New Ford Everest goes on sale in South Africa – And it’s R128,000 cheaper

Ford has updated the Everest for South Africa, simplifying the roster and slashing the SUV’s starting price by R128,000.

The Everest line-up has dropped from six to five derivatives, and the XLT trim level has been replaced by the new entry-level Active, which is available in both two-wheel (4×2) and four-wheel-drive (4×4) configurations.

This is followed by the mid-range Sport, and the top-end Wildtrak and Platinum.

Later this year, the Blue Oval will introduce the Tremor, a trim level that was available on the Ranger bakkie but will be a new addition to the Everest family.

However, the single most important change to the SUV series is its pricing, as the new Active starts at R825,000, a massive drop of R128,000 compared to the outgoing XLT, which asked for R953,000.

“The new line-up starts off with the more affordable Everest Active, which serves as the new entry point to the Everest range, and replaces the previous XLT,” said the company.

Engines

Ford has dropped the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine from the Everest, mirroring the changes made to the Ranger last month.

The updated roster offers a choice of two powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre, foyr-cylinder single-turbo diesel engine that produces 125kW and 405Nm.

This option is only available on the Active, though buyers can opt for either a 4×2 or 4×4 setup.

The 4×2 has a terrain management system with four driving modes – Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, and Slippery – and the 4×4 adds two more settings for Mud/Ruts and Sand, as well as a locking rear differential.

The remaining three units – the Sport, Wildtrak, and Platinum – are all fitted with the brand’s 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel block, which generates 184kW and 600Nm.

These models are exclusively sold with a part-time 4×4 system with multiple settings.

By default, the SUV uses a 4A (automatic) mode that dynamically adjusts power to the front and rear axles to improve traction.

Owners can also select a 2H, 4H, or 4L option to suit the task at hand.

All five Everest models are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption ranges from 7.4l/100km for the 2×4 2.0-litre Active, up to 8.5l/100km for the V6 units.

Features

The Active kicks off the spec sheet with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, body-coloured bumpers, black roof rails, and side steps.

The 4×4 version also has underbody protection for tackling tough terrain.

Inside, you’ll find seven cloth seats with eight-way electronic adjustment for the driver, and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger.

It also comes with keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Driving aids include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, lane centring, lane-keep assist, driver alert monitoring, ABS, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

Customers can optionally add 18-inch all-terrain tyres and heated side mirrors with puddle lamps.

Next up is the Sport, which adds a black grille, bumpers, door handles, and side mirrors, and 20-inch black alloy wheels.

This version also features tyre pressure monitoring, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot detection with trailer coverage, a powered tailgate, a full-size alloy spare wheel, leather upholstery, an eight-way electric front passenger seat, zone lighting, a 400W inverter, and a windscreen-mounted USB port.

The Sport is available with an exclusive Blue Lightning paint job, and buyers can optionally choose 18-inch alloy rims with all-terrain tyres.

The Wildtrak improves on this with a raised roof rack, an exclusive Ignite Orange colour scheme, Matrix LED headlights, ambient lighting, a dual-panel moonroof, and electronically folding third-row seats.

As for the range-topping Platinum, it adds 21-inch alloys, 10-way electric front seats with heating and ventilation, Pro Trailer Back-Up Assist, a heated steering wheel, a larger 12-inch driver display, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The Platinum is also available with a new Acacia Green paint job.

Pricing

This is how the new Ford Everest series’ pricing compares to the old line-up:

Each purchase comes with a 4-year/120,000km warranty.