New Ford Everest debuts

It hasn’t been long since the next generation of the Ford Ranger was revealed and as the saying goes, where the Ranger goes, the Everest follows. 

With that said, the new Everest has broken cover and Ford says it’s infused with customer-focused technology and it is fun to drive. 

First things first. Motivation comes from three turbocharged diesel engines; a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel from the F-150, a single-turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain and a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with power outputs that remain unknown at this stage.

Depending on the model, the engines are paired either with a 6-speed automatic or 10-speed SelectShift transmission. 

The new Everest comes with a choice of two four-wheel-drive systems; a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case and an advanced permanent four-wheel-drive that utilises an electronically-controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case with selectable drive modes. 

For some off-road stints, it features underbody protection plus off-road selectable drive modes and a rear-locking differential. Depending on the market, the new Everest is also available with a two-wheel drive system. 

The changes in dimensions include a 50 mm increase in its track width that, according to Ford, has helped deliver a more controlled ride on the road while enhanced damper settings allow for more fun and control on and off the road. 

Ford’s new Everest is bolstered with a water wading depth of up to 800 mm and a maximum braked trailer towing capability of up to 3,500 kg. Besides the new integrated or stand-off roof rails that can now support static loads of up 350 kg and 100 kg dynamic loads, the Everest has space in the engine bay for a second battery to power aftermarket accessories.

Inside, the new Ford Everest features a more refined interior that comes equipped with the latest connectivity and technology. Depending on the trim chosen, it comes with an 8” or 12.4” digital instrument cluster. A high-res portrait touchscreen that measures 10.1” or 12” can be had and is linked to a 360-degree camera with a split-view display. 

The system boasts Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system and a factory-fitted FordPass Application.

As a seven-seater SUV, the new Everest boasts a full-width coast-to-coast instrument panel and centre console with dual cup holder recesses, plus dash-mounted ‘pop out’ cup holders for front-seat occupants.

The top of the range models are fitted with integrated wireless charging and an electronic parking brake. Depending on the trim variant specified, features such as heated and ventilated 10-way power-adjustable memory function seats are available for the driver, 8-way for the passenger as well as heated seats for the second row.

Ingress and egress to the third-row seats is now easier, thanks to the second-row seats’ sliding function. There are charging points in all three rows with high-end variants boasting a folding function with the touch of a button, 

To better accommodate long loads, the second and third-row seats can now be folded flat. The rear also features what Ford engineers call ‘apple catcher’ which is a small lip that stops items falling out of the back when the tailgate is opened. 

Underfloor storage space further helps to keep sizable items out of sight. 

Like the new Ranger it is based on, the new Ford Everest spawns C-clap headlights and a horizontal upper grille bar. The front-end is further dominated by a mix of horizontal and vertical elements while the sides boast a shoulder line that runs from the front to the back. 

Available on selected models by market, the new Everest features matrix LED headlamps with automatic dynamic levelling while the rear boasts a clean look thanks to LED taillights with a distinctive look.  

In the safety stable, the new Everest is fitted with an adaptive cruise control system in three versions depending on market and model; Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring and Intelligent adaptive cruise control. 

Ford has also introduced new and enhanced safety features such as a lane-keeping system with road-edge detection, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist and blind spot information system with trailer coverage. 

The pre-collision assist with intersection functionality has been enhanced. 

Reveal models include the Sport, Titanium+ and a new flagship grade, Platinum. It will be built at the Thailand plant alongside the Raptor and full details will be provided closer to its market launch. 

Order books of the new Ford Everest will open in the second quarter of 2022.