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The most common debate in the full-size SUV world still remains to be dwindling on one question. Which one to pick; the Ford Endeavour or the Toyota Fortuner? We’ve answered this question several times, but, in my opinion, I suppose this is the best time to revisit the question yet again since both the manufacturers have made some crucial changes to both the abovesaid models in the BS-VI era.
The Fortuner was just updated to meet the said emission norms. In all honesty, the Toyota Fortuner was expected to get a mid-cycle facelift along with a BS-VI approved version of the 2.8-litre diesel engine, which was postponed in light of the ongoing pandemic. Toyota will, however, launch the facelift Fortuner very soon, giving its full-size SUV a new lease of life.
The Ford Endeavour, on the other hand, was updated a few months ago with an all-new 2.0-litre BS-VI approved diesel motor, which now comes mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It was, however, sad to see the only 5-cylinder engine go, which was the 3.2-litre mill that propelled under the hood of the 2020 Endeavour’s predecessor.
Luckily, we got a chance to get a first-hand experience behind the wheel of the new Endeavour before this pandemic locked us in our house. So, before we discuss how it drives, let’s take a look at what new does it bring to the table.
In terms of aesthetics, Ford has made very subtle changes to the exterior. The major giveaway here is the use of new projector headlamps, which now get a new projector lens. The other and the only other change is the badging on the front fender, which earlier used to read 3.2.
But unlike the exterior, there’s nothing new inside the 2020 Ford Endeavour new model. The only change here is the mention of 10-speeds inside the MID, and that’s just about it. It still, however, continues to be better equipped than the Toyota, since it comes with an active noise cancellation system, a panoramic sunroof, the brand’s SYNC3 infotainment system with support for Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and much more.
While the Fortuner misses out on the features mentioned above, it does bring paddle-shifters to the table. Both cars get push-button start with keyless entry, electronically retractable wing mirrors with electronic adjustment, powered driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic LED headlamps, and all the other essentials. So, in the features department, the Ford easily better the Toyota.
We do expect Toyota to up the ante in terms of the overall equipment with the facelift version of the Fortuner. However, before it comes out, the Endeavour remains to be the better equipped of the two.The one feature new to the Endeavour is Ford Pass, the brand’s connected-car application, which allows the users to remotely switch on the car, cool it up, request the location of the vehicle, amongst other things.
Under the hood is where all the differences lie in the new Endeavour. Gone are the older 3.2-litre and 2.2-litre diesel mills for a cleaner and greener – of course, BS-VI compliant – 2.0-litre diesel engine. This engine is christened as Panther and it’s made in India and exported to other countries. At 170bhp and 420Nm, it’s even torquier than before. Also new is a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which is slick and smooth in operation.
The Fortuner, on the other hand, continues with the same 2.8-litre diesel mill, which is good for 174bhp and 450Nm of torque. On paper, the Fortuner seems to have a slight advantage over the Endy. But only a real-world test will tell if there’s any difference between how they drive. While the Fortuner comes mated to a 6-speed AT in the top-spec trims, it also comes with a 6-speed manual on the lower trims, if you’re into that.
Moreover, the Fortuner still also comes with a 2.7-litre petrol engine, which I have not mentioned here since there are no potential buyers for the same. It’s worth noting that these heavy SUVs are better off with a diesel engine.
So, which one should you pick? As of now, the Ford Endeavour remains to be the better option of the two, since it packs more features and is dynamically better. However, if you can wait, the upcoming facelifted Toyota Fortuner might just be one better than the Ford.
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