Ford Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo Limited vs Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 Epic
It’s the clash of the titans. The latest Ford Everest goes head-to-head against the latest Toyota Fortuner, an Epic battle? We find out which one you should consider in this highly contested segment.
While the local and international markets are experiencing a decline in sedan and saloon sales, there has been significant growth in the crossover and SUV segments. Although there is a variety of SUVs available in the local market, one, in particular, has been dominating the sales charts and that is the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6. Praised for its reliability and price bracket over the years, the popular model in Toyota’s stable has come under attack from the Americans with Ford’s Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo Limited receiving much acclaim for the feature-packed package it is.
Exterior dimensions and styling
While both vehicles come from humble beginnings, the Ford Everest now in its fourth generation and the Toyota Fortuner in its second generation have come a long way in terms of aesthetics. While the Everest has evolved to include more rounded features as seen on the overall silhouette, headlamps and tail lamps and the three-bar grille. The Fortuner contrasts this with the adoption of sharper lines in the design of the lights on the front and rear as well as the grille. While the sharp lines on the Fortuner convey it to be a longer vehicle it measures 4795 mm in length, 97mm shorter than the Everest. This is a common theme throughout all the dimensions as the Everest is 5 mm wider than the Fortuner which measures in at 1855 mm and 2 mm taller as the Fortuner only reaches 1835 mm, however, the Fortuner offers 54 mm more ground clearance than the Everest which only provides for 225 mm.
While the Everest might be bigger in size, the Fortuners 2.8 GD-6 has increased its value offering with Epic and Epic Black styling enhancements. In contrast with the more contemporary exterior styling of the Everest, the Fortuner now offers a branded nudge bar and tow bar on the Epic variants while the Epic Black offerings are further bolstered with 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black, black roof, black roof rails and black side-view mirrors. However, while the Epic can be selected with Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey or Avant-Garde Bronze the Epic Black comes exclusively in Glacier White with a contrasting black roof and pillars. Should you opt for the Everest you have a choice of seven colours consisting of Frozen White, Colorado Red, Moondust Silver, Absolute Black, Sea Grey, Copper Red and Diffused Silver. Further bolstering the exterior styling on the Everest Limited is the 20-inch wheels.
Related: Toyota Fortuner test drive: Make sure to check these features out
Interior features
The interior of the Everest Limited sees the addition of contrast stitching and shadow chrome finishes, perforated leather and high-quality paints to further enhance the already plush interior as found on the XLT variants. The facia is adorned with an 8.0-inch touch-screen colour display and two USB ports and is operated via the Ford SYNC 3 system which features navigation and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Furthermore, the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which allows you to access convenience functions such as Siri, Waze.
Both Fortuner Epic variants see the addition of metal scuff plates and Epic-branded carpets. The leather interior features a soft-touch dashboard, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and push start, touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, reverse camera, TFT Multi-Information Display, blue Optitron instrumentation, cruise control, steering switches, power-adjustable driver seat and power back door remain unchanged.
Related: Is the Ford Everest good for families?
Under the bonnet
Featuring under the bonnet of the Toyota is a 2.8-litre, turbodiesel, four-cylinder motor producing 130 kW and 450 N.m of torque. The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Ford, however, manages an impressive 157 kW and 500 N.m of torque from the diesel 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged motor which is mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Ford claims the Everest to average a fuel consumption return of 7.6L/100km while Toyota claims 8.5L/100km.
Related: Three things you probably didn’t know about Ford’s new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine.
Conclusion
Although the Toyota remains a popular choice amongst SUV buyers locally, the Ford, however, has seen an increase in sales as more and more people opt for the feature-packed offering. All this tech and exterior enhancements does come at a price and this is where Toyota again wins the hearts of the South African people. While you can drive away in a Ford Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo 4WD Limited for R 793 900 the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 Epic is R64 900 cheaper, selling for R 729 000.
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