Ford Everest SUV refreshed

Ford Australia has uncovered the updated version of its Everest large SUV that ushers in the same bi-turbo diesel engine from the Ranger Raptor, as well as more safety features and a quieter cabin. 

The refreshed version of the Ranger-based off-road wagon is expected to hit Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year, and follows yesterday’s reveal of the updated Ranger pick-up range.

Ford has confirmed that it will offer the new 157kW/500Nm four-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel engine, also found in the Raptor, as an option in mid-range Trend variants, and standard on the flagship Titanium.

This will be paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and will be available in all-wheel and rear-wheel drive versions of the Trend. Fuel economy is rated at 6.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle in the Trend RWD.

Ford’s carryover 143kW/470Nm five-cylinder turbo-diesel unit matched with a six-speed automatic will continue to be offered in Ambiente and Trend variants.

Towing capacity is also up with the new drivetrain to 3100kg.

A 10-speed auto and bi-turbo 2.0-litre engine will be available in the updated Everest Range.

The Blue Oval says the Everest’s revised suspension geometry improves the big SUV’s ride and handling “for greater composure on- and off-road”.

Advanced sound insulation and the inclusion of 'Active Noise Cancellation' have helped improve cabin quietness, with the new four-cylinder diesel now “markedly quieter” than the 3.2-litre unit, according to Ford.

Trend and Titanium variants gain Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist that features an autonomous emergency braking system that can detect vehicles, pedestrians and other objects and works above 3.6km/h.

New standard features across the range include keyless entry and push-button start, as well as the Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Apple and Google Maps as well as built-in sat-nav  

Trend and Titanium now feature a hands-free power tailgate, while a self-parking function is also offered on some variants.

Some Ford dealers will offer buyers free map updated for up to seven years, while any Everest purchased after May 1 this year will come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

New standard features across the range include keyless entry and push-button start.

The Everest gains a new grille design with a secondary grille against the chrome brightwork, while the Titanium has new 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, Ford is offering a new ebony interior look with chrome highlights and contrast stitching.

Full specifications and pricing are expected to be revealed ahead of the Everest’s fourth quarter launch. The current Everest starts from $47,990 plus on-road costs for the RWD Ambiente and tops out at $74,701 for the AWD Titanium.

The Everest was developed by Ford’s Asia Pacific design and engineering team based in Victoria and is based on the Ranger pick-up.

It launched in late 2015 and had its best sales year in 2017 when Ford sold 4607 units, but so far this year sales are already up by 53.8 per cent to 1843 units, which is enough for it to place third against its ute-based rivals including the Isuzu MU-X (2533) and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2279).

Does the new Raptor engine make the Aussie-developed Everest more appealing than before? Tell us what you think in the comments below.