The latest-generation 2023 Ford Everest has just been unveiled and promises to be more capable than the outgoing model.
Detailed here for the Australian market but also set to be offered in countries throughout Asia Pacific and Africa (but not to Europe or North America), the new Everest has a longer wheelbase and a 50 mm (1.9-inch) wider track than the outgoing model. Ford says the track was widened to make the Everest more enjoyable to drive around town and on the highway. That’s not to say improvements haven’t also been made to its off-roading abilities, however.
All 2023 Everest models come outfitted with underbody protection, a rear locking differential, selectable off-road drive modes, and two functional tow hooks at the front. The Everest also offers 800 mm (31.4-inch) of wading depth and has been equipped with a host of features designed to make towing easier than ever before.
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For example, an optional Tow Pack is available that boasts an integrated trailer brake controller and offers 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) of towing capacity. There is also a dedicated Tow/Haul drive mode to optimize gear shift timing to maintain ideal power delivery and engine braking when carrying loads, plus a camera to help owners guide their SUV into position when connecting a trailer.
Powertrains and transmission
Two engines will be offered for the Australian market, a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, both of which are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque numbers for these engines haven’t been announced but we know the entry-level Ambiente and Trend variants will be offered with rear-wheel drive while all other variants have a permanent four-wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case.
Interior and tech
In addition to redesigning the exterior of the Everest, Ford’s design team has also overhauled the interior. Immediately catching the eye is a large portrait-oriented infotainment screen measuring 10.1-inches in the Ambiente model and 12-inches in the Trend, Sport, and Platinum models. In addition, Ambiente, Trend, and Sport variants have an 8-inch digital instrument cluster while the Platinum has a larger 12.4-inch display. The screens are running Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system.
Other key interior features include wireless phone charging while the Sport and Platinum have heated and ventilated front seats. Buyers of the flagship Platinum can also enjoy a 10-way power adjustment and memory driver’s seat, as well as heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row slides with a 60:40 split seatback while Platinum models have a 50:50 split third row that can be folded with the touch of a button.
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A host of safety features also come standard. For example, the 2023 Everest sports no less than nine airbags, including a center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger. Other features include Ford’s intelligent adaptive cruise control system with lane centering, Stop & Go and evasive steer assist. Also new is a reverse brake assist function, pre-collision assist with intersection functionality, and a blind-spot information system with trailer coverage.
Ford said that pricing and availability details will be announced at a later stage.
