The latest-generation 2023 Ford Everest has just been unveiled and promises to be more capable than the outgoing model. Detailed here for the Australian market but also set to be offered in countries throughout Asia Pacific and Africa (but not to Europe or North America), the new Everest has a longer wheelbase and a 50 mm wider track than the outgoing model. Ford says the track was widened to make the Everest more enjoyable to drive around town and on the highway. That’s not to say improvements haven’t also been made to its off-roading abilities, however.
All 2023 Everest models come outfitted
with underbody protection, a rear locking differential, selectable off-road
drive modes, and two functional tow hooks at the front. The Everest also offers
800 mm of wading depth and has been equipped with a host of
features designed to make towing easier than ever before. For example, an
optional Tow Pack is available that boasts an integrated trailer brake
controller and offers 3,500 kg of towing capacity. There is also a
dedicated Tow/Haul drive mode to optimize gear shift timing to maintain ideal
power delivery and engine braking when carrying loads, plus a camera to help
owners guide their SUV into position when connecting a trailer.
Two engines will be offered for the
Australian market, a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter
turbo-diesel V6, both of which are coupled to a 10-speed automatic
transmission. Power and torque numbers for these engines haven’t been announced
but we know the entry-level Ambiente and Trend variants will be offered with
rear-wheel drive while all other variants have a permanent four-wheel drive
system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical
transfer case.
In addition to redesigning the exterior of
the Everest, Ford’s design team has also overhauled the interior. Immediately
catching the eye is a large portrait-oriented infotainment screen measuring
10.1-inches in the Ambiente model and 12-inches in the Trend, Sport, and
Platinum models. In addition, Ambiente, Trend, and Sport variants have an
8-inch digital instrument cluster while the Platinum has a larger 12.4-inch
display. The screens are running Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system.
Other key interior features include
wireless phone charging while the Sport and Platinum have heated and ventilated
front seats. Buyers of the flagship Platinum can also enjoy a 10-way power
adjustment and memory driver’s seat, as well as heated second-row seats and a
heated steering wheel. The second-row slides with a 60:40 split seatback while
Platinum models have a 50:50 split third row that can be folded with the touch
of a button.
A host of safety features also come
standard. For example, the 2023 Everest sports no less than nine airbags,
including a center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger.
Other features include Ford’s intelligent adaptive cruise control system with
lane centering, Stop & Go and evasive steer assist. Also new is a reverse
brake assist function, pre-collision assist with intersection functionality,
and a blind-spot information system with trailer coverage.
Ford said that pricing and availability
details will be announced at a later stage.
