OVERVIEW OF THE FORD EVEREST
The Ford Everest follows the Ranger into the next generation with a completely new design and a slew of advanced technology and safety features. This seven-seater Ford midsize SUV, like its pickup truck sibling, gets a bolder front fascia with C-clamp headlamps and a distinct front grille. The Ford Everest looks more mature and refined in its latest iteration, thanks to a wider stance caused by an increased track and wheelbase.
The Ford Everest is available in four trim levels and five variants in the Philippines. A 2.0-liter Single-Turbo EcoBlue diesel engine and a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo EcoBlue diesel engine are available as powertrain options. Depending on the variant, transmission options include a six-speed automatic and a 10-speed automatic.
The Everest is well-equipped on the inside, with features like an eight-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12-inch option and a 10-inch or 12-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen display. The top-of-the-line Bi-Turbo Titanium+ model even has a 360-degree camera. The same model is only available with Ford's Advanced Driver Assist Technology.
INTRODUCED
The next-generation Ford Everest made its global debut in March 2022. It debuted in Australia and Thailand first, followed by other Southeast Asian countries.
On July 28, 2022, Ford Philippines officially launched the all-new Everest. The Trend, Limited, Sport, Titanium+, and Bi-Turbo Titanium+ are among the four trim levels and five variants offered by the automaker. The Ford Everest started at P1,799,000 for the base model Trend when it was released.
PLATFORM, CHASSIS, and ENGINE
Using Ford's T6 chassis, which is also used by the Ranger midsize pickup truck, the Ford Everest body-on-frame midsize SUV is built. Depending on the model, the Everest is offered with either rear-wheel drive or a 4x4 setup.
For the Everest, Ford Philippines has added two engine choices. First up is a 2.0-liter Single-Turbo EcoBlue diesel engine that produces 170 horsepower at 3,500 RPM and 405 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 RPM. This engine only uses a six-speed automatic transmission for shifting.
The more potent engine is a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo EcoBlue diesel engine that produces 500 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,000 RPM and 210 horsepower at 3,750 RPM. This engine has a 10-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels. This engine is unique to the Bi-Turbo Titanium+ version and features an electronic rear-locking differential.
CHASSIS
Class Midsize SUV
Body Style 5-Door Body-on Frame SUV
PLATFORM
Layout Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive
Platform Ford T6 Platform
POWERTRAIN
Engine
2.0-liter Biturbo Diesel
2.0-liter Single Turbo Diesel
Power Output
210 hp, 500 Nm torque (2.0-liter Biturbo Diesel)
178 hp, 420 Nm torque (2.0-liter Single Turbo Diesel)
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic (Titanium, Sport)
6-Speed Automatic (Trend)
TECHNOLOGY FEATURES
The midsize SUV segment has become synonymous with cutting-edge technological features. The Ford Everest has always been at the forefront of its class in terms of technology, and the current model is no different. Ford has given this vehicle an eight-inch digital instrument display as standard equipment; the top-spec variant has a 12-inch display. A 10-inch or 12-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen infotainment system and eight standard speakers are also included. Advanced voice recognition is another feature of the 12-inch central display.
Wireless charging, smart keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a windscreen-mounted USB port, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are all included as standard equipment on the Ford Everest Sport and higher models.
The top-spec Bi-Turbo Titanium+ receives a 360-degree camera and Ford's Terrain Management System. The Titanium+ versions step things up a notch with ambient lighting and a 230V inverter.
EXTERIOR
With a more abrasive, squared-off appearance that resembles the new Ranger, the Ford Everest significantly departs from its predecessor. It receives a similarly updated front end with an aggressive grille either in gloss black, chrome, or body color. Moreover, depending on the trim level, C-clamp headlights are offered as reflectors, multi-reflector LEDs, or matrix LEDs.
The track and wheelbase of the new Everest have been grown by 50 mm, giving the seven-seater SUV a larger and more imposing shape. LED fog lights, motorized folding side mirrors, and LED tail lights are included with the Sport trim level and higher.
All seven passengers can enter more easily thanks to a pair of side steps. For the Trend and Limited models, alloy wheels in the 18-inch and 20-inch sizes are available as options. For an even sportier ride, there are roof rails and a rear spoiler as well. Owners can easily and quickly access the cargo compartment thanks to the hands-free liftgate. The panoramic moonroof, meanwhile, is available only on Titanium+ models.
INTERIOR
Similar to like it did with the Ranger, Ford has updated the Everest's interior. The cabin was designed with adaptability in mind and can accommodate a range of use cases, including off-roading, city driving, and daily family demands. The Everest now boasts a much cleaner and more upscale interior thanks to Ford moving the majority of the button controls to the main touchscreen.
Combining leather and synthetic leather with variant-specific design is available on Sport versions and higher. The same variations come with power-folding third row seats and eight-way adjustable front chairs. The Ford Everest has seven seats, much like its predecessor.
SAFETY
With improvements to its feature set and active safety technology, the new Everest is safer than ever. Seven SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with traction control, hill launch aid, roll over mitigation, an electric parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, an alarm system, a rear view camera, and cruise control are all standard equipment on the Everest Sport. Only the top variant has an electronic brake booster.
For this generation, Ford's Advanced Driver Aid Technology is in the spotlight. It is only available on the top-tier Everest Bi-Turbo Titanium+ model and comes standard with a forward collision warning system, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering. Also, it has active safety features like lane departure warning, auto high beam, and lane keeping system.
A blind spot information system with cross-traffic detection and braking, reverse brake help, evasive steering assist, and Active Park Assist 2.0 round out the list of safety features. The top-end model is the only one with the new 360-degree camera.
WOULD I BUY ONE?
Undoubtedly, the Everest is the best SUV for people who like comfort and practicality during the week yet crave weekend excitement. The Sport is perhaps the best option in the lineup with to its V6 engine, permanent four-wheel drive system, tough exterior, and somewhat lower pricing.
That's not to say that the entry-level Ambiente bi-turbo isn't appealing; it's also a very good SUV.
Ford may be accused of being arrogant in asserting that the new Everest is no longer a Toyota Fortuner rival but rather a rival to the Japanese automaker's 7-seater off-roader, the Prado, given the array of technology available in both the Sport and Platinum iterations of the new Everest as well as that range-topping muscular V6 diesel engine.
The Toyota Prado has to be replaced and is priced similarly to the Blue Oval's newest model, but its inside lacks the Everest's abundance of "laden with tech" appeal. Maybe that assertion has some merit after all...
Is the third-generation Ford Everest, which is smarter but more expensive, worthwhile? After our test drive, we are clearly intrigued by the newcomer, but we have only experienced a small portion of what is unquestionably a highly complex SUV. Although the new SYNC4 system will take some time for us to learn, the early indications are very encouraging. Ford, in our opinion, has been successful in repositioning the Adventure SUV segment's goalposts.
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