New Ford Everest revealed with V6 turbo-diesel grunt and a high-spec luxury interior

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After months of teaser images and camouflaged prototypes, Ford has finally unveiled the third-generation Everest SUV with a turbocharged V6 diesel under the bonnet to match its newfound level of design sophistication.

Production is expected to begin at Ford’s plant in Thailand around May, meaning the five- and seven-seat SUV will likely go on sale in Australia around late July to early August, following the imminent launch of its Ranger ute sibling. 

Developed by Ford Australia’s engineering team in Melbourne, the new-generation Everest features a number of significant changes including a revised chassis that is claimed to deliver increased refinement and enhanced capability in a range of conditions.

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

Ford has replaced the previous Titanium grade with the Platinum as the range-topping variant – now featuring more luxurious leather and cabin furnishings along with 21-inch wheels designed to elevate the top-spec Everest to the same level as more expensive rivals such as the Toyota Prado Kakadu and forthcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Buyers chasing the Platinum’s added luxury benefits but wanting more off-road credentials can select an optional off-road pack that includes 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and underbody protection. 

The new Everest Platinum will be joined by a revitalised line-up that includes the entry-level Ambiente, big-selling Trend and adventure-focused Sport.

V6 and four-cylinder diesel options

Ford will launch the new-generation Everest with a broad range of engine options headlined by a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

With predicted outputs of 190kW of power and 600Nm of torque, Ford says the new V6 diesel sourced from the US market F-150 ute will provide a more relaxed driving experience than its four-cylinder siblings when taking advantage of the increased 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity when equipped with an optional tow pack.

Ford will continue to offer the existing 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine in all grades bar the Platinum. The carryover diesel engine has been further developed to increase reliability, with outputs expected to see a slight increase over the current 157kW/500Nm figures.

Both diesel engines will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with an electronic locking rear differential, though a rear-wheel-drive version will be available on the entry-level Ambiente and Trend.

Enhanced off-road capability

Ford has stretched the wheelbase and the width of the Everest by 50mm in an effort to make the full-chassis 4WD more surefooted on- and off-road.

Engineers have refined the Watts link, coil-sprung rear suspension to provide a greater sense of control and help the Everest sit flatter in the bends.

Moving the front wheels further forward has improved the Everest’s approach angle and the running clearance, though Ford says the departure angle remains about the same, as does the 800mm wading depth.

A larger and more modern interior

Ford says feedback from customers demanded a vehicle that was roughly the same size but even more capable and with an interior that provided a more luxurious experience.

As part of this goal, Ford focused on making the cabin quieter and layering it with more soft-touch materials than the previous generation.

The technology on offer has also been significantly upgraded with the entry-level Ambiente featuring a 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen, while the Trend, Sport and Platinum grades feature an even larger 12.0-inch unit. 

All models use Ford’s new-generation ‘Sync 4’ system that introduces wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Everest for the first time.

Sitting in front of the driver is an 8.0-inch digital display on the bulk of the range, or a huge 12.4-inch display on the range-topping Platinum. 

Heated and cooled front seats are fitted to the Everest Sport and Platinum grades and can be optioned on the Trend. The Platinum benefits from further luxuries such as 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side, along with a heated steering wheel and heated second row.

Designers say they have pushed the interior dimensions as far outwards as possible to create more cabin space. 

In doing so, the third row has gained increased shoulder room, visibility and storage areas. A second-row bench also slides further forward than before, making it easier for occupants to get in and out.

More safety equipment

The third-generation Everest has introduced modern safety features such as a front-centre airbag, similar to its Isuzu MU-X rival, bringing the total airbag count to nine across all three rows.

Ford has also implemented a range of active-safety technologies including:

• Forward AEB with junction detection
• Rear AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane-keep assistance with road edge detection
• Evasive steering assistance to help avoid a collision
• Adaptive cruise control

Ford also points to the increased visibility afforded by the switch to LED headlights on most models, and Matrix LED headlights that are available exclusively on the Everest Platinum, which are said to eliminate glare for oncoming vehicles.

A full list of detailed specifications and pricing will be available closer to the launch of the third-generation Everest in the second half of 2022.