Sharing its underpinnings with the modern Ranger double-cab, the third-generation
Everest SUV was introduced to South Africa in 2022. At launch, this popular raised ride-height seven-seater was available in two guises, a Sport 4x4 model with black wheels and bespoke styling cues and a flagship Platinum edition complete with chrome detailing, 21-inch alloy wheels and a heightened sense of presence on the road compared with what buyers in this segment were accustomed to. Furthermore, the new
Everest arrived with a claim from its maker that this SUV would no longer be a direct rival to the top-selling Toyota Fortuner, but instead had the altogether more sophisticated Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in its sights.
Sourced from Indonesia, the
Everest range has since been expanded to include a Wildtrak package, two XLT derivatives – 4x2 and 4x4 – and a second Sport version that makes do with a 4x2 drivetrain.
The lone Wildtrak offering is priced below the Platinum in the range and features the same 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor and 10-speed automatic transmission as its flagship sibling. Only offered as a 4x4, this still premium model features a panoramic sunroof and 20-inch wheels and is the only derivative available to order in the brand’s distinct “Luxe Yellow” exterior paint finish.
Broadly lauded for its class-leading ride quality, impressively quiet cabin and a noteworthy selection of modern interior appointments – showcased via a 12-inch, portrait-style, infotainment display – the appeal of the imposing-looking
Everest package was instantly heightened with the introduction of two entry-level derivatives, an XLT 4x2 and XLT 4x4.
Like the Sport, these new XLT models feature the brand’s familiar 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. In this application, Ford claims an average fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km.
All
Everest models are available to order with a so-called off-road package that replaces the standard wheels with more rugged 18-inch items and corresponding all-terrain tyres. This option also adds underbody protection for when the going gets tough.
As a reminder, nice-to-have inclusions in the
Everest Platinum include plush leather upholstery throughout (including on the electrically operated third row of seats), a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and climate control. This model also features the brand’s new 4A all-wheel drive driving mode that automatically apportions torque between the front and rear wheels as required.
The
Everest range starts at R832 400 for the XLT 4x2 and tops with the Platinum at R1 146 500. This pricing includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, while Ford Motors South Africa is one of the few brands to have unbundled both a service and maintenance plan from the respective asking prices of its vehicles. Instead, the owner is encouraged to select an option that best suits their needs upon purchase.
