The SUV craze seems to show no signs of fading. As such, the Indian car market has seen a massive influx of SUVs and pseudo-SUVs since the advent of the 2010’s. To allow for a wider audience, car manufacturers such as Renault, Ford and Nissan have been launching off-roaders in the sub 15 lakh category. Toyota and Ford, two of the earliest entrants in the SUV segment of the Indian market have now launched the latest iterations of their flagship SUVs overseas. Although no news of the exact launch dates for either cars has made it to the internet, expect a 2016 launch for both products. Before the heavyweights clash in the market next year, we take a look at who might come out on top.
Exterior:
2016 Toyota Fortuner:
The 2016 iteration of the Fortuner introduces a radical revamp of its design, both inside and out. Toyota has employed a more contemporary design language not unlike Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture. However, while Hyundai has moved on with Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 which aims at refining its design and introducing an element of sophistication, Toyota’s latest design language is still in its infancy and requires a bit of polish. With the new design philosophy, Toyota has swapped out the SUV’s butch, overtly dominating exterior with that of a stylish, city oriented design. The front is graced by a large Toyota badge, flanked by sleek, swept back projector headlights. Chrome is present all around in the form of fog lamp accents, grille embellishments, door handles and rear number plate housing. While one might argue that the volumen of chrome may be a little on the higher side, it aids in the already substantial road presence of the new Fortuner. The only remnant of the original Fortuner is its boxy silhouette.
2016 Ford Endeavor:
The Toyota Endeavor sticks to its roots and exudes an aura of virility and capability lacking these days in most SUVs. The boxy frame, muscular haunches, large 20 inch wheels and the rather large all chrome grille allows the Ford off-roader to distinguish itself as the company’s flagship SUV. However, the rear feels rather mellow when compared to the aggressively styled front end. Despite its size, the American car maker has managed to keep the drag coefficient at 0.389 allowing the car to reach higher top speeds with reduced risk.
Interior:
2016 Toyota Fortuner:
The 2016 Toyota Fortuner’s interior is a far cry from the current model. With the addition of a large touchscreen infotainment system, silver and gloss black accent elements and a more modern design approach, the Japanese automaker has managed to significantly improve the upmarket feel of the cabin lacking in the previous generations. However, the use of faux wood panels do feel slightly dated. As with previous generations, the upcoming Fortuner SUV provides oodles of space with foldable seats allowing for increased luggage space.
2016 Ford Endeavor:
The interior of the 2016 Ford Endeavor is far more contemporary when compared to the Toyota Fortuner. Similar to the previous model, the next gen Ford SUV features a beige cabin with black and chrome finishes all around. A massive touch screen display unit adorns the center console with controls for the traction control system and various drive modes resting beside the gear lever. Ford wears the Endeavor (Everest) moniker with pride evident in the car’s badging across the passenger side dashboard.
Under the Hood:
2016 Toyota Fortuner:
Powering the all new Toyota Fortuner is a pair of diesel motors only. Lower models house a 2.4 l four cylinder engine that produces 150 hp from the manufacturer’s all new GD series of engines while higher models are graced with the 177 hp four cylinder 2.8 liter unit from the same family of engines. Although Toyota offers its customers with the choice of a six speed manual or automatic, only the Fortuner’s 2.8 l models are equipped with a four wheel drive system.
2016 Ford Endeavor:
The 2016 Ford Endeavor is also offered with two engine options only. Entry level trims are powered by a 2.2 l four cylinder oil burner that puts out 158 hp while higher variants are powered by an impressive 197 hp 3.2 l five cylinder diesel mill. The Endeavor too is offered with a six speed manual or automatic with all wheel drive available only with the 3.2 l engine.
Verdict
While the Toyota Fortuner has been dominating the Indian car market in the premium SUV segment for quite some time now. Partly due to its towering presence and the lack of competition. This time however, the Japanese face stiff competition from the Americans. Ford’s new Endeavor packs a powerful left hook and the current heavyweight champion has lost quite a bit of its muscle. Although this was a close match, the Endeavor manages to win by knock out in the penultimate moment of the final round.