the road, especially those hogging the fast lane at crawling speeds.

So the good news is, you get the same imposing, eye-catching design here as the 3.2, including the large headlamps with neat looking LED DRLs, large chromed grille, chromed outside mirrors, skid plates all round and large wheels shod with fat, 265-section tyres. And that's besides the massive length of nearly 5 metres.

And that enormous length translates into a lot of space inside. There's no difference in the seating arrangements which means the Endeavour 2.2 will seat seven easily, though the third row can be a bit of a squeeze for adults. Another good news is, the 2.2 version also gets the electric operation for the tail gate, which adds to the convenience and premium feel both.

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The Endeavour 2.2 comes loaded to the gills when it comes to equipment. I like the fact that Ford has not skimped out on creature comforts, just because this is a more affordable version. We drove the top of the line Titanium version, with a six-speed automatic transmission. What it misses out on as compared to the 3.2 is the terrain management system that allows you to set the SUV’s driver aids and other systems depending on the terrain you drive on. That took away my opportunity to go mud-plugging since I know the new Endeavour is extremely capable off-road. 

That said, the 2.2 is equipped with everything else you would expect of a full-sized SUV. 

And that list includes a whole lot of gadgetry like auto-levelling HID headlights with a jet spray for cleaning and a host of features like cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, hill launch and descent. The 2.2 also gets the same, latest generation SYNC that's a breeze to connect to and use, and has a brilliant interface with its split screens. Full marks to Ford for not skimping on the unit. The infotainment system even comes with two USB ports and 10 speakers that offers crisp audio quality. 

The dashboard feels excellent to look at and feel, thanks to its part leather finish. The highlight of the interiors though are the high fit-finish levels and premium quality of plastics. The 2.2 also gets full leather upholstery like the 3.2, which adds to the rich feel. On the whole, the Endeavour 2.2 does not feel lacking in any way, despite costing significantly lesser than the 3.2, which is a great thing for buyers not wanting to spend the extra cash. 

This Endeavour is powered by Ford's 2.2-litre, four cylinder motor that it has had internationally for a while now. The fact that the motor has been refined and tweaked further for its duty in the new Endeavour is certainly welcome. In this guise it makes a rather impressive 160PS at 3200rpm, along with 385Nm of torque available from as low as 1600rpm.

Despite a kerb weight of over 2200kg the engine does its job fairly well, hauling the massive brute to speeds quickly. Performance is obviously not as brisk as the 3.2 but doesn’t let you complain. Be it taking off from standstill or accelerating through the gears, the engine offers good grunt. Above all, it's the refinement of the motor that shines though, as there's barely any engine noise creeping into the cabin at any point of time. That's also courtesy Ford's ‘Active Noise Cancellation’ technology. It ensures the cabin is quiet by using three microphones that emit a low frequency sound inside. 

I was also impressed with the Endeavour’s dynamics, despite its bulk and the superb ride quality. Expectedly, there’s body roll and at times the MRF tyres make you feel like they’re having trouble pulling the heft through, but there’s a confident feel to the SUV. The steering wheel even offers a precise feel, which aids confidence. The ride quality though is brilliant, as there isn’t much lateral movement and the suspension soaks in bump, potholes and a lot more very well. 

To sum it up, Ford has given me enough reason to choose the Endeavour 2.2 and be happy, unless I really want to show off with the bigger, more powerful 3.2. And that’s besides the fact that with its kind of space, comfort, features and a claimed efficiency number of 14.12kmpl the Endeavour is apt to be your daily driver. The 2.2 may not be as powerful apart from missing out on AWD and the terrain management system, but here’s a question for you, if you’re already wanting to disagree. How many times do you think you’ll really need the terrain management to get you out of a river bed or a sand dune? And how many times on your daily commutes will you need the extra 40PS of power the 3.2 has?

If you’re having to calculate, I assure you the Endeavour 2.2 is all you need. And at Rs 27 lakh ex-showroom New Delhi, it is quite a deal for all that it offers, not to mention the attention and respect it gets you. Think about it – less can be more at times!