Ford wasted little time in growing its family by adding the Wildtrak and XLT specification variants to the Everest clan.
Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa, states, "The Next-Gen Everest has received exceptional reception in South Africa, with its more premium positioning in the mid-size SUV segment making it a popular choice among family and lifestyle-oriented customers. We are delighted to expand the range with four new derivatives that will meet the needs and budgets of a wider range of customers, particularly with the more affordable XLT models."
Following its success in the Ford Ranger clan, Ford is excited to add the Wildtrak to the Everest SUV line-up. The Wildtrak badge embodies trend-setting style, luxury, comfort, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
To differentiate it from other models in the range, the Wiltrak receives its front grille with horizontal bars and a tough mesh, all painted in 'Bolder Grey'. This metallic accent colour applies to the unique front bumper design.
Standard features for the Everest Wildtrak include two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R20 tires, although customers can opt for 18-inch rims and 255/65 R18 all-terrain tires.
The interior of the Everest Wildtrak boasts contrasting yellow stitching on the dashboard, door trims, steering wheel, gear lever, and leather seats.
It boasts a full-colour 12-inch touchscreen that operates the latest-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-speaker sound system, USB-A and USB-C connectivity and charging ports, a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones, and a built-in 400W/240v inverter complete the rest of the package.
Akin to the Double Cab sibling, the Everest Wildtrak offers six Drive Mode settings: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand.
Standard driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert, Evasive Steer Assist, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Pre-Collision Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Powering the Everest Wildtrak is Ford's 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, generating 184 kW and 600 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As the base model in the Everest family, the XLT's uniqueness is distinguished by its chrome finish for the horizontal grille bars, complemented by colour-coded treatment on notable areas such as the door handles and mirrors.
The XLT features privacy glass from the rear windows backwards and shares the same LED treatment for the daytime running lights, headlamps, fog lights, and rear clusters as the high-spec models.
The interior appointments closely resemble the current Everest Sport, including partial leather seat trim for all seven seats and eight-way power adjustment for the front seats.
The XLT includes an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a wireless charging pad, USB-A/C ports, and 12v sockets for the front and third-row seats, and in the load compartment.
Safety specifications for the XLT include dual front, side, and curtain crash bags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Pre-Collision Assist with Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, and Automated Emergency Braking. It also includes Lane Keeping System with Lake Keeping Alert and Aid, Road Edge Detection, and Driver Warning, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage, Reverse Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control (on the 4x4 model), as well as front and rear parking sensors with a rear camera.
The XLT variant is powered by a 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine producing 154 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Everest XLT is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. The 4x4 model utilizes a part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system, which includes 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, along with a rear differential lock as standard for challenging off-road conditions.
Ford has also expanded the Everest Sport offering by introducing a 4x2 model to complement the existing 4x4 version. Both models are powered by the 154 kW/500 Nm 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, combined with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing (includes VAT):
• Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4x2 10AT: R 832 400
• Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4x4 10AT: R 896 300
• Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4x2 10AT: R 918 500
• Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4x4 10AT: R 984 800
• Everest Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT: R 1 084 000
• Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT: R 1 146 500
The Everest range comes standard with a 4-year/120,000 km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance, and a 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15,000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
