Ford Everest Wildtrak confirmed for NZ, Australian release not yet set

---

Ford has revealed a Wildtrak trim of its new, second-generation Everest large SUV this evening – but the Everest Wildtrak is only confirmed for New Zealand at this stage.

Details of the release of an Everest Wildtrak grade was published today by New Zealand publication Stuff and is the first known public confirmation of the existence of the model.

Borrowing the name of the rugged-cross-luxurious Ranger Wildtrak ute that shares a platform with the Everest, it’s understood that the Everest Wildtrak will be offered only with a 3.0-litre single-turbo diesel V6 engine producing 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

In New Zealand, the Everest Wildtrak will slot between the mid-tier Sport and flagship Platinum trim levels. If the grade was introduced in Australia, it is likely the same positioning would be utilised locally.

Speaking with Chasing Cars, Ford Australia product communications manager Ben Nightingale said that the local arm had “no news about an Australian introduction at this stage.”

Ford Australia filed Australian patents appearing to show the same Wildtrak grade as today’s news back in mid-2022.

In Australia, the Everest Sport 3.0-litre V6 grade costs $69,590 before on-road costs, while the Platinum commands $77,530.

On the Australian side of the Tasman, Ford is also expanding the Everest lineup with the addition of a 2.0-litre, rear-wheel drive version of the athletically-styled Sport grade, while the Ranger ute will pick up an Everest-aping Platinum trim grade in the coming months.

Stylistically, the Everest Wildtrak’s front end is the most Ranger-like of any trim, with the dark grey ‘H-bar’ cue lifted straight from the pick-up, while other Everest grades have unique styling that differs from the Ranger ute.

Marketing images created by Ford and published by Stuff show an Everest Wildtrak painted in the equivalent Ranger grade’s distinctive luxe yellow prestige paintwork ($700), while the interior is finished in black leather with cyber orange details.

Cabin features are likely to take in a 12-inch portrait touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Notably, the images published appear to show that the Everest Wildtrak in New Zealand will not include matrix LED headlights.

Ford Everest 2023: Australian prices

All prices shown are before on-road costs and apply at the date of publication (January 2023):

• Ambiente 2.0 RWD: $53,290
• Ambiente 2.0 4WD: $58,290
• Trend 2.0 RWD: $60,590
• Sport 2.0 RWD: $62,790
• Trend 2.0 4WD: $65,590
• Sport 3.0 4WD: $69,590
• Wildtrak 3.0 4WD: not confirmed for Australia
• Platinum 3.0 4WD: $77,530