First Drive Review: The 2025 Ford Endeavour, Everest Reach New Heights In Power And Luxury

The previous generation model was perhaps the only one to give the Toyota Fotuner a fight and now the new one could come albeit in a new avatar altogether

Ford's return to India has been an enigma wrapped in a mystery but few things have been clear that while Ford is back, it is currently for exports. So, when would you have a new Ford at a showroom near you to buy? Well, that still remains unanswered but the SUV that you see here could be pencilled for a comeback to our market.

It is of course, the new generation Ford Endeavour or Everest as it is called in other markets. The previous generation model was perhaps the only one to give the Toyota Fotuner a fight and now the new one could come albeit in a new avatar altogether. This is the new Endeavour which we managed to get our hands on. It is still based on the Ranger pick-up as is the Fortuner and is a large ladder-frame SUV.

However, the new Endeavour/Everest looks more modern and butch with the larger grille and those C-shaped headlamps. While in some ways, it is an evolution of the older one, there is now a more upright stance and a more chrome heavy front with the new grille. It has a presence though and that is what matters. Inside, it is still more of a rugged off-roader rather than being a full-on luxury SUV but there is a lot of tech with a much larger 12-inch touchscreen which is portrait sized and a new driver display.

Amongst the features, the split view 360 degree camera is slick plus useful pop out cup holders along with necessities like a wireless charger, a 12-speaker audio system, dual panel sunroof, dual-zone zone air con and more. The second row seats are more comfy than rivals but the third row isn't so much. We drove the new Endeavour in its petrol avatar with an Ecoboost turbo with a 10-speed automatic. Compared to the previous one, the new version has a better ride quality and less of the typical bounciness that you expect from such SUVs.

The automatic gearbox shifts early in the interests of fuel efficiency since the new Endeavour remains a heavy car. Where the new Everest scores is the tough suspension, steering and the 4WD set-up. It is not a soft-roader but an off-roader with a bit of polish. We also noticed better NVH over the earlier Endeavour.

If imported into India, the new Endeavour/Everest would be much more expensive than the Fortuner while India will get a diesel for sure. Hence, even if priced at Rs 70 lakh, the new Endeavour has the appeal to get buyers notably due to its cabin, design and the way it drives. It is a more premium product but at heart, a rugged 4x4.

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