Tougher looks and more capability for Aussie-developed Ford Everest seven-seat off-roader
A fundamentally overhauled new-generation Ford Everest has made its global debut tonight clothed in butch sheet-metal and powered by a benchmark 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine.
In essence, the Blue Oval brand has given the 2022 Ford Everest fresh ammunition with which to compete with the Toyota Prado, the dominant sales force among large ladder-frame SUVs.
It’s a task its predecessor – for all its worth – failed in.
Like the outgoing model, the new Everest is an Aussie-developed member of Ford’s versatile T6 family, along with the incoming new-generation Ford Ranger ute with which it shares a significant amount of specification including the front two-thirds of its ladder frame, drivelines and a massive upgrade in cabin technology.
Other members of the T6 family include the US-market Ford Bronco off-roader and next-gen Volkswagen Amarok ute.
Improved design
The exterior design of the 2022 Ford Everest is highlighted by the same C-clamp headlights as the new Ford Ranger, a pronounced shoulder line and a squared-off rear-end that eliminates what Ford designers called the old model’s boat-tail.
“The previous generation – especially the exterior – didn’t really deliver on the promise or the capability of the chassis and what was underneath,” admitted Ford China and international markets design chief Max Wolff.
“That’s why we made the vehicle feel stronger, we improved the stance.”
Like the Ranger, the Everest expands 50mm in wheelbase (to 2900mm) and tracks (to 1620mm), but the overall body length at 4940mm and width (including mirrors) at 2234mm is much the same.
The squared-off body and some interior “efficiencies” are claimed to release more passenger and luggage space.
Ford also claims access to the third row has been made easier in response to persistent criticism of that function in the current generation.
The second row slides further forward and folds flat rather than tumbling as some rivals do.
Other steps ahead
Safety has been a priority for the new Ford Everest with nine airbags including a centre-front airbag and head-protecting curtains that extend to the third row.
A suite of new driver assist systems include enhanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and new evasive steering assist.
Seat designs are new and the company proudly points to interior details such as the iPad holder in row three and ‘apple catcher’ in the luggage area as evidence of its attention to detail.
Ford has endeavoured to lift the quality of interior trims, while key interior tech upgrades include the choice of 8.0- and 12.4-inch digital instrument clusters and giant portrait-style 10.1- and 12.0-inch infotainment screens operated by Ford’s latest SYNC 4A operating system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and there is wireless smartphone charging.
A critical mechanical improvement is the 3500kg braked towing capacity for all Everest models, up from 3100kg for 4x4s and 3000kg for 4x2s currently.
A tow haul function has also been added to the Terrain Management System that includes the ability to test trailer lights singlehandedly.
Models grades and diesel muscle
In Australia, where the Everest will go on sale in the second half of 2022, there will be four model grades headed by a new flagship called Platinum – a model name used in the US on popular models such as the Ford F-150 truck.
Platinum replaces the Titanium badge in Australia although it goes on in other markets. Sport, Trend and base model Ambiente continue here.
Pricing has not been announced, but it seems certain to climb from today’s $50,090 to $73,190 (plus on-road costs) bandwidth.
Expect the new ‘Lion’ 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel to make a class-leading 190kW and 600Nm (approx) and be available only in Platinum and Sport, while the ‘Panther’ 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel will carry over and will be available in all grades except Platinum.
As per Ranger, the venerable ‘Puma’ 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel will no longer be available.
The V6 will only be available as a set-and-forget four-wheel drive with the same new-gen Borg-Warner two-speed electronic transfer case and 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission as the latest Ranger.
The permanent 4WD versions of the 2.0 will also upgrade to the new Borg-Warner transfer case and continue as a 10-speed auto. The 2.0 will be available as a 4×2 rear-wheel drive in Ambiente and Trend.
Setting the tone
The 2022 Ford Everest also carries new roof rails and the ability to support 100kg dynamic and 350kg static on the rooftop.
Zone lighting helps you set up your campsite at night and there’s a new dedicated off-road screen for 4×4 models with info and camera views.
The Everest will continue to share double wishbone front suspension with the Ranger, but as per previous generations, the SUV trades in leaf springs for coils and adds Watts Link control to its live rear axle.
There will be multiple suspension tunes remembering Everest has a matrix of drivelines, tyre sizes, weights and dozens of (mostly southern hemisphere) sales markets which have to be catered for.
The Platinum sets a new mark for Everest being shod with 21-inch rubber. However, 18-inch all-terrain rubber is available as part of an off-road engineering package.
The standard chromed alloys give an accurate picture of the pitch for Platinum as a vehicle intended to rival the Toyota Prado Kakadu as a school run and Simpson-crossing option for an affluent family demographic.
Speaking of outback adventures, the Everest will benefit from the same expansion of ARB-developed accessories as the Ranger. Bull bars, long-range fuel tanks and twin battery set-ups are all being mentioned as part of the catalogue.
“We wanted to have more capability in the vehicle … in both towing capability and off-road capability,” T6 chief engineer Ian Foston told carsales.
“It was also in what I would describe as in overland capability, and that is in putting on accessories; whether that’s bull bars, roof tents, kayaks, loading things in.
“But then [it was] also really moving the interior on to make sure it’s got a cossetted feel.
“The objective of Everest was to have this sanctuary … where the family could be comfortable, they can easily talk to each other and it’s a place they can get away from the dirt and dust and heat of where they are.”
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Keyword: New Ford Everest: World debut