Following up on the success of the current Ranger, Ford Australia has excitedly announced that this lucky country will be receiving an off-road oriented four-door wagon. Known as the Everest, the soon to launch mid-sized SUV from Ford will share the same proven chassis and driveline as the ever-popular Australian-designed Ford Ranger.
Thanks to the success of the Ranger, offering a wagon- borrows design cues and suspension from the Ranger, there have been many unique enhancements to ensure the Everest is just as at home on-road as it is off the beaten track. Best of all, the Thai-built 4X4 is a genuine 7-seater, meaning the whole mob can now come along for the adventure.
Is This The Ute-Based SUV For You?
based variant was always going to make sense. If you’re looking for a modern SUV that’s based on a proven chassis and driveline combination, the Everest could just be your next best friend. Due for release in Australia in mid to late 2015, do yourself a favour and book in a test drive while you can. If the Ranger’s popularity is anything to go by, there very well could be a long waiting list to find your backside parked in a shiny new Ford Everest.
Can It Tow?
With a massive 3,500kg capacity, the Ford Everest is expected to handle towing duties with ease. Not only that, but the newly designed rear multi-link, solid axle coil sprung suspension replaces the somewhat agricultural leaf spring setup found under the Ranger. Ford officials are telling us that this new suspension design has been thoroughly tested in Australia, for Australian conditions. They are also confident that the new rear suspension design will offer an improved ride over the Ranger.
Can It Go Off-Road?
Speaking of off-road ability, it’s pretty apparent that the Ford Everest has been designed with off-road use in mind. It features powerful engine options, coil over strut independent front suspension, and a new coil sprung rear live axle that blends off-road capability with towing ability. There’s even dedicated low range gearing and a swag of electronic traction-based off-road enhancements. One thing is for sure though –we can’t wait to see what the 4X4 aftermarket industry comes up with for the Everest, as this is one sharp looking SUV!
