The covers have been pulled off the 2022 Ford Everest ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year. It’s the biggest change in Ford Everest’s history, but can it make an impact in a rapidly changing market, and will it put even a dent in the Toyota Prado’s sales?
Ford’s new Everest delivers a bold new design that freshens the outside and liberates space inside – where there’s upgraded tech, significant changes to its four-wheel drive and suspension systems, as well as greater towing capability courtesy of a new V6.
This substantial engineering and design investment makes the 2022 Everest a significant reboot of Ford’s sole seven-seat SUV offering, which was introduced in 2015 as production of the locally-made Territory wound up. If you want a seven-seat Ford SUV, this is it.
Snapshot
- New Everest brings Ranger design cues to SUV
- Updated engine line-up includes range-topping Lion V6 turbo-diesel
- Set to go on sale in the second half of 2022
The 2023 Ford Everest’s got a big new V6
Drawing just as much attention as the new design is what’s under the bonnet. The new ‘Lion’ V6 – from the same engine family as the 2.7-litre turbo-diesel in the last Territory – will sit above the 2.0-litre bi-turbo as the Everest’s premium engine option, the bi-turbo taking over the role of the now defunct 3.2-litre five cylinder ‘Puma’ turbo-diesel engine as the mainstay entry-level donk in Australia.
Confirmed as the flagship Everest powertrain from launch in Australia, the 2993cc V6 is an intercooled common rail diesel with 60-degree configuration, iron-graphene block and double-overhead cams.
Ours is likely to be sourced from Dagenham, in the UK, but in North America’s F-Series, the engine has previously included variable geometry turbocharging, a two-stage oil pump and a forged crankshaft – all yet to be confirmed for the Everest, and 2023 Ford Ranger, which will also offer it.
Power and torque are still secret, too, but in the 2018 F-Series the 3.0-litre ‘Power Stroke’ made 240hp (186kW) and 440lb-ft (597Nm) from 1750rpm. It has developed even stronger numbers in other products, but those figures easily eclipse the current Everest’s 157kW/500Nm bi-turbo and 3.2L’s 143kW/470Nm.
Following Ranger and Bronco, the 10-speed will be the new 10R60 in place of the current model’s 10R80, both of which were co-developed with General Motors.
Combined with the new V6, which is heavier than the bi-turbo, according to Foston, fuel economy may be up – as the Everest is facing a marginal weight increase over the current model’s 2283-2477 kilogram weight range.
The 10R80 in current models has been recalibrated several times by Ford Australia engineers to combat low-speed lack of responsiveness – which it says combines with more clutch packs for the four-wheel drive system in the new Everest, too, for better responsiveness both on road and when off-roading.
“The new [four-wheel-drive] system’s got so many features now with the clutch controls in terms of allowing to be released and being able to do manoeuvring, the driveline not binding,” said T6 platform chief, Ian Foston.
Made up of a two-speed transfer case, it retains switchable on-the-fly mode changes, accompanied by six selectable drive modes.
“It’s Borg Warner again, it’s the same company [as before], it’s just the next generation.”
Stronger and Wider
More where it counts. Increased width firmly plants Everest at its corners. The updated chassis and refined suspension are tougher and more capable, and the bold, rugged exterior reflects that.
C-Clamp Headlamps
Instantly recognizable, Ford’s signature design DNA is reflected in the C-Clamp Headlamps that flank Everest’s commanding grille. This is what capability looks like.
LED Taillights
LED tail lamps set in a full-width design emphasise Everest’s increased track. The extra 50mm plants the vehicle on its wheels creating a strong and muscular stance.
Elevating Every Corner
You spend so much time here, it deserves to be exceptional. Sophisticated, spacious and beautifully crafted with new soft touch finishes, Everest’s interior is designed and engineered to be a sanctuary. This is the new benchmark for SUVs in the category.
Selectable Drive Modes2
Wherever you go, whatever you do, master the conditions at hand with the turn of a dial.
Off-Road Ready
At the push of a button, dedicated off-road screens3 provide the ability to see off-road camera views4 and vehicle information such as off-road status and pitch & roll.
E-Shifter
Comfortable, central and where fitted, with advanced automated parking features6 at hand, Everest’s new e-shifter5 delivers next-generation control.
Built Ford Tough DNA
Everest isn’t just superb to look at and drive, it’s reinforced by Ford’s undeniably tough off-road heritage. Built from the ground up to be the complete package, there is no compromise.
