Ford has announced updates for its Everest all-terrain large SUV including a tweaked lineup and a new optional towing assistance feature depending on grade
Ford’s all-terrain Everest large SUV is set for a new optional towing assistance feature and tweaks to standard features on certain trim levels as part of an updated lineup that will see the deletion of the Trend RWD grade.
Prices will remain unchanged for the revised vehicle lineup, which Ford has dubbed ‘MY24.5’, although prices had already increased by between $500 and $2500 on MY24 models since our last price update in mid-2023.
The updates to the popular large SUV follow similar tweaks made to the Everest’s sister Ranger pickup on which the large SUV is based, with MY24.5 versions of both vehicles set to begin production in March.
Ford’s Everest is the brand’s second-most popular vehicle, delivering 15,071 units in 2023 for an 11.9 percent market share. That made the wagon lineup second in its segment after the Toyota Prado, which delivered 20,710 units and a 16.3 percent market share.
The Everest was Australia’s 20th most popular vehicle overall in 2023 based on deliveries, with the Ranger claiming the top spot as number one for the first time.
Let’s have a look at what’s new on the Ford Everest in 2024.
Headlining the changes to the Everest and Ranger for their MY24.5 models is the addition of a ‘Pro Trailer Backup Assist’ – which we have already seen an iteration of on the larger F-150 pick-up truck – as part of option packs on certain grades.
Unlike on the Ranger, which gains the feature as standard on its higher spec models, it will only be available as an option on the Everest as part of the Touring Pack on 4WD Trend and 4WD Sport models, and on the Platinum variant as part of an optional Pro Towing Pack.
The feature enables drivers to ‘steer’ a trailer using the outer ring of the vehicle’s drive mode controller on the centre console. In using this feature, driver’s don’t need to touch the steering wheel which turns automatically to direct the trailer where it needs to go.
The system is designed to eliminate the often-difficult action of needing to steer in the opposite direction to the intended direction the trailer needs to travel while backing up.
In other updates, Ford has announced that the Everest Trend and Sport grades will gain Zone Lighting as standard, as well as Black Stand-Off Roof Rails. These features were previously included as part of the Touring Pack for 4WD and unavailable on RWD Trend and Sport models.
The lineup has also been streamlined with the deletion of the Everest Trend RWD grade, which will no longer be available. The Everest Wildtrak has also now finished its run as a limited run model with the MY24 range.
Otherwise, the lineup remains unchanged.
Ford offers the Everest in several grades with two engine choices available paired with either two- or four-wheel drive.
All variants come with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while four-wheel drive variants come standard with a locking rear differential.
Two seating configurations are also available depending on chosen grade – the entry-level Ambiente comes with five seats while all grades above come with seven seats.
All Everests achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating having been crash-tested in 2022.
Similarly, a 3500kg braked towing capacity applies across the range.
Powertrain: The Ambiente is offered with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel inline-four cylinder engine delivering 154kW and 500Nm.
It’s available with either rear-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive.
Key Features:
In terms of passive safety, the Everest Ambiente comes with nine airbags including front, side, knee and full length curtain airbags (driver and passenger), and a far side driver front airbag.
As for driver assistance, the Ambiente is equipped with:
Powertrain: The Trend is offered with the same powertrain, albeit exclusively with all-wheel drive for MY24.5.
Key Features:
The 4WD Trend also includes an additional two drive modes over lower spec models including normal, eco, tow/haul, slippery, mud/ruts, and sand.
Powertrain: The Sport comes with the same 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine in its rear-wheel drive form, however the four-wheel drive variant comes with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine delivering 184kW and 600Nm.
Key Features:
Like the 4WD Trend, the 4WD Sport also includes all possible drive modes.
Powertrain: The Platinum comes with a single four-wheel-drive option paired with the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel also available in the Sport.
Key Features:
As before, a number of options and option packs are available on the MY24.5 Ford Everest. These include:
Ford Everest MY24.5 options:
The MY24.5 Ford Everest lineup is listed below. All prices listed are before on-road costs.
*includes Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
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