Ford Everest 2023: 3.5-tonne towing capacity now beats Prado, Fortuner and Pajero Sport

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Ford has revealed the third-generation Everest SUV which, among its many new features and improvements, includes an expanded braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes for all models

The new Everest is expected to go on sale in Australia in July/August this year, with an aim to appeal to a broader cross-section of Australian buyers with its increased capability both on- and off-road.

For a full breakdown on the new-generation Ford Everest, you can read our separate article which dives into the new hardware available along with extensive upgrades made to its interior and safety package.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the 2023 Ford Everest

How capable is the new-gen Everest?

The Australian development team that headed up the Ford Everest project said there was a clear demand from customers for more capability in all areas, and they aimed to meet the challenge.

The headline 3500kg braked towing capacity (when equipped with a tow pack) provides a healthy increase over the previous 3100kg maximum of the second-generation model and matches the capacity of new rivals such as the Isuzu MU-X and even the larger Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series.

More importantly, the new-gen Everest now beats other rivals such as the Toyota Prado (3000kg), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (3100kg) and Toyota Fortuner (3100kg).

Buyers who option the tow pack receive an integrated trailer brake controller and trailer light-check function. The Everest is also equipped with a dedicated tow/haul mode that is said to improve transmission shift response when towing.

The increase in towing capacity is supported by significant upgrades to the chassis and suspension, but also the available powertrains.

Ford has introduced a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine which is shared with the new-generation Ranger ute, and is sourced from the US-market F-150 full-sized ute.

This new engine is said to provide a more relaxed towing experience, and with predicted outputs of 190kW and 600Nm, it’s easy to see why.

The previous 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder will also be available, though Ford says it has been made more durable and reliable to handle Everest’s increased towing capacity.

Both diesel engine options make use of a 10-speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, though rear-wheel drive will be offered on lower-spec models.

Improved clearance and 4WD system

While it may not come armed with the same rough-road potential as the Ranger Raptor, the new-gen Everest has built on the already impressive capability of its predecessor.

The biggest change is the switch from a part-time 4WD system to a full-time 4WD system that can engage the front wheels on the fly. An electronically-controlled locking rear differential continues as standard equipment.

Engineers chose to move the front wheels further forward on the new-generation Everest with the wheelbase and overall width each being stretched by 50mm.

In doing so, Ford says the Everest is not only more stable off-road but also offers an improved approach angle and ground clearance, though Ford hasn’t detailed any specifics.

The departure angle and 800mm wading depth remain the same and those who opt for the Everest Platinum can select an off-road package that swaps in chunky tyres on 18-inch alloy wheels (instead of 21s) and a raft of underbody protection.

While a full assessment on any potential improvement over the old model will have to wait for an official review, the new-generation Ford Everest appears to be shaping up as quite a machine.