2015 Ford Everest Trend
Ford Everest is a large, rugged 4WD / SUV that’s been around in other countries since
2003 but didn’t arrive in Australia until the release of the third-generation model in late
2015.
It’s built on the same platform as tough Ford Ranger making it a serious off-roader,
unlike many in this class that look tough but are relatively soft.
There are four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Platinum. The first two come with
the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive the other two are RWD only.
The entry-level Ambients have seating for five. Trend and Titanium models have the
rearmost pair of twin seats as standard. The second-row seats slide forward to make
access to the back row reasonably easy.
The Trend and Titanium have running boards, which makes for easier entry and exit,
but can be damaged during serious off-road conditions.
The second-row seats have a 60:40 split and the third row 50:50. With all seats in place
there is a reasonable 450 litres of storage space. Folding the third seats increases that
to 1050 litres while with all five rear seats down it can carry up to 2010 litres.
All Everest models get dual-zone climate control. There are air conditioning controls at
the back of the centre console for rear passengers.
The earlier Everests are powered by a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel Duratorq
engine as used in the Ranger. It generates 147 kW (200hp) of power at 3000 rpm and
torque of 470 Nm from 1750 to 2500 revs linked to a six-speed automatic. It uses a
tried-and-tested transfer-case set-up and high- low-ratio gears. Which makes it a
proper 4WD in the minds of the purists.
The MY19 upgrade added the option of a new-generation powertrain, which included a
2.0-litre bi-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine, mated with a 10-speed automatic
transmission; and a raft of the latest safety systems and convenience features.
2017 Ford Everest Titanium
Towing capacity is 3000 kg with the 3.2-litre engine and 3100 kg with the 2.0-litre bi-
turbo.
For off-road driving Everest uses Ford’s Terrain Management System to alter throttle
response, transmission, traction control and an intelligent four-wheel drive system to
maximise performance under varying conditions. From a knob on the centre console
the driver can select from Normal, Snow, Gravel, Grass, Sand or Rock.
The control has hill descent control, which can be activated in any conditions. An
electronic locking rear differential helps prevent the rear wheels from spinning while
driving off-road, increasing traction in difficult terrain. It can be locked automatically
when using off-road TMS modes, or switched manually using the differential lock
button.
Ford Everest has a five-star ANCAP rating. All have seven airbags with curtain airbags
protecting all three seat rows; enhanced ABS brakes; reversing camera and rear
parking sensors and trailer sway control. The Trend adds halogen daytime running
lights; front parking sensors; adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert; lane-
keeping assist; and automatic high-beam control.
Titanium tops off the safety feature list with tyre pressure monitoring; blind spot
monitoring; active park assist; LED daytime running lights; and, one of our favourites,
rear cross-traffic alert which warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of front-
in parking spots.
Ford has been a major player in Australia for almost 100 years and there are dealers in
most areas, even in the remote outback.
2020 Ford Everest Sport
Some spare parts may not be stocked in all dealers but can usually be shipped out
within a few business days. Pricing is about average for this class of vehicle.
Insurance is generally low-to mid-range with most companies.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Given that it’s a serious 4WD more Everests are likely to have been used off-road than
is common in this class. Check for scratches on the body side and front bumper
corners.
Look underneath for any damage, particularly in the engine, transmission areas.
Muddy carpets can be another sign of off-road use, ask permission from the seller to lift
them to check underneath.
Check the interior for the sort of damage caused by children and by incorrect loading of
the luggage area.
Some owners have told us they’re getting false readings on the content of the AdBlue
tank. If so, it might be an idea to check with a Ford dealer, as the engine won’t start if
the AdBlue isn’t available. Ford dealers can recalibrate the system.
All changes in the automatic transmission should be smooth and all-but unfelt. For
some reason the change from fifth to sixth can be harsh at times.
The Everest was recalled to check the side air-bags were defective. Check this has
been done. Details of all recalls of this vehicle, and all others, are detailed in a separate
section of the feature.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to spend from $28,000 to $39,000 for a 2015 Ford Everest Trend; $33,000 to
$45,000 for a 2017 Ambiente; $36,000 to $47,000 for a 2017 Titanium; $38,000 to
$51,000 for a 2019 Trend; $41,000 to $54,000 for a 2018 Titanium; $44,000 to $59,000
for a 2019 Sport; and $50,000 to $68,000 for a 2021 Titanium.
CAR BUYING TIP
Buying a serious off roader? It might have been driven by people who have treated it
badly. A full inspection by a professional, ideally from Ford, is a must.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
