Quick Test: Top spec Ford Everest 4WD

What really helps make the new Ford Everest 3.2 4WD Limited a serious off-road SUV is its suspension setup. It’s well achieved via a layout offering a fine mix of true off-road needs and sporty on-road handling. Impressive was the road holding for what in fact is a more than serious off-road SUV and calibrated via a smart mix of suspension technologies.

Importantly, the rear suspension setup consists of a coil-over strut design with Watt’s linkages to better articulate the solid axle and limit lateral movement by stabilising rear-end road holding qualities for a flatter cornering stance.  To be noted is that the retention of a solid axle guarantees the strongest possible setup for the Everest 4WD to challenge the severest of African off-road conditions. Added, too, is the ladder-frame chassis from the Everest’s Ranger sibling that complements workhorse abilities for tackling those worst of off-road conditions.

Yes, BMW X5’s more precise and positive handling may please petrol-heads but will not take the hammering the Everest will endure over those true-Africa conditions.  And when you consider its rather refined handling characteristics combined with its off-road prowess you soon appreciate the wider overall appeal Everest 4WD offers. Body control, even with the separate and tough ladder chassis, is still top-class, resulting in limited body roll and wallowing.  A top feature must be the graphical display that indicates the vehicle’s steering, ascent, descent, tilt and break-over angles. It’s a handy tool that keeps the SUV operating within its limits and avoiding any potential rollover risk.

Though steering feel is a tad tight, you soon put that in the back of your mind as habit takes over and the carlike handling comes to the fore together with a rather comfortable ride and feel. Another plus was the impressive turning circle for what is a large 4WD SUV.  Not entirely up to scratch, though, was the spongy brake pedal feel.   The muscular and off-beat sounding 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine is impressive.  With the latest exhaust gas recirculation system fuel consumption is said to be improved – though during its stint with us we achieved 11.9l/100km, somewhat higher than Ford’s over-optimistic 8.1l/100km. Gratifying was the slick-changing six-speed auto box that proved its worth especially when the engine was revved in preparation for test run pull-offs – the 11.4-second zero to 100km/h sprint not too bad for a serious off-roader either. Interestingly, the Ford Ranger 3.2Double Cab Wildtrak 4×4 auto sibling’s 0-100km test times at Reef altitudes are 12.4 seconds compared to the Everest’s 12.26 seconds.

The cabin interior is smart, upmarket and comfortable with a plethora of latest technology such as Sync2 in-car connectivity, climate control and connected mobile devices among a host of others. The 2016 Ford Everest 4WD is impressive with reasonably high spec levels, however the way it performs and feels makes it a fine buy for both the on- and off-road worlds.  Not as impressive looking as its sibling Wildtrak bakkie, the Everest is pricey but better stacked with more goodies than its nearest rivals. – This road test was first published in Bakkie and Car Magazine and written by Mario Lupini

Read about Ford South Africa’s local production of Everest here.