The Ford Everest has undergone the same significant facelift as the Ranger.
As is the case with the Ranger, the styling changes to the exterior are quite subtle. There’s a refreshed grille, redesigned lower bumper and some stylish new 20-inch alloys on the range-topping Limited model.
On the inside Ford claims new premium levels of quality. There’s a new Ebony option, as well as contrast stitching on the Limited model. Add in some new soft-touch materials and a redesigned gear lever and you have an interior that’s actually quite lovely to behold.
The Everest upgrade includes the introduction of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, with either one or two turbochargers. The single turbo produces 132kW and 420Nm of torque, while the biturbo mule delivers 157kW and 500Nm of torque.
The biturbo is available in XLT 4×2 and 4×4 models, as well as the top-spec Limited. The single turbo is only offered in XLT specification in 4×2 guise.
All 2.0-litre engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The current 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, with 118kW and 385Nm, is available in the Everest XLS 4×2 model, while the 3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi engine, with 147kW and 470Nm, is still offered in XLT 4×4 guise. These engines are mated to the older six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford says the upgraded Everest has benefited from numerous suspension improvements that further enhance ride quality and refinement. Most notably, the front-mounted stabiliser bar has been moved to the rear of the front axle, which allows for greater packaging and design freedom, along with an increase in diameter and stiffness to give the Everest improved roll control and handling performance.
A new addition to the range of features is the Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) system, fitted as standard on the XLT and Limited models. The keyless entry and passive start uses an intelligent access system that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle and start the engine without removing the key fob from their pocket or bag.
The Everest Limited’s line-up of features includes Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist (SAPPA) that uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers to search for and identify parking spaces that are big enough to parallel park the vehicle. A combination of the Everest’s electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and sensors are used to steer the vehicle safely and perfectly into place, while the driver simply operates the gears, accelerator and brake.
Additional standard appointments on the Limited include Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert (which now recognises pedestrians, in addition to its ability to detect other vehicles), 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.
The standard safety package across the line-up extends to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with Traction Control (TC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) on the 4×4 models, Load Adaptive control (LAC) and Roll Over Mitigation (ROM).
Ford’s SYNC3 system with Navigation is standard on the XLT and Limited models, linked to the integrated eight-inch touch-screen colour display, two USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Tracks4Africa is included in the package, as well as access to maps for over 20 countries in Africa. Free annual map updates are included for a period of five years, and the text and voice guidance functions are available in a multitude of languages, comprising Afrikaans, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and isiZulu.
SYNC 3 allows for smartphone integration, which means you can use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Model Range and Recommended Retail Prices:
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2 R499 900
2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4×2 R584 900
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×2 R624 100
3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4×4 R644 000
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×4 R687 700
2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4×4 R761 200
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.