Along with the announcement that a 2019 shakeup was coming for the Ford Ranger, it’s SUV-bodied sibling, the Everest, is now officially confirmed to be getting a similar set of goodies. Like the ute, it will not make much headway in terms of visual differentiation, keeping the bulk of the enhancements under the skin.
Regardless, gaining Ford’s newest diesel motor will surely be a boon for the Everest, it’s 2.0-litre displacement belying the 157kW and 500Nm output on offer means that Raptor-like performance will be made a more prevalent without much of a wait.
The 2019 Everest will also have its maximum rated towing capacity raised to 3,100kg in addition to the new engine being paired to one of Ford’s biggest mechanical assets right now: their new 10-speed transmission, having already been deployed in the F-150 Raptor, forthcoming 2018 Mustang, and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The new automatic was co-developed with General Motors and promises reduced shift times, smoother changes, and improved fuel economy.
That said, the carry-over 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel will still be offered in Ambiente and Trend grades, paired with a six-speed automatic. “Everest fitted with the new Bi-Turbo and 10-speed automatic raises the bar when it comes to vehicle refinement and outright capability both on and off road,” said Chief Program Engineer, Ford Everest, John Willems.
“Increased power and torque means we have more potential but it’s the mating of the bi-turbo to our new 10-speed automatic that really provides access to, and the greatest use of, the Bi-Turbo’s impressive output.” he added.
The new Everest Trend and Titanium will also receive a more comprehensive safety suite with the inclusion of Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) which, in addition to prevent forward collisions with other large vehicles, is able to do the same for pedestrians and cyclists.
Aside from improving performance and fuel efficiency, the bi-turbo-powered Everest will also be noticeably quieter and more refined by design than the outgoing model with the older Duratorq engines, an attribute aided by revised suspension geometry and a cabin that employs Active Noise Cancellation.
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