Cartrade Comparison Test
Mahindra & Mahindra acquired the South Korean utility vehicle maker - Ssangyong Motor Company in 2011. The first Ssangyong product, the Rexton SUV, came to India in 2013. This big seven-seater SUV is designed and developed to offer excellent off-roading experience. Available in three variants - RX5, RX6 and RX7, the SUV competes against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Here’s our comparison between the two really capable SUVs – Ssangyong Rexton and Ford Endeavour.
Exterior and Interior Design - Ford Endeavour Vs Ssangyong Rexton
The third-generation Ssangyong Rexton SUV, launched in 2013 in India, looks really premium and muscular. The new-gen model of the SUV gets an all-new front fascia five-slat horizontal chrome grille, flanked by neatly designed projector headlamps with integrated daytime LED lights. The large bumper gets integrated fog lamps and LED indicators. The SUV looks more appealing with black treatment around the bottom, while the flared wheel arches add more to its sporty character.
The Ford Endeavour features the octagonal shaped front grille, which we have already seen on the facelifted Figo and the EcoSport compact SUV. The 2014 Endeavour features slightly revised headlamps, fog lamps and the bumper. The flared wheel arches of the SUV have been fitted to newly designed 16-inch alloys. It also gets new body graphics and blind spot mirror on the passenger side.
The interiors of the Ssangyong Rexton are pretty decent. The fit and finish, and the plastic quality is good, while the seats are covered in leather. The design of the central console is simple. It is equipped with various features including a touchscreen interface for audio, DVD player, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony, sunroof, climate control, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls and rear parking sensors.
The Ford Endeavour, too, offers a feature loaded cabin. The fit & finish and plastic quality is good, complemented by a neatly designed dashboard and console. Feature list includes reverse parking camera, new satellite navigation system, in-car DVD player, 6 CD changer, air conditioning for all the rows, etc.
Performance - Ford Endeavour Vs Ssangyong Rexton
Mahindra Rexton is powered by a 2.7-litre in-line 5-cylinder DOHC turbocharged diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 162bhp at 4000rpm (Manual Model) and 184bhp at 4000rpm (for automatic version) and 340Nm (Manual) and 402Nm (Automatic) of torque. On the other hand, the Endeavour is propelled by a 3.0-litre TDCI with variable geometry turbocharger that produces 156PS of power at 3200rpm and 380Nm of torque at 2500rpm.
Conclusion
Despite being slightly cheaper than the Endeavour, the Korean SUV offers more features than its rival. Moreover, the Rexton has the best-in segment ground clearance of 252mm. That said, the Endeavour outshines most of its competitors including the Rexton in terms of drivability and ride & handling.
