Mistimed test leaves room to ponder what comes next
This Everest Sport, one of the two original models launched way back in 2022, just happened to be sitting on our driveway the day Ford confirmed the death of its twin turbodiesel four cylinder engine late last year. Which makes this test a little futile.
It does, however, provide us with a glimpse a into the future and the revised Everest range set for imminent launch in SA. It’s said the reliability issues, mainly around its wet belt format spelled the end of this powerful and popular 154 kW 500 Nm lump mated to Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic turning part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4.
Unlike the permanent all-wheel drive in the V6 models, that is. We hope you’re not confused yet, because this is only where it starts getting complicated See, the Everest Sport soon shifts to a new two model range.
It’s all change for Everest Sport
First up is a new 4×2 model. It will be powered by the new to South Africa, but very well proven 222kW 452Nm 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. You may know it from the Mustang.
The other Sport model will be the by now familiar 184 kW 600 Nm 3-litre V6 turbodiesel. Now turning permanent four-wheel drive! This one’s more basic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 will continue. But only in the new 2-litre single turbo Active 4×4…
We still need to see the final spec of the new Sport models, but this soon to be extinct version had a pretty simple look. Its pretty regular Everest fare behind the black wheels and 18-inch 255/65 all-terrain tyres, a blackened grille between the C- DRLs, the Everest across the bonnet, dainty side stripes and tailgate Sport badge.
All the tech you need
Sport also gets a black trim theme across most of the car, from the wing mirror caps to the rear bumper, side steps, roof rails and privacy glass. Hop aboard and the wider track and longer wheelbase Everest is a quiet, plush, and functional premium finished space.
There are high tech 12.4-inch digital dials and a high-resolution large-format portrait 12-inch touchscreen infotainment base. The voice-activated Ford Sync system packs CarPlay, Auto, wireless charging, and the rest.
It lacks a few buttons, but you’ll understand it’s main functions enough. are both Type A and C USB ports, plus convenient 12-volt sockets up and even a 400-Watt inverter to power laptops and other hungry devices. Everest Sport also gets FordPass for optimised mobile device accessibility.
Quality has become better
The tech is great. Both screens are crisp with good depth. They may not be the most responsive, and some would however prefer a landscape centre screen higher up on the dash than this portrait solution. Better for keeping your eyes on the road.
Cupholders abound, in the centre console, popping out of the dash. There’s convenient storage space throughout. The overkill leather trimmed e-shifter’ and electric parking brake. Could be seen as downside. Flimsy and uncomfortable, it’s not pleasant to use.
Everest and Ranger quality may have started underwhelming when the new models arrived four years back. But it’s better now, if still a bit too plasticky for a car the other side of a million bucks. But enough upscaled trim also helps make it feel a bit better.
Is Everest Sport ready to impress?
The Ford Everest Sport did not come cheap. There are still a few of these about at just north of a million, but we’d wait a little linger to ponder which of the new Sports to buy. Even if this was an incredible engine on the road, it had its issues.
But the rest of the Everest certainly remains a compelling, capable, and sporty SUV alternative that’s ready to surprise you. – Michele Lupini
Images & Data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Ford Everest Sport 2.0 Biturbo
Engine: 154 kW 500 Nm 2-litre biturbodiesel I4
Drive: 10-speed automatic 4x4
Max Braked Trailer 3500 kg
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.03 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.01 sec
0-120 km/h: 13.40 sec
400m: 16.7 sec @ 133 km/h
80-120 km/h: 7.13 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 190km/h
Fuel: 7.5 l/100 km
CO2: 198 g/km
Range: 1010km
Warranty/Service: 4y 120K/6y 90K km*
LIST PRICE: R1.04M
*Optional
How does it compare?
Check with Auto's Test Data right here