The Ford Everest Titanium, 4WD and Leather: A Journey into Luxury and Performance

In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, the Ford Everest has been steadily carving out a niche for itself. Built on the chassis of the Ford Ranger, it has the off-roading capability of a pick-up paired with the refinement of a luxury crossover.

A Historical Perspective

The Ford Everest has been a proactive player in the full-sized SUV since its inception in 2003. I remember driving the first-generation Everest. It was an ambitious feat by the company as it was trying to achieve a blend between luxury and performance. Over two decades later, the Everest is now a force to be reckoned with as it incorporates the latest technologies and design elements to ensure that it remains competitive in the market.

Design: Where Elegance Meets Utility

The Ford Everest is a visual masterpiece that effortlessly blends ruggedness with sophistication. The sleek and aerodynamic exterior design is characterised by a bold front grille, distinctive LED headlights, and an imposing yet elegant presence on the road. This striking design is further enhanced by its 20-inch alloy wheels, giving the Everest a powerful and dynamic stance.

The exterior design seamlessly transitions into a well-thought-out interior that exudes luxury and comfort. The model I test-drove had premium leather upholstery, coupled with detailed stitching, which not only feels exceptionally comfortable, but also exudes an air of opulence. This was further cemented by the two-panel sunroof that has a canopy and can be retracted. The cabin offers plenty of space for all seven occupants, with three rows of seating. When all seats are in use, there is 259 litres of cargo space, where I was easliy able to fit two pieces of carry-on luggage. If the third row is stowed away, this increases to 898 litres.

Infotainment and Audio System: A Technological Marvel

The infotainment system of the 2023 Ford Everest is as advanced as it is intuitive, and it now serves as a statement piece for both the Ranger and Everest. The vertically positioned 12-inch touchscreen display controls the vehicle’s entertainment, navigation, and connectivity features. With a crisp and responsive interface, it is easy to access a multitude of functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The eight-speaker audio system is equally impressive, providing a concert-like experience on the go. The B&O Sound System, with its high-quality speakers and strategically positioned acoustics, delivers crystal-clear audio. Whether you’re listening to your favourite music or catching up on podcasts during a long drive, the audio system ensures an immersive experience.

In front of the driver, you’ll find an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a feature shared by all models except for the premium Platinum trim. The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel not only boasts a stylish appearance but also provides a comfortable grip.

Seating

The backseat experience has seen a significant upgrade from the previous generation. With theatre-style seating that elevates the view for the little passengers, you can bid farewell to those impromptu stops due to car sickness.

For passengers taller than six feet, there’s an abundance of leg, head, and knee room although it is worth noting that the substantial driveline hump nibbles at the foot space.

While a third climate-control zone remains absent, you have a handy manual fan control to adjust the airflow through the ceiling-mounted vents in the second and third rows. Plus, there’s a nifty module behind the centre console equipped with USB-A and USB-C outlets to keep your devices charged and ready for action.

Additional perks in the rear seat area include map pockets cleverly tucked behind the back of the front seats, a fold-down centre armrest complete with cupholders, convenient door-mounted bottle holders, and, of course, the essential ISOFIX window seat anchors and top-tether points across all three rear seats.

Under the Hood

The Everest Titanium comes with a 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine delivers an impressive 154kW at 3750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque in the range of 1750 - 2000 rpm. Its might is harnessed through a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience. The trim level I drove offered a 4x4 drivetrain, allowing you to tackle any terrain with confidence.

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Features

In today’s environmentally conscious world, fuel efficiency is a top priority. The Ford Everest excels in this aspect for out-of-town driving. I was able to get 9.1 km per litre. The 80-litre fuel tank ensures that you can go the distance before needing to refuel.

Towing Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Everest is its impressive towing capacity. With the ability to tow up to 3500kg with a braked trailer, it is an ideal choice for those who require a capable workhorse for both professional and recreational purposes. The Everest is designed to handle heavy loads with ease, thanks to its kerb weight of 2383kg, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating of 3100kg, and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 6250kg.

Starting the engine, you’ll notice a subdued diesel clatter, a hallmark of smaller-capacity diesel engines. However, it is important to note that the Everest’s clatter never becomes unrefined, especially when compared to its competitors. In city driving, the 2.0-litre diesel engine hardly feels underpowered, thanks to its ample torque and well-matched gear ratios.

The 10-speed automatic transmission is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It no longer constantly hunts for the right gear and offers crisper upshifts under acceleration, eliminating the occasional CVT-like experience of the previous model.

The Everest’s light steering and excellent visibility help it to be as manoeuvrable as possible for a vehicle of its size. However, its substantial ride height and substantial exterior dimensions - measuring 4914 mm long and 2207 mm wide - should not be overlooked, .

This vehicle is the perfect choice for those who crave both adventure and sophistication in their journeys. With its rugged capabilities and elegant interior, the Ford Everest remains a top contender in the SUV market, ensuring that your next adventure is as memorable as it is comfortable.

Price of tested model: $12.3m

Price Range/ Options: 4WD leather trim $10.1m, 4WD fabric trim $9.9m

Engine: 2.0-litre diesel

Torque: 500 Nm

Transmission: 4WD

Fuel tank: 80 litre

Gas consumption: 9.1 km per litre - Highway

Body Type: Full size SUV

Competition: Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X, Nissan Pathfinder

Vehicle was provided courtesy of Kingston Industrial Garage Ltd, 923-6479, sales@kigjamaica.com