The Ford Everest brings back some fond memories. It was actually the first test cart we ever received at DBN Spotter. Back in 2017, we were given a 2.2 TDCI XLS 4×2. Fast forward three years later and I’m back in drivers’ seat of the 2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4×4. Over the years the Everest range has received a refreshed design – most evident in the grille, bumper and the addition of new wheels. It has also gained more powerful/efficient engines and new transmission for the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo and 2.0 Single Turbo engines. Let’s talk about the unit I got to drive.
Design
The Everest is a fairly large car, but that doesn’t take away from it’s good looks. Being the top of the range model, you can expect power adjustable side view mirrors (which are heated), and puddle lamp and turn indicators as standard. It also comes standard with 18-inch wheels though buyers can opt for the new 20-inch that Ford added to the range.
Inside
Being a 7-seater, there’s loads of space inside. From a drivers perspective you sit nice and high, so visibility is not an issue. There’s a mix of leather and hard wearing plastics. If you’re going to be out most of time mud crawling or sand duning, these materials are going to last a long time without wearing out. Being the Limited it comes standard with all the bells and whistles: ambient lighting, electric tailgate, power adjustable seats for driver & passenger with seat heating and panoramic sunroof.
The Limited comes with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system that’s controlled via an 8-inch touch screen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I was surprised how good the 10-speaker sound system was – kept the jams pumping whenever I hopped into it. When it comes to convenience, the Limited comes with 2 x USB ports and 2 x 12 volt sockets at the front whist the rear gets a 12 volt socket. Buyers will be happy to know that this model comes with electrically operated third row seats.
The Drive
Our test unit was powered by Ford’s all-new 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel engine that produces 157 kW and 500 Nm of torque (10 kW & 30 Nm more than the pre-facelift). This is the same engine you’ll find in the Ranger Raptor. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Whilst driving in the city the gearbox is quite a hunter, but on the open road it rolls through the gears with ease. On normal daily driving the Everest is an easy drive, in some corners though there was some apparent body roll. It’s understandable for a car of this size and height.
To test out Ford’s Terrain Management System, my fiancé and I decided to tackle some muddy Midlands terrain. Some how the tyres fitted on our test unit tracked a lot of mud but when dialed into the Mud/Grass/Snow mode (which on this newer model is called Grass/Gravel/Snow), the car dealt with muddy surfaces with finesse. Using the shift on the fly dial you can also access modes such as Rock Mode and Sand Mode. Ford Claims a 7.6 l/100 km bit I managed a best of 9.5 l/100km it’s actually not that bad for such a big car. The driving experience both on and off-road was quite pleasant in this car.
Safety and Tech
The Everest features Ford’s latest safety features and creature comforts such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Auto High Beam Control. Other standard features on the Everest includes Electronic Stability Control system Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control on the 4×4 models, Load Adaptive control and Roll Over Mitigation.
Verdict
Spending time in the Everest was quite a treat, having done what it was built for I got to appreciate it more. It’s not a pavement crawler or a glorified 4X4 – it’s a good blend of city slicker and bundu basher when summoned. Spacious, rugged and packed with technology, the Everest is definitely one of the list of 7-seater 4X4 you should consider when shopping for one.
Specs
- Engine: 2,0-litre four-cylinder BiTurbo diesel engine
- Power: 157 kW @ 3750 rpm
- Torque: 500 Nm @ 1500 – 2000 r/min
- Transmission: 10 speed automatic
- Acceleration: 8.4 seconds (claimed)
- Top Speed: 237 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 7.6 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R819,400
