Ford Everest: keeping ahead of the competition, features-wise

Ford raised its SUV game when it introduced the third-generation Everest. The Ford Everest is still one of the best-equipped vehicles in its category across all of its trim levels.

The Everest starts with the Ambiente 2.2L 4×2 model. In this case, base means still well-equipped, as the Ambiente already comes with electronically-controlled automatic climate control, an eight-speaker audio system (compared to the six of its competitors), and Ford’s Sync voice-controlled interface.

It’s easier to manuever, thanks to electronic power assisted steering (EPAS), compared to the hydraulic system of its rivals.

EPAS also helps improve fuel efficiency, as it only consumes power when the steering wheel is turned.

The 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. Safety features include ABS brakes with EBD, hill start assist, electronic stability program, roll stability control, and trailer sway control.

Going up a notch, the Ford Everest Trend gets upgraded to 18-inch alloys, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC), and leather seats.

Driving long-distances is easier, thanks to the standard cruise control with adjustable speed limiter.

Safety features include rear park assist, side seat airbag, and curtain airbag.

The driver gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat and the convenience of rain-sensing wipers. The onboard driver interface system is the third-generation Ford Sync 3.

The top Titanium trim level is available with the 2.2-liter 4×2 drivetrain, or with the 3.2-liter 4×4 configuration.

Wheels are a massive and handsome 20 inches, wrapped with highway-oriented performance rubber.

The driver and front parking assists extend to the front.

There’s auto-dimming for the rear-view mirror, and a cargo management system.

Blind-spot warning indicators are also standard for the Titanium.

For those who like everything in it, there’s the Titanium Premium. As the name suggests, the Titanium Premium gets features previously reserved for Ford’s premium SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition.

Features exclusive to this class of vehicle include a power-folding third seating row, power tailgate, and panoramic moonroof.

Safety features are also top-notch, adding active measures like collision mitigation, lane keeping system, hill descent control, and active park assist.

The Ford Everest Titanium 3.2L packs a punch, with a turbodiesel engine pumping out 200 ps and 470 Nm of torque, mated to an all-wheel drive system.

This means that all four wheels are driven, adding a measure of safety and traction in all conditions.

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.

Another feature unique in this class is the terrain management system (TMS). It allows adjustment of the Everest’s driving characteristics with pushbutton ease.

There’s a setting for onroad, as well as for mud/grass, sand or rock. The system adjusts the transfer case and also throttle sensitivity to help the driver negotiate tough terrain.

TMS allows the Everest to ascend muddy hills and grassy trails despite being on 20-inch, relatively low-profile highway tires.

The 2.2L variants are capable of 160 ps and 385 Nm.

When the going gets tough, the Ford Everest is also prepared. Across all variants, the Everest has one of the highest ground clearance in its class, at 225 mm. This helps achieve the highest water wading capacity of 800 mm.