Ford has unveiled the latest model for its Everest SUV series, which is once again taking cues from its Ranger bakkie sibling.
The new Everest derivative is the Tremor, a nameplate that made its debut on the Ranger in South Africa back in March.
The Tremor is intended to be one of the most rugged offerings in the Blue Oval’s 4×4 stable, boasting several enhancements that make it well-suited for a trek in the great outdoors.
The Everest just made its first appearance in Australia, and given that its bakkie counterpart is already on sale in South Africa, it seems all but confirmed that the new Tremor model will be brought here at some point in the future.
Rugged Experience
The Ford Ranger Tremor is based on the mid-range XLT units and features a number of off-road-themed upgrades, from improved suspension to special tyres and interior reworks.
The bakkie is powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine which provides a total of 154kW and 500Nm, but this is one area where the Everest is significantly deviating from the established format.
The Australian SUV has been upgraded to the 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 diesel that’s currently exclusive to the Wildtrak and Platinum versions of both the Ranger and Everest, raising its power ceiling to a respectable 184kW and 600Nm.
This powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.
Where the Tremor badge starts to show its credentials is with the upgraded suspension, as the SUV is fitted with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers that greatly improve comfort over rough terrain.
Adding to the overhaul is a set of General Grabber AT3 All-Terrain tyres mounted atop 17-inch black alloy wheels, which help to raise the Everest’s ground clearance by 26mm to 252mm.
Other modifications include auxiliary LED headlamps in the front grille, a front tow hook, a steel bash plate, heavy-duty side steps, extended black wheel arch mouldings, and orange Tremor badges that stand out against the SUV’s black, white, or grey paint options.
As for the interior, the 4×4 features ebony leather upholstery with Tremor logos, as well as all-weather floor mats.
Interestingly, Ford Australia’s website makes no mention of the special water-resistant vinyl flooring used on the Ranger Tremor, which are designed for easy spray-downs with a hose after a muddy day out in the bush.
It’s possible that the company opted to use the all-weather floor mats as a compromise instead, given that the SUV body is considered more premium than the utilitarian double-cab style.
Ford Ranger Tremor vinyl floors
Other parts of the cabin are exactly the same as the existing roster, meaning you can expect features such as a 12-inch Sync4 infotainment screen, an 8-inch digital driver display, keyless entry and start, electronic front seats, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, hill assist, front and rear parking sensors, and 360-degree cameras.
The Ford Everest Tremor is not yet confirmed for a South African release, but given that our market tends to receive the same models as Australia and that the Blue Oval is a very popular brand here, it’s reasonable to assume that we may eventually get our hands on it.
To briefly speculate on its potential price point, the Tremor is unlikely to be placed above the flagship Platinum which currently starts at R1,240,600, but given that it has the V6 diesel engine on top of its special modifications, it will be interesting to see whether it costs more than the Everest Wildtrak’s R1,180,200 if and when it does arrive in South Africa.
Ford Everest Tremor
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