5 things to know about the upcoming Ford Everest

The third generation of the 7-seater Ford Everest was globally introduced in March this year, followed by the launch in Thailand in the same month. Well, now this revamped Ford SUV is set to hit the Malaysian shores. The brand’s local arm Sime Darby Auto Connexion will yank the silks off the next-gen Everest on September 23, 2022, at 9:30 am. 

As the SUV is already on sale in the ASEAN market, we do have an idea of what it is like and how it is going to be when it arrives here, So while taking references here we bring 5 things one should know about the upcoming Everest -

A bold new face

Following a similar styling direction as the new Ranger, the next-gen Everest features a bold grille edged by the new ‘C-clamp’ headlights and several squared-off ‘big American pickup’ cues here and there. The front fascia has a perfect blend of horizontal and vertical elements, keeping in line with the rugged exterior styling. A glossy black Everest lettering is also positioned on the front of the hood.

Not only to the front, but Ford has also made some significant revisions to the SUV’s rear. The tail lights benefit from the new LED setup and a modern touch alongside the other nip and tuck. Overall, the SUV looks quite boxy compared to the curvy predecessor thanks to the strong shoulder lines. 

New platform

The upcoming Everest is based on a new platform, which is basically an updated iteration of T6 body-on-frame architecture. It is the same structure that underpins the next-gen Ranger. This increases the track length by 50 mm delivering a more controlled ride on-road. Also, the wheelbase gets an increment of 50 mm.

Coming to the suspension tweaks, the automaker added a new coil-sprung Watts linkage at the rear end, which promises better control during on-road as well as off-road riding.

A more refined and quieter cabin

To design the new Everest cabin, Ford designers put a lot of thought into the function and feel. They took inspiration from modern-day homes and added plush materials and finishes and ambient lighting at the places where occupants can appreciate them the best.

Not only that, but the automaker paid close attention to reducing the cabin’s noise. “One of the first things you’ll notice when you get into a new Everest is how quiet it is,” said Max Wolff, design director for China and Ford’s International Markets Group (IMG).

He explained. “We’ve all been in vehicles with multiple rows of seats, where you have to twist your head around and almost shout to be heard by passengers in the second or third rows. That’s an issue we wanted to solve for Everest, so the interior would be a quiet place in which you can easily talk to your family or friends and enjoy the journey together.”

Customer-focused technologies

The third-generation Ford Everest SUV also benefits from a high level of digitalisation, which is led by a big high-resolution portrait-oriented central display, expected to be available in both 10.1- or 12-inch sizes (same as the Ford Ranger). Replacing the traditional analogue clusters, the new driver’s display also comes in two sizes - 8.0- or 12.4-inch sizes globally. However, only the smaller one is expected for the local market, just like the Ranger.

Also read: 2022 Ford Ranger: Top 10 new features

Also part of the tech goodies will be wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, an electric parking brake, power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and a high-resolution surround view camera.

Stronger safety net

Ford has also improved the safety pack of the SUV which promises a safe riding experience. Among the newly added advanced driver-assistance features are - 

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go that maintains a pre-set speed and distance from the car ahead 
• Lane-keeping system with road-edge detection, which keeps the SUV from drifting from the carriageway on rural roads

• Evasive steer assist, which provides steering support for easy manoeuvring
• Reverse brake assist for reverse assistance while parking
• Blind spot information system with trailer coverage monitoring blind spots around the vehicle and vehicle
• Enhanced pre-collision assist with intersection functionality, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of an imminent collision

The upcoming Everest is likely to get all these advanced safety gears as the Thai-spec Everest and Malaysian Ranger come packed with these.

As for the powertrain also, the redesigned 7-seater SUV is expected to mimic the Thai model with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine available in single-turbo and bi-turbo forms. The single turbo unit delivers a maximum power output of 170 hp and a peak torque of 405 Nm, while the bigger bi-turbo mill kicks out 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

So, what are your thoughts on the new Ford Everest? Would you choose it over the Toyota Fortuner? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Ford Ranger vs Rivals: Price, engine, size and features compared