All-new Ford Everest is techno-tough

THE PIÈCE de résistance of the Everest 4×4 is its Terrain Management System

The all-new Ford Everest contains the most number of technology features of any vehicle in its class. Built with equipment previously seen only in Ford’s upper echelon of vehicles, the Everest is determined to deliver a responsive onroad drive.

On the other hand, the offroad capabilities of the 4×4 are further enhanced with a sophisticated computer-controlled system.

Here’s what you can expect in the all-new Everest:

New engines. There are two new diesel engines for the all-new Everest. The 2.2-liter

Duratorq four-cylinder delivers claimed best-in-class fuel economy with  157.81 horsepower and 385 Newton-meters on tap from just 1,600 revolutions per minute.

The 4×4 Everest packs the 3.2-liter five-cylinder with an even 197.26 HP and a robust 470 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm. The engines incorporate an exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce emissions.

The variable geometry turbocharger delivers better response over the rev range. The new engines can be upgraded (in later releases) to Euro 5 emissions standard when the appropriate fuels are available.

Intelligent transfer case. The top Everest variant now packs full-time all-wheel drive. Lurking just under the center console of the all-new Everest is a new intelligent transfer case.

The center differential defaults to a 60-percent rear, 40-percent front torque split, and is capable of sending nearly 100 percent of the torque to a single wheel that has traction.

The all-wheel-drive system is useful not just for offroad duties but can also provide better grip on wet or slippery roads. This gives the Everest an advantage over its rivals in the 4×4 class as upcoming models, including the new Fortuner, will reportedly change to a default rear-wheel-drive system with manually switchable four-wheel-drive mode.

Everest’s electronic display panel in Off-Road mode displays vehicle tilt.

New chassis. Many people would imagine that the Everest was simply a new body plopped on top of the Ranger chassis.

On the contrary, according to Ian Foston, global chief program engineer for the Ford Everest and Ranger, the Everest was designed from the ground up, to ensure a comfortable ride and responsive handling.

This we easily verified after many kilometers of driving on paved roads. The Everest behaves quite differently from the Ranger, with a more car-like handling and compliant ride.

The cutaway model displayed by Ford shows the new coil-spring rear suspension and Watt’s linkage system that helps achieve this. Expect less bobblehead-doll-like movements from you and your passengers when you ride the Everest.

The turning radius is also much improved from the truck-like turning of the old model. This enabled us to maneuver around the tight off-road course with hardly any need for three-point turns.

The new chassis doesn’t skimp on capability, as the Everest has a 225-millimeter ground clearance with 800-mm water wading ability.

Terrain Management System.  Going offroad once meant having to manually shift a transfer case. The Everest’s offroad system is activated with push-button ease: 4×4 low mode and the locking rear differential are electronically activated.

The pièce de résistance of the Everest 4×4 is its Terrain Management System. Just like in new Land Rovers, this optimizes the car’s drivetrain for the current driving surface: on-road, snow/mud/grass, sand or rock.

Ford Everest’s all-wheel-drive system provides better grip on wet or slippery roads.

The system not only adjusts the transfer case but also the throttle sensitivity to help even a novice driver negotiate tough terrain. This system allows the Everest to ascent muddy hills and grassy trails with ease, despite being on 20-inch relatively low-profile highway tires.

Electric power steering. Using electric instead of hydraulic assist for the power steering helps fuel efficiency. It also allows Ford to build in a whole bunch of driver assist systems into the new Everest.

An available lane keeping system alerts the driver when he starts creeping out of his lane without signaling.

It also allows the Everest to steer itself into a parallel parking space. All the driver has to do is to operate the pedals and gearshift.

Hill descent control and uphill assist. One of the most nerve-wracking offroad exercises is a steep descent. The Everest has hill descent control to automatically apply the brakes to maintain  low speed. The driver can then concentrate on steering the vehicle.

The descent speed can be adjusted via the steering wheel switches. When going uphill, the Everest also holds its position for a split-second after the brake pedal is released, to allow for a smoother ascent.

Power liftgate and power-folding rear seats. Configuring the Everest for more cargo is easier thanks to the twin power-folding rear seats. The rear seat can split-fold flat onto the cargo area floor with the push of a button. The hatch is powered as well, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of cargo.

Sync entertainment system. The large 8-inch touchscreen on the Everest instrument panel incorporates the air-conditioning, audio, phone and trip computer functions. Navigating to a preferred track and adjusting front and rear air-conditioner are simple and intuitive.

Up to 10 speakers plus a subwoofer pump out decent sound. The system further incorporates noise-cancellation technology, which minimizes low-frequency rumbles, to make for a quieter cabin. Sync allows voice command of main functions. The premium package adds a heads-up display.

Storage and convenience outlets. The Everest cabin counts more than 30 storage spaces. There are plenty of power outlets for gadgets, including USB and 12-volt sockets. The Everest also has an available 240-volt socket to plug in chargers and small appliances.

Cutaway model shows the new intelligent transfer case that sends torque to either axle as dictated by vehicle dynamics and road conditions.

Safety. Tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, roll stability control and trailer sway control all help keep the Everest upright and pointing to the intended direction.

Collision mitigation that auto-brakes the car and a lane keeping system help keep the driver from making dangerous driving errors.

The top Everest includes an effective adaptive cruise control system. The system automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, speeding up and slowing down as needed.

The new Everest has up to seven airbags  to protect the passengers in case of a collision.