The next-generation Ford Everest makes its global debut today, blending adventure-ready capability with exceptional comfort and customer-focused technology in a rugged, refined and fun-to-drive SUV.
The new Everest has been built for the adventurous – with capability at its core. Inside, premium levels of craftsmanship have created a quiet and refined sanctuary for up to seven, while new technology and safety features make every journey more memorable.
Locally, Ford Australia will offer four variants. The Australian range will start with Ambiente, followed by Trend. Sport joins the range as a full-time model, while the new flagship Platinum will offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
The latter features a premium interior, and 21-inch wheels finished in a special tri-coat paint with machined accents. A unique grille design with hot foil accented mesh and silk chrome accents creates a sophisticated look.
The luxury interior features heated and ventilated premium leather accented front seats, with 10-way power adjustment and memory function for the driver. The front seats are finished with quilted inserts and signature Platinum badging.
Second-row occupants also enjoy heated seats. A panoramic roof adds to the luxurious and spacious feel of the interior. It’s exclusively powered by the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, backed with a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive.
That engine will also be available in the Sport variant, with the lower variants powered by the proven 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel. Both engines are backed by Ford’s efficient 10-speed automatic transmission.
Outside, the design has had a complete overhaul, with a wider track and longer wheelbase ensurng a more progressive, muscular appearance. C-clamp head lamps and a strong horizontal upper grille bar also feature.
On the sides, there is a strong shoulder line front to back, and a more dramatic swell over the wheels. Inside, designers also put a lot of thought into the function and feel of the interior, taking inspiration from modern homes and bringing in plush materials.
Premium finishes and ambient lighting join a full-width coast-to-coast instrument panel and centre console with dual cupholder recesses, plus dash-mounted ‘pop out’ cupholders for front seat occupants.
4×4 models are equipped with a new leather trimmed e-shifter and all variants get integrated wireless charging and an electric parking brake. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on Sport and Platinum, and optional on Trend.
Access to the third-row seats is now easier thanks to second-row seats that slide further forward than before. All occupants now have places to store things and in Trend, Sport and Platinum variants, are able to charge their devices with power outlets in all three rows.
Importantly, both the second and third row seats have been designed to fold flat to allow for long loads to be carried safely. To stop items falling out of the back when the tailgate is lifted, Ford have created a small lip at the rear of the cargo area too.
The Everest comes with an 8.0-inch (Ambiente, Trend and Sport) or 12.4-inch (Platinum) digital instrument panel that replaces the traditional dials. It also features large 10.1-inch (Ambiente) or 12.0-inch (Trend, Sport, Platinum) portrait-oriented centre touchscreens.
It’s loaded with SYNC 4A software, which comes with voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. Additionally, there’s an embedded FordPasss modem, for remote start, vehicle status check and remote lock and unlock functions.
The portrait-orientated screen is also linked to a 360-degree camera with split-view display to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring.
In addition, customers can control Everest’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or the FordPass mobile app, which means they don’t have to park, work, camp or do anything in the dark.
On the road, a 50mm increase in the new Everest’s track helps deliver a more controlled ride on-road, while tweaks to damper settings allowed the team to inject more ‘fun’ and control into the way Everest rides both on and off-road.
Underbody protection and off-road selectable drive modes, plus rear locking differential, and two functional tow hooks upfront all feature. The Everest is offered with two drivetrain options – 4×2 RWD on Ambiente and Trend; and 4×4 across the range.
The latter features an advanced, permanent four-wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case with selectable drive modes.
Where available, Everest’s dedicated off-road screen displays vehicle information and on variants fitted with a 360-degree camera – a front camera view of the terrain ahead, with predictive overlay guidelines designed to help the driver negotiate obstacles.
With a single press of a button, the driver can view their driveline and diff-lock indicators, steering angle and guides, and vehicle roll and pitch angles. It has an 800mm wading ability, and a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.
All variants receive a trailer light check function and trailer connection checklist, as a well as a new tow/haul drive mode to improve gearshift response when towing. Space in the engine bay allows for a second battery to power aftermarket accessories.
The Everest comes loaded with new and enhanced driver assist technologies, and safety features too, including active park assist in the Platinum. Matrix LED headlights are also standard on this variant.
Ford’s intelligent adaptive cruise control system with lane centring, is new too. Speed sign recognition joins lane-keeping with road edge detection, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, and blind spot information with trailer coverage, as well.
Ford has also enhanced its pre-collision assist with intersection functionality. Final specifications for the Australian market and local pricing will be announced closer to the range’s launch, which is expected in Q3 of this year.
