But ‘no news’ on Aussie launch for now, says Ford, leaving Kiwis alone with beefy new Everest Wildtrak
Ford New Zealand has torn the covers off its new 2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak, but in a bizarre move the Blue Oval brand is refusing to commit to an Australian launch for the high-series version of the Aussie-developed family SUV.
A Ford Australia spokesperson has told carsales that although the “Everest Wildtrak is an exciting new addition to the global Ford Everest line-up”, the local division has “no news to share about an Australian introduction”.
Just like the equivalent Ford Ranger Wildtrak ute – which is a hugely popular model in our market – the 2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak is a rugged-looking and highly-specified offering.
Highlights include the dark grey front fascia treatment and trim, contrasting silver skid plate and Wildtrak-exclusive Luxe Yellow body colour.
But whereas the Ranger Wildtrak rolls on 18-inch alloys shod with all-terrain rubber as standard, the Everest version has emerged in New Zealand with the optional (Ranger) 20-inch hoops wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory highway terrain tyres.
The beefy look is rounded out by black ‘WILDTRAK’ lettering across the front of the bonnet, silver roof rails and black wing mirrors.
Inside the cabin are all the usual Wildtrak goodies like black leather upholstery, orange contrast stitching and embossed logo.
For the first time on a Wildtrak, there’s also a panoramic sunroof.
Infotainment duties are handled by the now-familiar 12-inch SYNC 4 interface, while drivers are greeted by an 8.0-inch digital cockpit.
As per the Everest Platinum above it and Sport 4×4 below, the Everest Wildtrak is exclusively powered by the new ‘Lion’ 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 good for a segment-leading 184kW/600Nm.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case.
The Kiwis will be able to take delivery of the new Everest Wildtrak in July, with pricing and finer specification details set to be released closer to the NZ launch.
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Keyword: 2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak revealed in NZ