50 years ago this year, Ford of America launched the Ford Bronco SUV which was really the world first real 4×4 SUV. Now comes an all new SUV from Ford. Its new from the ground up and designed to stay ahead of the all new Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. This is Ford’s new Everest SUV. The first Everest showed its face in 2003 and after 3 generations of success, Ford now has a new SUV to tackle the growing SUV segment in Asia. One look at this new Everest and it is clear that Ford will market this Everest to even more global markets to compete with the Korean and Japanese offerings that have also moved to new markets.
Designed For Urban & The Rough
The new Ford Everest stands apart with a modern, sculptural design that communicates its impressive capabilities and advanced smart technology. Its robust front end with signature LED daytime running lights and wide stance give it a powerful presence on the road. The chiseled and technical design is also highly efficient – extensive aerodynamic testing has helped to develop an exterior that seamlessly melds form and function.
Its bold exterior presence is complemented by a modern interior that makes use of refined materials and craftsmanship to create a comfortable, harmonious environment for up to seven adult occupants. Interior features balance comfort with ultimate practicality, including more than 30 cleverly designed stowage spaces, multiple power outlets and flexible seating and cargo arrangements – including fold-flat second- and first-in-class power-fold third-row seating – to achieve a perfect balance between passenger demands and packing efficiency. And, with all the rear seats folded, the new Everest can hold up to 2,010 liters of cargo.*
To ensure exceptional cabin quietness, Ford equipped the new Everest with Active Noise Cancellation in addition to optimizing cabin sealing and using sound absorbing materials throughout the vehicle very low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
“Early on in the development of the Everest, we set very aggressive targets for vehicle refinement,” said Ian Foston, chief program engineer for the Ford Everest. “Through extensive computer modeling, smart engineering and real-world testing, we’ve been able to achieve dramatic reductions in interior NVH levels for a truly refined driving experience.”
Efficiency & Power Delivery
The new Ford Everest’s impressive capabilities are made possible with one of two diesel engines from Ford’s globally proven Duratorq family, mated to a durable and efficient six-speed automatic transmission. Featuring advanced technologies that improve fuel efficiency, both engines deliver excellent performance:
- For maximum power and torque for heavy-duty towing, Ford is offering the latest generation of its 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine with 147 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Upgrades from the previous generation include an updated exhaust gas recirculation system to boost efficiency
- For maximum fuel economy without compromising performance, Ford is also offering the latest generation of the 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel, putting out 118 kW of power and 385 Nm of torque
The automatic transmission on the new Everest features advanced driver recognition software. This allows the transmission to adapt to the current driving style by analyzing acceleration and deceleration rates, brake and throttle applications, and cornering speed. By “learning” the driver’s style and adjusting transmission settings according to whether the driver has a more economical or sporty style, this software helps to deliver on Ford’s commitment to flatter the novice driver and reward the expert.
4×4 Capability Like The Ranger
The new Ford Everest was designed from the ground up with the durability to take on the most inhospitable environments. One of the toughest SUVs in its segment, the Everest has a true body-on-frame design, assuring the torsional strength required for challenging terrains. Together with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand, Terrain Management System, a best-in-class water-wading capability of 800 mm, 225 mm of ground clearance, and aggressive approach and departure angles, the Everest helps drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.
“The Everest offers unmatched capability and versatility to meet our customers’ most demanding requirements both on and off the road,” said Foston. “Whether you’re fording a stream, climbing a sand dune, taking on slippery mud, or climbing over rocks, the Everest can do it all with true 4×4 capability.”
For ultimate capability, the advanced, first-in-class Terrain Management System gives drivers four preset modes – Normal, Snow/Mud/Grass, Sand and Rock– that alter the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, intelligent four-wheel drive system and traction control to help drivers confidently tackle any situation. For extreme off-road environments, drivers can manually lock the transfer case in low-range four-wheel drive mode for increased control.
These impressive off-road credentials are paired to a new level of ride quality and dynamic handling beyond what consumers have come to expect in a rugged SUV. Thanks to its coil spring front and rear suspension and a Watt’s linkage on the rear axle, the new Ford Everest provides a comfortable, stable ride with agile and predictable handling in urban environments, keeping the promise of Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA.
Smarter Cabin
The unshakable off-road toughness of the new Ford Everest is complemented by a wide array of intuitive and practical technologies that make the rugged seven-seat SUV one of the smartest vehicles in its segment.
The latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity solution, SYNC 2, lets drivers use natural voice commands to control the car’s entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices more easily than ever before. SYNC 2 also boasts an eight-inch touchscreen with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation. The entertainment system features a first-in-class 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer, providing accurate and precise sound reproduction and deep, rich bass.
Another segment-first technology in the new Everest is Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly.
The vehicle also offers other advanced features, including Roll Stability Control and an Electronic Stability Program that works with traction control to help the driver stay in control.
“Beyond its exceptional on- and off-road capabilities, it’s the Everest’s smart features and driver assist technologies that help it to stand apart from the crowd, giving drivers confidence in any situation,” said Foston.
In addition to advanced active safety systems, a strong passenger cage built using high-strength materials like boron steel, and passive safety features, including up to seven airbags, help to keep occupants safe in the event of a collision.
“Building on our global SUV expertise, the new Ford Everest demonstrates our commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations, and is an important contribution to our product footprint here in Asia Pacific,” said Worthington.
The new Ford Everest will be manufactured at AutoAlliance Thailand in Rayong, Thailand.