Forever-conquering Everest reaches new heights with next-gen SUV

The forever-conquering Everest is back this year, available in three grades and each of which is sure to appeal to the demanding motorist who seeks powerful, capable and advanced performance and technology in a SUV.

From the thrill-seeking adventurer to mom with enough kids to field a soccer team, the new Everest has been designed with performance and space in mind, while being as quite as a mouse on the inside despite roaring to life on the outside.

Chief platform engineer for the Everest, Ian Foston, said the SUV’s sense of spaciousness is amplified by the full-width coast-to-coast instrument panel and centre console.

“But one of the first things you will notice is how quiet the new Everest is. We have all been in cars with more than two rows of seats, often twisting our heads around to shout to be heard by other passengers. This is an issue we wanted to solve,” Foston said.

Customers providing feedback on the Everest in the past demanded more from Ford, specifically more power and torque for towing. Ford’s answer is its 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 engine, specifically refined for the Everest.

Depending on the market, this is one of three turbo-diesel engine options available at launch coming standard on the sport and platinum variations of the Everest.

The 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine produces 184kW and 600Nm and is also plated to a 10-speed auto transmission. Drive is exclusively sent through a full-time 4-wheel drive system.

At peak, torque for the 3.0L V6 ranges between 1 750-2 250rpm.

Along with the choice of two 4-wheel drive systems, the new Everest comes with underbody protection and off-road selectable drive modes plus rear locking differential, two functional tow hooks up front and up lifter switches for accessories.

In terms of tech, and depending on the trim level, the SUV comes with 8 or 12.4 inch digital instrument panels which replace traditional analogue clusters.

The next-gen Everest is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC 4Aiii system, coming with voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems.

Topping this off is a linked 360-degree camera with split view display, making parking a breeze in tight urban areas.

Order books for the next-gen Everest open in the second quarter with local pricing and launch to be confirmed.