Ford Everest

Ford Everest Overview

Based on Ford’s T6 platform that also underpins the Ford Ranger as well as the Mazda BT-50 pickup, the second-generation Ford Everest is the Blue Oval’s mid-size 7-seater SUV, based heavily on the rugged pickup truck with a slight premium touch.

Imported directly from Ford’s Rayong assembly plant in our neighbouring Thailand, two trim levels were initially offered but the entry level Trend variant has since been dropped. The range topping 2.0 L Bi-Turbo Titanium AWD 10AT model is the sole variant on offer today with a price tag of RM 268,888 (OTR without insurance).

Only a handful of rivals offer the same diesel powered all-wheel-drive 7-seater layout with proper off-road capability, among others include the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Isuzu MU-X. The Land Rover Discovery on the other hand offers a luxury alternative in the segment.

Ford Everest Exterior

The Ford Everest is sporting a familiar octagonal front grille with weighty chrome slats that houses the Blue Oval badge, flanked by a pair of HID headlamps with LED daytime running light. The body-colour bumper is more elegantly styled here compared to its pickup equivalent, featuring front and rear silver skid plates and foglamps.

Roof rack and side steps with bright finish are fitted as standard. The raised ride height evident by the massive wheel well space and the available underbody protection allows for peace of mind when negotiating rough terrain. Door handles, side mirrors and the ‘Everest’ inscription at the rear are finished in chrome for that added premium touch. 

Exclusive features available on the Titanium variant includes the panoramic moonroof and the generously sized 20-inch alloys wheels with 265/50 rubbers. The Ford Everest is 523 mm shorter in overall length with a 370 mm shorter wheelbase compared to the pickup equivalent, the Ford Ranger. 

Ford Everest Interior

Black premium leather with white contrast stitching covers the seats, dashboard, door trims, steering wheels and the gear knob. Satin chrome trim on the air vents surrounds and the door handles highlights the dark interior along with gloss-black plastic inserts on the dashboard featuring a chrome ‘EVEREST’ inscription.

Dashboard design is almost identical to the one in the Ford Ranger. The 8-inch touchscreen display takes centre stage, featuring a fairly minimalistic chunky buttons and bulky rotary dials, appropriate for the robust and rugged nature of an off-road SUVs.

The car’s elevated ride height offers commanding driving position with great forward visibility. The available panoramic sunroof allows natural sunlight into the spacious cabin. Second row seats are 60:40 split with fold-flat function while the 50:50 split third row seats are electrically powered, further extending the 450-litre boot space.

Ford Everest Features

Underneath the neatly packaged exterior lies a chassis with proper off-road capability. Ford’s Terrain Management System (Road, Sand, Snow, Rock) works with the Electronic Locking Rear Differential to give increased traction across slippery and rugged terrain.

High ground clearance of 225 mm allows for a water wadding depth of 800mm, approach angle of 29.5 degrees, departure angle of 25 degrees and a ramp breakover angle of 31.5 degrees. The maximum towing capability is at 3,000 kg with a 750 kg maximum payload and a 100 kg maximum roof load.

Standard features include 7 leather upholstered seats, dual-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, power-fold third row seat, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3 voice command and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Convenience features include keyless entry with push and start, hands-free power lift gate, rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera.

The structure is built using ultra-high strength steel, with standard safety and driver assistance features like 7 airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Rollover Mitigation, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control, and Adaptive Load Control. The Ford Everest is awarded the maximum 5-Star in the ASEAN NCAP crash safety ratings.

Ford Everest Driving Performance

Powering the Everest is Ford’s 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine, featuring common rail direct injection to produce 213 PS at 3,750 RPM and an impressive 500 NM of torque down low from 1,750 RPM. Replacing the high capacity 3.2 L engine on the previous model, the 2.0 L Bi-turbo does not only deliver improved performance, but better refinement too with reduced engine noise. 

The two turbo boosters work independently to deliver extra power and torque when you need it. Power is sent to all four wheels via a GeTrag 10-Speed automatic transmission, which Ford claims to improve acceleration with more accurate and quicker gear change. The close ratios on the 10-speed transmission reduces gaps in power and acceleration, making steep and slippery hill-climbs an easier task.

Ford Everest Ride Comfort

The Ford T6 platform underneath the Ford Everest features a double wishbone front suspension system with coil spring and anti-roll bar, paired to a coil spring rear suspension with Watt’s linkage. Ford’s renowned ride and handling is evident here in the Ford Everest.

Despite a longer suspension travel and its hefty size, the ride is composed with great high-speed stability. It held itself well in the corners too. Slight body roll in the corner is inevitable due to its tall ride height, but it is far from detrimental. NVH level is excellent too thanks to excellent sound proofing

Ford Everest Conclusion

When it is not four-wheeling out in a muddy jungle track, wading through a river stream or negotiating challenging terrain on a construction site, the Ford Everest often time find itself on a smooth paved surface doing the day-to-day commute and the occasional IKEA runs.

A significantly cheaper and equally capable 2.0 L petrol powered Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 4-Motion will do the job just fine in that regard. However, if you are living in a rural area with challenging backroads, the Ford Everest will certainly come in handy. And despite the hefty price tag, it is a bargain compared to the more expensive but equally capable off roader like the Land Rover Discovery.