Ford Endura Titanium: Hands-on review
Is it really an Endura like nothing before it?
When launching the Endura, the Ford Australia CEO exclaimed that the new SUV is unlike any Ford had made previously – at least in terms of equipment, design and "sophistication". Those are some pretty sizeable claims, so we hopped in the latest Ford Endura Titanium to see what it's like.
Ford Endura Range Pricing
| Model | Manufacturer's list price |
|---|---|
| Endura Trend FWD | $44,990 |
| Endura Trend AWD | $48,990 |
| Endura ST-Line FWD | $53,990 |
| Endura ST-Line AWD | $57,990 |
| Endura Titanium FWD | $63,990 |
| Endura Titanium AWD | $67,990 |
The manufacturer's list price for the Endura we drove is $63,990. The press car also included the "Ingot Silver" paint option for $650, two DVD players at $1,600 and a Bang and Olufsen sound system for another grand – taking the final bill to $67,240.
What's it like inside?
If you're buying a mid-size SUV, there are probably features you're ok with passing on. Maybe you're not really fussed for massive ground clearance and suspension articulation, and perhaps you're ok with not having seven seats. But there's one thing the majority of SUV buyers will not be willing to part with: space.
You'll be glad to know that the 2019 Ford Endura has ample.
Being built on a 2,849mm wheelbase means there is plenty of room inside – both in the front and in the back.
You get leather-appointed seats and touchpoints as well as a front-to-back moonroof on the Titanium model we tested. You also get heated and ventilated seats that have power adjustment plus three memory settings, dual-zone climate control and a centre console bin so deep it wouldn't surprise me if you could see the dull glow of the Earth's core somewhere near the bottom.
The Endura gets Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment software, which is accessed via an 8-inch full-colour touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available if you feel inclined, but SYNC 3 is a pretty good system that gives you control of more or less everything in the vehicle – even ambient lighting. Satellite navigation is included as well as a traffic management channel.
In the back, there is plenty of leg and head room. I had no issue hopping behind my own driving position, with room to spare between my knees and the drivers.
Rear passengers get directable air-conditioning vents, reclining back rests and there are even heated seats as long as you don't draw the short straw and have to sit in the middle. Rear seat heating is often an expensive extra even on the most luxurious premium 4x4s.
As mentioned, the model we had was bestowed with the $1,600 DVD pack, which has external HDMI and Aux ports. The latter means you can plug in headphones and not have to listen to Frozen on repeat. Only you are going to know if this is necessary and/or of value to you, but I think there are worse ways you could spend $1,600. Minimising sibling bickering as well as peace and quiet have their price.
The moonroof extends over the rear passengers heads too, which should help them doze off when coupled with their heated, reclining seats and DVDs.
All in all, the Endura feels like a premium SUV.
Safety technology
Safety is of top concern for family buyers.
The Ford Endura Titanium is fitted with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition as standard.
A fun inclusion is the active park assist that will literally park the vehicle for you – completely hands off. It is a bit slower than parking the vehicle yourself, but if you aren't a confident parallel or reverse parker, it is a welcome inclusion.
Trailer sway control also comes standard on the Endura range to make towing behind the mid-size SUV that bit easier and less stressful.
How practical is the Endura Titanium?
Braked towing is rated at 2,000kgs across the Endura range. This means that you should be able to tow most things; however, as with every vehicle purchase, you must do your sums.
With all five seats in use, there is around 602 litres of space available under the cargo cover or 800 litres if you fill the boot to the roof. With the back seats down, you will have access to 1,847 litres of space.
A power lifting tailgate with hands-free operation makes it really easy to load the vehicle up as well.
The turning circle is 11.9 meters, pretty much in line with the Toyota Kluger. Needless to say, if you're living in inner city suburbs, you're going to want to take this into consideration when purchasing.
How does it look?
When looking at the Endura, it is a tale of two halves. Up front, you have a more aggressive looking vehicle that looks edgy with its LED DRLs. Take a walk to the back and things look much more premium with black accents around the hatch.
The model we tested, being the Titanium, had large 20-inch wheels and the optional "Ingot Silver" metallic paint option for $650, which added to the high-end look.
On the road
As you would expect from a car that offers perhaps the most upmarket interior in a Ford, the ride is smooth and uncompromising. We found it easy to chew up the miles in total comfort. The Endura effortlessly swallowed up rough roads.
Power in our variant is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The "E-Shifter" rotary dial takes a bit of getting used to, and as with the ST-Line Ford Focus we recently tested, it takes some time to swap cogs.
A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is responsible for motion and it produces 140kW and 400Nm of torque. With its large kerb weight and FWD set-up, we found that if you leave a standing start spiritedly, you are going to get some wheel spin.
Steering is well weighted, with a balanced feel and it does a good job of making the Endura respond like a car smaller than the mid-size SUV.
Both AWD and FWD models should achieve around 6.7L/100km on a combined cycle and as of today, a full tank of fuel will set you back around $94, with its 64L tank.
As with the Ford Everest we tested late last year, cabin noise is kept to a minimum thanks to various endeavours by Ford's engineering team. Sydney has had some miserable weather lately, but visibility was greatly improved with sequential sweep windscreen wipers.
Ownership
When purchasing a new Endura, you will benefit from the Ford Service Benefits program.
What does that mean?
When your vehicle is in for a service, you will receive a complimentary loan car to ensure your day doesn't come to a painful, grinding halt. You also receive auto club membership with roadside assistance. Ford additionally gives owners complimentary satellite navigation updates and caps the first 4 years of ownership to $299 per service.
Ford Endura options list
| Model | Option | Manufacturer's list price |
|---|---|---|
| All | Prestige paint (all models) | $600 |
| All | Tow bar (all models) | $1,000 |
| All | Twin head restraint DVD rear entertainment system (all models) | $1,600 |
| Trend | 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tyres (Trend only) | $1,000 |
| Trend and ST-Line | Dual-panel panoramic glass roof (deletes roof rails – Trend and ST-Line) | $2,500 |
| ST-Line | Enhanced active park assist (ST-Line only) | $1,000 |
| ST-Line and Titanium | Premium B&O 12-speaker audio with 180-degree front split-view camera (ST-Line and Titanium) | $1,000 |
The Verdict
It's big, premium and comfortable. There is plenty of room for rear passengers and they are going to travel in comfort too. As long as you don't need seats seven and eight, I'd take a look at the Endura. It's rather endearing and looks sure to endure.
