Ford recently updated its Everest with improvements to safety and comfort, so it was
a good opportunity to carry out another road test and see what this popular model is
like now.
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.
Our test vehicle was the Everest Sport with four-wheel drive. It has a recommend
retail price of $69,090, to which on-road costs have to be added.
STYLING
Everest is a great looking SUV with a frontal appearance that certainly leaves no
doubt this is a tough vehicle aimed at owners who want to make a statement that
they are serious about what they’re driving.
The large black grille has a chrome-look horizontal centre that extends almost the full
width of the vehicle. Outside of the grille are high-tech-look headlights and squared-
off daytime running lights.
There are indents in the doors that probably add to the strength but are also there to
add style. Wheelarches are rounded in traditional 4WD fashion. The neat rear has a
lip spoiler that probably helps keep rain off it but it also suits the styling.
INTERIOR
This Everest is equally large inside. The front seats are wide and comfortable to
provide good support during moderately hard cornering, thought obviously it’s not a
sporty vehicle. The middle row seats can carry three but there’s a sensible emphasis
on the two outer rears being set up for comfort for two.
The floor is almost flat in the second row which adds to the comfort factor.
The rearmost pair of seats aren’t easy to get into and out of for adults but are fine for
kids. And the kids will love to travel there to be as far from mum and dad as
possible…
INFOTAINMENT
The Everest Sport we tested had a 12-inch infotainment display, which is larger than
the 10-inch on the lower specced models. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto.
Ford’s new SYNC 4 architecture has a lot of features and functionality and is easy to
use.
There’s a wireless charging pad, digital radio and FordPass connectivity that lets you
use remote start, location services and locking/unlocking.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Everest Sport we tested was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel that
develops up to 184 kilowatts of power, and a very strong 600Nm of torque.
Everest is offered with two drivetrain options: a 4×2 driving the rear wheels is only
available on the 2.0-litre Ambiente and Trend variants.
The 4×4 is offered across the complete range and has an advanced full-time four-
wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed
electromechanical transfer case with selectable drive modes.
Everest’s e-Shifter has optimised performance for different surfaces, road conditions
and vehicle usage.
There are four On-Road Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery) and two
Off-Road Drive Modes (Sand and Mud/Ruts).
SAFETY
Ford Everest has a 2022 five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard features in the
Trend include seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag, pre-collision assist and
pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
There’s also dynamic stability control with roll stability control, ABS anti-skid brakes
with electronic brake force distribution, traction control and emergency brake assist
are constantly active when on the move.
Parking is made easy with the use of a rear-view camera, plus audible sensors front
and rear.
DRIVING
This is a large vehicle that’s quite easy to drive despite the real estate it offers for
carting people. It can take up almost the full width of traffic lanes on some narrower
multi-lane roads so the driver has to pay attention to keep it from leaving its own
lane.
On motorways it’s fine as the roads are wider and the big Ford is in its intended
territory, the US of A.
Throttle response is pretty good for the engine type but you do have to think ahead
at times.
Handling is good and the steering feels as though it has been set up for those who
enjoy driving. We suspect that there’s some Aussie input in this as Ford engineers in
this country pass our thoughts and desires back to head office in the USA.
Rough road surfaces can be quite noisy but on smooth concrete motorways
everything becomes very peaceful.
Parking can be a hassle, especially in tight underground carparks where sometimes
it will be necessary to go back and forward to get into some spots
SUMMING UP
Ford Everest is a large 4WD that can be used as a people mover, off-road exploring
and everything in between. You get a lot of vehicle for your money and this big Ford
certainly deserves a place high on your list of possible buys.
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst : 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
MODEL RANGE
2.0 Ambiente RWD: $52,990
2.0 Ambiente 4WD: $57,990
2.0 Trend RWD: $60,290
2.0 Trend 4WD: $65,290
3.0 Sport 4WD: $69,090
3.0 Platinum 4WD: $76,880
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact
your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Ford Everest 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.0 litres
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 184 kW @ 3250rpm
Maximum Torque: 600 Nm from 1750 to 2500rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 224 g/km
DRIVELINE:
All-Wheel Drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4940mm
Wheelbase: 2900mm
Width: 1923mm
Height: 1841mm
Turning Circle: metres
Kerb Mass: 2492kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
