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Thami Masemola
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Date published: 24/02/2020
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Category: Reviews
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Tags: Ford Everest;XLT;AWD;4x4;SUV;Biturbo
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Ford Everest XLT AWD
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The Ford Everest has averaged sales of 232 units per month during August, September and October.
While these numbers are nowhere near the big vehicle’s largest competitor and segment leader, they
are still very good considering the weak economy we are currently in. We drove the updated Everest
with a new engine and transmission and found it to be a highly competent combination.
 
Everest’s biggest selling point, so to speak, is that it is a large family SUV with adventurous abilities. It
comfortably sits 7 people, including driver, while carrying some of their luggage. Obviously the seating
configuration can be adjusted to suit one, such as sitting the normal five or other. If you have children
you will be delighted at how much they enjoy the third row of seats. An average-sized adult can also
comfortably sit there. Our model was the XLT AWD 4x4.
What is special about it? Well mainly the engine and transmission as previously stated. This engine is a
2.0-litre Biturbo diesel producing 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Same as the famous Ranger
Raptor. Our 7-day test included suburban, freeway and some off-road driving, which the Everest is
accustomed to, thanks to the 4x4 system.
Over this period we averaged 10.8 litres per 100km in fuel consumption, which is not bad considering the
amount of lugging the engine has to withstand. Of course the new engine, as well as the new 10-speed
automatic (yes, 10 gears) played the major role in this. Smooth and smart, the transmission hardly skipped
a beat, choosing the correct gear in most situations. Imagine how hard this must be with 10 to pick from.
It’s hard enough for a 6-speed! Engine noise has also been greatly reduced and the two work together like
a beehive.
Some feedback from the previous model suggested that the suspension system was a bit too harsh
over uneven surfaces. Ford went to work and made several improvements, including moving the
front-mounted stabiliser bar to the back of the front axle, and reducing front spring rates. Ride is now
more comfortable over different surfaces. The XLT AWD Biturbo has a towing capacity of 3 100kg.
Whilst updates have also been made to the vehicle’s looks, these changes are pretty subtle and
require a more intimate knowledge of the product to recognise. Fortunately, we are here to list some
of them. They include a refreshed front grille, redesigned lower bumper with a horizontal beam,
darker wheel accent paints and so on.
This being a premium Ford means it is fitted with the company’s SYNC 3 infotainment system which
comes with a useful, full-colour 20.3cm touch screen with access to all the multimedia goodies such
as satellite navigation, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and
voice command, which can also understand Afrikaans and IsiZulu. Waze users in South Africa can now
project the App's real-time traffic and navigation service onto the touch screen in Ford vehicles via SYNC 3
AppLink and control it through voice command.
The updated Ford Everest XLT AWD Biturbo is a formidable competitor in the 7-seat “adventure SUV”
space and sits comfortably at number two in terms of sales. With the new powertrain, Ford has also
addressed some niggling issues from the previous model, while moving with the times by reducing
displacement and simultaneously increasing power.
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