But only as a special-edition to sit between macho Sport and flagship Platinum versions of homegrown off-road SUV
Ford has confirmed the 2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak will indeed be released in Australia, but the rugged new penultimate variant of the locally-developed off-road SUV will only be available here as a limited-edition – unlike in New Zealand, where it’s a core member of the Everest portfolio.
Priced from $73,090 plus on-road costs and due to arrive Down Under next quarter, the first Wildtrak-badged Everest splits the stylish Sport and opulent Platinum variants in terms of both price and spec, serving as what Ford Australia calls the ‘top adventure trim’ in that it carries all the rugged hallmarks of the Ranger Wildtrak.
Contrasting against the vibrant ‘Luxe Yellow’ hero colour is a darkened grille, dark grey wing mirrors, silver skid plate and two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels. However, as with most high-end Everest variants, a smaller 18-inch wheel and all-terrain tyre combination is available at no extra cost.
Other standard equipment highlights include tyre pressure monitoring, ebony leather upholstery, orange stitching, power-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, a panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting and external zone lighting.
Power and torque are provided by the 3.0-litre ‘Lion’ V6 turbo-diesel as seen elsewhere in the Everest and Ranger line-ups, meaning 184kW and 600Nm respectively, harnessed by Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a full-time 4×4 system equipped with a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential as standard, for when the going gets tough.
Full specifications of the Everest Wildtrak will be revealed closer to its local launch, but for now Ford Australia is declaring it as the ultimate SUV all-rounder.
“The 2022 Everest set new standards for performance, comfort and versatility in the seven-seat, large SUV segment,” said Ranger and Everest chief platform engineer David Grice.
“With the addition of Everest Wildtrak, Australian families can now choose an SUV without compromise when it comes to combining work and play.”
The Blue Oval is yet to confirm how many Everest Wildtraks will be coming to Australia and when exactly they’ll arrive here, though odds are it’ll be in conjunction with the release of the updated MY24 Everest range.
The Wildtrak brings to eight the number of Everest variants now available in Australia, but don’t expect a hard-core Everest Raptor any time soon…
How much does the 2023 Ford Everest cost?
Ambiente RWD Bi-Turbo – $53,490
Ambiente 4WD Bi-Turbo – $58,490
Trend RWD Bi-Turbo – $60,990
Trend 4WD Bi-Turbo – $65,990
Sport RWD Bi-Turbo – $62,990
Sport 4WD V6 – $70,590
Wildtrak 4WD V6 – $73,090
Platinum 4WD V6 – $78,530
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: Ford Everest Wildtrak confirmed for Oz