The Ford Everest Wildtrak is a popular SUV that is known for being tough, flexible, and efficient, but the latest iteration is the best yet, driving like no other body-on-frame SUV in the segment.
Read our 2023 roadtrip review of the Ford Everest (in Platinum trim) here
In the market for one? These are the three most important things you should know about this seven-seater SUV in Wildtrak trim, which happens to be built right here at the Silverton plant in Pretoria! (Find out how reliable the Everest Wildtrak is)
1. Its V6 engine is a strong performer and great for towing
Ford is all about that action-filled life, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 184 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque powers the V6 Ford Everest Wildtrak and Platinum models. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system that provides excellent traction and stability on any terrain.
I consider it the best ladder-frame chassis-based SUV I've driven this year.
The 3.0-litre turbodiesel Everest has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, making it ideal for hauling heavy loads and comes with a Terrain Management System that allows you to select different driving modes depending on the surface:
The Wildtrak is equipped with a dedicated off-road SYNC screen and a rotary Drive Modes control that accesses six settings: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. It also features an impressive range of driver assistance technologies as standard, comprising Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert, Evasive Steer Assist, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Pre-Collision Assist, Reverse Brake Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). - Ford SA
2. It has a practical interior full of luxury features
The Next-Gen Everest boasts a contemporary and upscale design with abundant use of soft-touch materials and high-quality finishes. Accentuating the interior with contrasting yellow stitching, the Wildtrak design adds a sporty flair.
The dashboard, door trims, steering wheel, gear lever, and premium leather seats, which are both comfortable and supportive, feature the Wildtrak logo on the eight-way power-adjustable front seats. A a panoramic roof and a black roof lining enhance the posh atmosphere.
In the Everest, comfort and convenience are paramount. The Wildtrak trim adds a high-end full-color 12-inch touchscreen that controls the latest-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, a wireless charging pad that allows compatible smartphones to charge without cables, and a built-in 400W/240v inverter.
Is the Ford Everest Wildtrak good for new drivers?
For those looking for an extra layer of safety on their Everest Wildtrak, Ford offers Active Park Assist 2.0 as an optional feature. This system includes a 360-degree camera system that takes the place of the conventional rear-view camera and fully automated parallel and perpendicular parking.
3. Its styling is eye-catching, but it also serves a purpose
Just like its Ranger sibling, the Everest in Wildtrak guise also gets the LED DRLs that work in tandem with the C-shaped LED healdlights. A metallic dark grey colour was used for the grille and H-shaped garnish that brings the top and bottom half of the Wildtrak visage together. Underbody protection and running boards are offered as standard to keep the Wildtrak's belly intact.
We pit the Everest vs the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado!
The off-road credentials remain impressive with an approach angle of 30.4-deg, a departure angle of 25.3-deg, a break-over angle of 22.2-deg, and a wading depth of 800 mm. The new electromechanical permanent four-wheel-drive system fitted to the 3.0 V6 variants allows for driving in the 4A (4-wheel-drive Auto) mode with the Everest left to calculate how much power to send to each wheel to ensure the best traction possible, no matter the circumstances. - Chad Luckhoff, read his 2023 Everest Wildtrak launch report here.
Fallen in love with the Everest ? Search AutoTrader for a used Everest here.
