Following on from the Ford Ranger that was launched just yesterday is the all-new Everest. The Everest has long been known as the most rugged of Ford SUVs, at least for the ASEAN regions. The first generation was based off an existing Ranger platform, albeit with a far more livable interior and a fixed rear roof. Effectively the underpinnings were the same, making it more of a compromise when it came to developing it as an SUV.
This time around, the Everest is based on an entirely different platform- designed to be a more livable car on the whole. Much like how the Kuga (successor to the Escape) now sits on a modified Focus platform, the Everest adopts a coil spring rear setup for superior wheel control and a greater degree of flexibility. Leaf springs may be the choice for all-out durability, but it seems that the Everest demographic is not quite as hard-core as to demand it.
Two engine options are available for this generation- a 3.2-litre DuraTorq 5-cylinder TDCi with a little under 200 bhp and a stonking 470 Nm of torque is in the top-of-the-range model, while the 2.2-litre Duratorq 4-cylinder is present here as well with around 160 bhp and 385 Nm of torque.
Styling choices with this generation certainly look a lot more domesticated. LED daytime running lights and a wider stance make the Everest look a little less utilitarian, without compromising ruggedness. Ford is starting to use the term “fun-to-drive” to describe their models, which is a strange choice of words for the Everest, but it should make for an interesting car nonetheless. It seats up to 7 occupants with a third row of folding seats. There’s even Active Noise Cancellation, which continuously monitors road and wind noise in order to play interference that cancels the brunt of it. The Everest will be available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants depending on the market.
It retains a body-on-frame design that boasts extra torsional rigidity for resilience in rough conditions, although the running gear itself is a little more advanced. Compared to the older fixed four-wheel drive system, Ford packages the Everest with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that features an active transfer case. In the most extreme cases, a low range of ratios is available for extra control of motion. Ground clearance stands at 225 mm, and it boasts the same wading depth as the Ranger: 800 mm.
Ford boasts that the Everest is the most technologically advanced off-road SUV they have ever made- and in terms of interior amenities it seems that way. SYNC 2 makes a showing here, standard across the range of models as well- which is a welcome change from the old 2-DIN setup of the previous model.
Electronic aids are becoming commonplace as well, although they may be variant specific: Curve Control is introduced, which is effectively a more advanced stability control system that’s slightly less invasive. The Blind Spot Information System also makes a show, with the additional Cross Traffic Alert system. Roll Stability Control is especially important for such a tall, heavy car, reducing potential rollover risks.
It’s certainly looking like an interesting Ford lineup for the future, and this is definitely one model to consider if you like the ruggedness of a pickup truck but prefer the creature comforts of your average passenger car.
