The Ford Everest is a more than capable 7-seater offroad SUV with its crosshairs set on the famous Toyota Fortuner. My colleague Sean Nurse had the Wildtrak variant on test, and you can read his thoughts here.
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Based on the critically acclaimed current-generation Ranger bakkie, the Everest keeps the magic of the Ranger but in an SUV form. Spaciousness and comfort were a few features that were top of mind when this vehicle was designed, along with the function and feel of it all. The Wildtrak variant slots neatly below the illustrious Platinum variant. The Everest Wildtrak is pretty safe, too. With such great accolades behind the Everest, would it be good for new drivers?
The Size
The Everest Wildtrak is a 7-seater offroad SUV, so it goes without saying that it's far from compact. We have a 4.9m length, including the tow bar, and 2.2m width, including the mirrors, the size is also thanks to a wider track and long 2.9m wheelbase. For new drivers, this car may be a bit massive, but it's pretty easy to see and utilise the corners of the Everest. Not only that, the standard across-the-range front and rear parking sensors, as well as a rearview parking camera, will make manoeuvrability easier for new drivers. Still, though, please be sure to tread with caution. The Everest Wildtrak is pretty safe, though.
Performance and Efficiency
Powering the mammoth Everest Wildtrak is a V6 turbodiesel engine churning out 184kW and 600Nm, and that power is sent through a 10-speed automatic gearbox to all 4 wheels. The Everest Wildtrak consumes a claimed 8.5l /100km. The power figures from this vehicle may be a handful for a new driver.
Price
The Ford Everest Wildtrak is a premium product, hence the premium price of R1 115 700 at the time of publishing this article. Looking at this through the lens of a new driver, unless if you have the bucks to buy and maintain it, the Everest Wildtrak isn't something a new driver tends to look at other than admire it or borrow the keys from Mum and Dad. Despite the fact that the Everest Wildtrak comes with a 4 year/ 120 000km comprehensive warranty and optional 6 year /90 000km service plan, maintenance of an Everest Wildtrak may be a bit steep. In that case, insurance costs may be astronomical for a new driver or insurance companies may not even want to insure you at all.
Is the Ford Everest Wildtrak suitable for new drivers?
The Everest Wildtrak is a cracking car indeed, but it's not something suitable for new drivers in our view. The Everest Wildtrak is quite sizeable and powerful, making it difficult to pilot as a new driver. The costs associated with the vehicle may be steep for a new driver as well. We'd advise looking at perhaps a Fiesta if you're a new driver, but if you're sold on an Everest Wildtrak, then you can search AutoTrader for your next purchase and sell your car at the same time.
