Conquering Luzon with the All-New Ford Everest

In 2015, Ford held the regional launch of the third generation of the Everest in Chiang Rai, Thailand. I was part of the Philippine delegation at that launch and can remember driving not just on paved roads, but through hilly pathways, rocky roads, steep and muddy inclines, even a stretch through a rushing stream.

The idea, of course, was to show off the capabilities of the Everest through different
terrain. I remember a particularly challenging stretch across rice paddies on barely-there dirt roads, which persistent rains had turned into reddish-brown mud. Down a precipitous slope, the Everest maneuvered itself carefully after turning on Hill Descent Control.

Another useful feature at the time was Hill Launch Assist, which Ford developed for those anxious about losing control when going uphill: the Everest defies gravity and locks in place at that split-second, after the brake is released and before the accelerator is pressed, allowing for a smoother, worry-free ride.

Finally, other practical features of that version of the Everest include 30 storage spaces spread throughout the cabin, power outlets (including one for USB devices), and up to 2,010 liters of space (the vehicle seats seven, but the rear seats can fold completely flat over the floor for extra room for anything from golf bags to large coolers).

Of course, Ford recently launched a refreshed version of the Everest and officials thought it was only logical to organize another drive to show off the improvements on its mid-sized SUV. This time, the drive was held right here in the Philippines, through the long, winding roads of Central and Northern Luzon.

Ground clearance of 225mm

All the nifty features in the previous model are still present in the new one, but the enhancements are just as notable.

Just as the previous model, the new 4×4 Ford Everest has the same engine as the Ranger, only this time, that engine is the new generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel, which also powers the current Ranger Raptor. The 2.0 L Titanium 4×2, meanwhile, has the 2.0L Turbo diesel. Both come with advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel delivering 213PS and 500Nm of torque, while the 2.0L Turbo delivers 180PS and 420 Nm of torque.

From the six-speed automatic of the previous model to 10-speed automatic

Organizers higlighted the Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a puzzle challenge in Baler, Aurora. A second challenge involved capturing a creative shot of the Everest’s panoramic moonroof, which allows natural light in when you need it.

Finally, at the Isdaan restaurant in Nueva Ecija, participants had to open the lift-gate hands-free by kicking under the rear bumper, taking a crate-full of mugs and other ceramic items, closing the lift-gate the same way, and then rushing to toss the mugs at the restaurant’s famed tacsiyapo wall. Ford has had this hands-free lift-gate technology available in other models, but is making it available in the Everest for the first time.

The challenges were fun, but about 80 percent of the entire drive involved just that—driving. We caught up with the group in Nueva Ecija, and spent the next three and half hours driving up to San Fernando, La Union.

The media contingent at the Isdaan Restaurant

Maybe organizers hadn’t counted on persistent rains being part of the drive experience, but the inclement weather only helped reinforce the best traits of the Everest—solid, capable and reliable, even in the most adverse conditions. Whether it was through the paved highways of SCTEX and TPLEX, or on the national roads that were often riddled with cracks and potholes, the Everest performed as well as you would expect from a technologically advanced SUV.

At one point, when a car in front of us made a sudden stop, the Everest’s pre-collision assist alerted us with a loud beeping sound, and engaged the brake much more quickly than my foot could. It’s features like this that ups the game when it comes to automotive safety technology.

Hands-free lift-gate technology

Other than that brief episode, the drive was leisurely and worry-free. Music was blasting inside the cabin, which the Everest made even simpler with either USB or Bluetooth connectivity. Ford’s SYNC 3 multimedia now also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for an even smoother, more enjoyable ride.

All in all, I think Ford made the right enhancements on its new Everest, which should put up a good fight in the increasingly competitive mid-sized SUV segment. After all, it’s not named after the tallest, most formidable mountain on Earth for nothing.