Confirmed: Ford’s Jeep Compass Rival To Get Mahindra Heart

The co-developed mid-size SUV from Ford and Mahindra will use the Indian carmaker’s platform and engines,and is expected to arrive in 2020

• Ford and Mahindra entered into an agreement to co-develop models, including a mid-size SUV.

• Ford to share Mahindra SUV’s platform and powertrains.

• Mahindra’s SUV in question is likely to be the second-gen XUV500.

• Both expected to launch in 2020, Mahindra first.

• Both likely to offer 7-seater configurations too.

• Will rival the likes of MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and Skoda Karoq.

More than a year ago, Ford and Mahindra had agreed to co-develop a mid-size SUV, or C-SUV, using the latter’s platform while evaluating the option of sharing powertrains. Now, it has been confirmed that Ford’s upcoming rival to the Jeep Compass will use Mahindra powertrains.

Both Ford and Mahindra are expected to bring their co-developed mid-size SUVs in 2020, with the Indian carmaker likely to launch its first. For Mahindra, it’ll be the second generation of the XUV500, which is expected to be based on the new Ssangyong Korando. The 2020 XUV500 is expected to be powered by a pair of new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines and both are likely to get an automatic option as well. So in this scenario, the upcoming mid-size Ford SUV should get the same set of engines.

The joint development of vehicles between the two brands extends to include telematic services as well for their Indian models. These newly developed connected-car technologies are likely to debut on the new mid-size SUVs from both Ford and Mahindra. It is possible that these telematic services may use an eSIM like the upcoming MG Hector, a segment rival, for features such as app-controlled ignition, climate control and a lot more. Other competitors to the next-gen XUV500 and new Ford will be the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Tucson and the yet-to-be-launched Skoda Karoq.

Mahindra will almost certainly offer the XUV500 with the option of a seven-seater configuration as it does on the current XUV500. Meanwhile, Ford may consider the same for its own mid-size SUV on the same platform too. Tata has already showcased the 7-seat iteration of the Harrier (Buzzard) while MG announced plans to do the same for the Hector as well.

While the unveil of the new Korando has given us a glimpse at what the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 could possibly look like, there is no word yet on the Ford SUV’s appearance. However, CarDekho understands that Ford and Mahindra’s version of this SUV will get significantly different top hats, and hopefully cabins too.

What do you think the new Ford will be called? Let’s us know in the comments below and stay tuned to CarDekho for further updates.

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