In the United States, we can no longer buy the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck. If we could, perhaps we would receive this, as well: the all-new Ford Everest SUV.
This is the third-generation Ford Everest – or Endeavour, as it’s known in India. It will continue to make use of the Ford Ranger pickup platform, but it’s seen some comprehensive upgrades. Two Duratorq diesel engines will be available: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder, putting out roughly 160 HP, or a 3.2-liter five-cylinder, making closer to 200 HP. Optional transmissions are either a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, or a 6-speed manual, and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
But more excitingly, the new Ford Everest – built in Thailand since its 2003 launch – features a body-on-frame construction, which ought to lend some much-needed rigidity for those off-the-beaten-path treks through difficult terrain. There’s a new Terrain Management system, as well, with settings for Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, and Rock.
And the Ford Everest is no pavement-bound princess; the folks at Ford Asia Pacific have taken it a step further by lending it a low-range AWD mode, and it boasts an active transfer case with Torque On Demand. Ride height leads in its class at 225 mm, with nearly a meter of water-wading capability.
Yet, all this offroad-competent equipment is married to comfortable seating for seven, Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment system, a 10-speaker audio system, automatic parallel park assist, and active safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross-Traffic Alert, Traction Control, Stability Control, and a “Curve Control” system which is supposed to assist drivers approaching a corner too quickly.
To us, the all-new Ford Everest sounds like a perfect mash-up of refinement, helpful tech, durability, and offroad handling. Now, why won’t they sell it here in the states?
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