An awful lot of manufacturers are realising that Australians are keen to explore their own backyards – particularly in the context of international travel being locked out thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ford Everest is one vehicle that makes sense for traversing Australia off the beaten track: it’s a seven-seat 4×4 based on the popular Ford Ranger ute.
Several changes have been made to the Everest lineup for 2021, headlined by the return of the Australian-influenced Everest BaseCamp trim. The BaseCamp is ready to go camping thanks to off-road accessories like a nudge bar and snorkel, alongside other goodies.
The rough-and-ready Everest BaseCamp is an Australia-only offering.
In response to this increased demand Andrew Birkic, CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand commented: “We know the travel habits of Australians are changing in the wake of COVID-19, and more and more Aussies will be looking for road trip adventures. The Everest offers a smooth ride on the highway, plus genuine off-road, off-the-beaten track capability”.
Ford will also launch a more affordable rear-wheel-drive Everest Sport alongside the BaseCamp, offering a more budget-friendly way to transport seven people – or five and plenty of luggage. There is sharper driveaway pricing across the whole “2021.25” Everest model year now, with all variants listed at the end of this article.
A rear-wheel-drive Everest Sport grade joins the range for 2021.
That said, the rear-drive Everest Sport isn’t exactly cheap at $59,990 driveaway – so if you want bargain basement transport with this badge, you’ll want to stick to the entry-level Everest Ambiente ($50,990).
The Everest BaseCamp is a specific trim for Australia and it is offered with the choice of two engines: a more affordable 3.2-litre single-turbo five-cylinder diesel making 143kW/470Nm, or a twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel that makes a bit more punch, with 157kW/500Nm.
With its grey and black accents, the Everest BaseCamp looks tough.
The BaseCamp is an interesting concept of a vehicle – it’s Ford’s way of getting a slice of the aftermarket accessories game, like the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior ute, though the BaseCamp goes a bit further by being aimed directly at those who want to go camping. We expect to see more of these plug-and-play solutions in future.
The limited edition packs the obvious snorkel and bull-bar, but also goodies like an LED light bar, roof-mounted carry bars, Ford Genuine towbar and a Sunseeker Awning. Bring your swag, stove, beers and company and you could head for a camping trip straight out of the dealership – that’s pretty wicked in our book.
The Everest BaseCamp.
The BaseCamp is quite limited, with only 450 vehicles being built. The specification is based on the mid-level Everest Trend and at only $2,200 more than that car, the BaseCamp represents good value at its $64,990 driveaway price.
Another new variant joining the Everest line-up late in 2020 is the two-wheel-drive Sport, which can be distinguished by 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior detailing including bumper, grille and mirrors, and stickers everywhere. Inside there is also ‘sport’ embossed on the leather-appointed front seats.
The interior of the Ford Everest is largely shared with the Ranger ute.
Unlike the BaseCamp, the sport is only offered with the beefier twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder powertrain, and is available in 4×4 configuration already. This rear-drive Everest will suit those who need seven seats with less go-anywhere ability.
Like the Ranger they’re based on, every Everest has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Also included is traffic sign recognition, rear-view camera, regular cruise control, lane-keep assist and AEB with pedestrian detection.
The special edition Everest BaseCamp is on sale now, with all 450 units like to go at some speed, while the 4×2 Everest Sport will become a permanent fixture in the range.
Ford Everest 2021: prices in Australia
These prices do not include on-road costs.
- Ford Everest Ambiente 4×2 3.2 AT – $50,990
- Ford Everest Ambiente 4×4 3.2 AT – $57,490
- Ford Everest Trend 4×2 2.0 AT – $56,990
- Ford Everest Trend 4×4 3.2 AT – $62,990
- Ford Everest Trend 4×4 2.0 AT – $64,490
- Ford Everest Sport 4×2 2.0 AT – $59,990
- Ford Everest Sport 4×4 3.2 AT – $65,990
- Ford Everest Sport 4×4 2.0 AT – $65,990
- Ford Everest BaseCamp 4×4 3.2 AT – $67,490
- Ford Everest BaseCamp 4×4 2.0 AT – $66,490
- Ford Everest Titanium 4×4 2.0 AT – $72,990