Following the presentation of the Australian-spec Ranger, Ford Australia has released all the technical details of the mechanically-related Everest, which goes on sale offering the choice of two turbodiesel engines and four trim levels. Starting with the engine options, the diesel-only range starts with the entry-level 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo producing 207 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear (4×2) or all four wheels (4×4) through a 10-speed automatic gearbox. For those who want more power, there is the larger and more potent 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel producing 247 hp and 600 Nm of torque. This one is exclusively combined with all-wheel drive and the same 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the existing engines are shared with
the Ranger pickup, the Everest is not getting the more powerful twin-turbo
3.0-liter V6 petrol with 392 hp found in the Ranger Raptor,
nor the less powerful single-turbo 2.0-liter diesel with 167 hp. All variants of the Everest have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg braked. Depending on the engine and trim, curb weight ranges
from 2,259 kg to 2,492 kg, with a payload between
741 kg and 658 kg respectively. Ford Australia is
offering four trim levels, two for each engine. The entry-level Ambiente and
Trend are combined with the 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel, while the more generously
equipped Sport and Platinum are reserved for the 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel.
Standard equipment in the entry-level
Ambiente includes LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, five
seats, cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, an
8-inch digital instrument cluster, 8-speaker audio, 9 airbags, and selectable
driving modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery). The Trend adds 18-inch alloy
wheels, leather accents, a seven-seater cabin, power liftgate, privacy glass, a
12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and two additional off-road modes (Sand,
Mud/Ruts) when in 4×4 guise.
Upgrade to the Sport and besides the
3.0-liter engine, you get black exterior accents, a set of cool-looking 20-inch
black alloy wheels, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, and a
10-speaker audio system. Finally, the flagship Platinum gets a more premium
look thanks to the Satin Chrome exterior accents, the Matrix LED headlights,
and 21-inch alloy wheels. This is the only Everest variant with the 12.4-inch
digital instrument cluster matching the 12-inch infotainment, a premium B&O
audio system with 12 speakers, ambient lighting, a heated second row, quilted
leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, and active park assist.
Besides Australia where it was developed,
the Ford Everest will also be available in select markets including the
Philippines, Thailand, and India where it gets the Endeavour name. The Ford
Everest’s upscale looks and equipment on higher trims mean that rivals are not
strictly limited to truck-based SUVs (Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport,
Nissan X-Terra, and Isuzu MU-X) but can expand to more expensive ladder-frame
4x4s including the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
