Depending on the model, Ford now offer its medium large, Ranger-ute-based Ford Everest “fourbie” with a choice of 3.2-litre, five cylinder, turbo diesel or 2.0-litre, four cylinder, twin turbo (bi-turbo) diesel.
The latter is shared with Ford’s new Raptor ute.
For the life of me, I don’t get it because the new “bi-turbo” delivers about the same level of performance as the five pot with only one hair dryer attached. The 2.0-litre might have a tad more get-go and use a bit less fuel but gains would only be incremental from my seat of the pants observation.
I know the global trend is to downsize engines and boost them up but when it comes to a “light commercial vehicle”, I think I’d rather have the extra 1200cc of engine capacity rather than two turbos force feeding a smaller donk.
Having said that, the new 2.0-litre bi-turbo goes well and there is absolutely no cringe factor when it comes to acceleration or response.
Exterior
Only minor changes this time around as the Ford Everest has only been with us for three years. A focus was put on the front end with a distinctive and powerful look centred on the truck-like grille featuring new lights and bumpers.
Other minor changes dot the large body while rear end styling is essentially carried over but there’s more chrome trim on some models and new alloys up to 20-inches in diameter.
A bit more is happening inside with revisions to the dash and equipment along with additional features. The Trend is mid-spec for luxury and offers plenty of room for seven occupants in three seat rows. There’s even a small load space down the back when all three rows are in place.
Trend has leather (except in row three), premium audio and is almost sumptuous inside with the level of kit fitted.
Looks good to with a stylish dash and cockpit style driving position.
Features
Everest Trend tested goes nearly all the way with advanced driver assist tech but not quite. It will please hard markers with a generous standard equipment list that includes goodies like:
- Eight way power driver’s seat adjustment
- Hands free tailgate
- Auto level headlights
- Premium audio
- Smartphone streaming and SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Auto high beam
- Leather
- Keyless start
- Hardwired satnav
- 10-speed auto including paddle shift with 2.0 litre bi-turbo engine
Drive and Engine
The test vehicle had Ford’s new 2.0-litre, bi-turbo, diesel four cylinder engine, all-wheel drive and a 10 speed auto.
If it didn’t have a gear indicator, I wouldn’t have known it was the 10 speeder.
Having said that, the transmission skips gears intentionally on the way up and down the range – 1-3-5 for example.
Doesn’t matter because you can’t tell. Drive selection is through a terrain response set-up.
Performance from the new engine is good due to the robust 157kW/500Nm output. It makes an unusual rumbling noise when revs get into the higher range.
But performance is good, a touch better than the 3.2-litre five pot.
You would not think it was a 2.0-tonne plus fourbie from behind the wheel.
The 2.0-litre is relatively quiet and smooth and uses a touch less fuel than the five cylinder with my average up around the 9.0 litres/100km mark.
The electric rear diff’ lock is handy off road as is Everest’s wading depth of 800mm and terrain select system.
Yes, you could drive or tow something with it around Australia.
I didn’t get the chance to tow anything with the Everest which is a shame because the bi-turbo comes exclusively with a 10-speed auto transmission.
That there means a lot of cog swappin’….
A 10 speeder could be beneficial to the towing exercise as it more precisely taps into available engine torque. At 3100kg, the bi-turbo tows 100kg more than the 3.2 five pot.
Safety
Everest scores a five star ANCAP crash rating and benefits in this revamp from the inclusion of more high tech driver assist technology like pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping and really good traffic sign recognition among a swag of safety features.
The higher spec’ Titanium scores all available advanced driver assist technology but comes at a cost.
Good Bits
- Feels tough as teak
- Impressive off road capabilities
- Locally fettled dynamics
- Punchy 2.0-litre diesel engine
- Tows 3.1 tonnes
- Capable AWD system (vehicle also available with RWD)
- Terrain management system
- 10 speed auto optimises towing ability
Not So Good Bits
- Can be thirsty
- Bit on the expensive side for a Thai-sourced product
- Sceptical as to how a 2.0-litre engine will be received by customers
The new Everest that arrived in September is really a revamp of the previous model sporting changes to the front and sundry body external bits, some new kit and safety improvements as well as the new drivetrain.
I really like the way Ford offers Everest with a no cost off-road set up including lug tyres.
I like the Everest and the new engine but for less money, there are vehicles like the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-T, Holden Trailblazer or even the old Mitsubishi Pajero on offer.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Ford Everest Trend AWD 2.0
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel producing 157kW/500Nm
- Transmission: Ten-speed automatic
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: Thailand
- Price: from $61,190