The new Everest is offered as the Sport that is kitted with a 2,0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine and the Platinum (R1 113 100), which is gifted the 3,0-litre V6 diesel powerplant, with both driving through a 10-speed auto gearbox.
“The Next-Gen Everest has been designed with one thing in mind, and that is our customers,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “Everest owners are people who like adventure, recreation and being able to go out with family and friends.
“Whether they’re conquering sand, rocky paths or city life, these customers appreciate the utility, capability and spaciousness of an SUV, and this is where the Everest excels by being tough on the outside while providing a sanctuary on the inside matched to amazing capability underneath.”
The 3,0-litre V6 engine produces 184 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque, while the 2,0-litre Bi-Turbo pushes out 154 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque.
The Everest has a 50 mm wider track and longer wheelbase enabling a more controlled ride on-road.
“Everest was always well regarded for its plush ride on and off-road, but the track increase allowed our dynamics team to create a greater connection between vehicle and driver, with a more controlled fun to drive ride around town and on the highway,” Mashinini says.
They are offered with a choice of two four-wheel-drive systems, underbody protection and off-road selectable drive modes plus a rear locking differential, two functional tow hooks upfront, and upfitter switches for accessories.
The Everest Sport relies on a part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system, which includes 2H, 4H and 4L modes for tricky off-road conditions.
The Platinum version has a permanent four-wheel drive system that additionally features a default 4A (Auto) mode that can be used on and off-road. It constantly adjusts the flow of drive between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction.
There are six drive modes available – Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts and Sand.
Everest’s dedicated off-road screen displays vehicle information and a front camera view of the terrain ahead, with predictive overlay guidelines designed to help the driver negotiate obstacles. With a single button press, the driver can view their driveline and diff-lock indicators, steering angle and guides, along with vehicle roll and pitch angles.
It has a water wading ability up to 800 mm and a maximum braked trailer towing capability of up to 3 500 kg (an increase of 400 kg over the outgoing model), while space in the engine bay of the Everest Sport allows for a second battery to power aftermarket accessories.
The new look picks up on Ford’s global design DNA, reflected in the C-clamp headlamps and horizontal upper grille bar.
On the sides, a strong shoulder line is front to back, while the wider track results in a more dramatic swell over the wheels.
“One of the first things you will notice when you get into the Everest is how quiet it is,” says Mashinini. “The high-quality and refined interior has been carefully designed to be a quiet place in which you can easily talk to your family or friends and enjoy the journey together.”
Comfort and convenience features include integrated wireless charging, an electric parking brake and a new leather-trimmed e-Shifter on the range-topping Everest Platinum.
As befitting its flagship status, the top-spec model is also equipped with heated and ventilated 10-way power adjustable front seats, with memory function for the driver. The second-row seats are also heated.
Accessory power outlets include a windscreen-mounted USB charging port, Type A and Type C USB ports in the front and centre consoles, along with 12-volt sockets up front, for the third-row occupants and in the luggage compartment. The Platinum is further equipped with a 400-Watt inverter for powering laptop computers and other devices.
In place of traditional analogue clusters, the Sport comes with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, with a 12,4-inch version on the Platinum. Both models have a large, high-resolution portrait 12-inch touchscreen.
and Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment, and information systems.
Driver-assist technology includes Active Park Assist 2.0, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering on the Everest Platinum.
Both the Sport and Platinum models are equipped with Ford’s Lane Keeping System, which includes Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, along with Road Edge Detection and Driver Warning. Pre-Collision Assist with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, Automated Emergency Braking and Reverse Brake Assist further up the arsenal of innovative safety features. Additionally, the Platinum gains Distance Alert and Indication, Evasive Steer Assist and Intersection functionality.
“We are already seeing a high demand around the world for Next-Gen Everest, and we are confident this new model will live up to expectations for all those who have reserved a vehicle. However, global supply chain challenges, including shipping logistics, are causing extended wait times across the industry,” says Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company Africa Region.
“Our local and global teams are working around the clock to get vehicles to dealers and customers as soon as possible.”
Included as standard is Ford Protect with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Buyers can purchase service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 135 000 km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000 km, while Roadside Assistance for an additional one or two years.
