Despite the ever-expanding Chinese market with affordable and highly spec’d vehicles growing rapidly, Ford steps forward and shows its competitive side in the SUV class. It is a prime example of what the Americans can bring to the market.
The Ford Everest XLT 4×4, with its massive presence and sleek styling, is not just a pretty face. When compared to the previous generations, a vast array of tech and styling is introduced to make it feel like you’re in a timeless capsule. Personally, I view this SUV as a stylish driving companion.
Looking from the outside
This ‘truck,’ as the Americans would call it if were sold there, has a uniquely designed front facia. Not only do you find it adorned with bits of chrome around its face, it is also coupled with a uniquely designed set of headlights featuring the ‘smart lighting’ system that Ford introduced to this line up.
This smart lighting system is an impressive piece of tech. Need to turn into a dark corner? The Everest says no problem and the adaptive headlights automatically adjust in the direction you are turning. Yet, it does not stop there but also uses the high beams to increase visibility further into dark areas. If another vehicle approaches, it simply dims down and avoids blinding fellow motorists.
The rear of the vehicle epitomises the powerful stance of the Everest. The unibrow design (otherwise known as a light bar) is making a comeback. The Everest badge highlights the centre part as the rest of the lights illuminate the corners of the vehicle.
Looking from the inside
When comparing the first-generation Everest to the current generation, it’s easy to see the 14 years of innovations now all present in the refreshed vehicle. Previously, the SUV lacked simplicity. My biggest complaint was the AC had too many buttons decorating the cockpit making it difficult at first to quickly adjust it without looking away from the road.
These issues are improved in the new Ford Everest thanks to a completely refreshed design. There is a boxed approach to the interior styling. It features a massive yet highly detailed 10.1- or 12-inch infotainment screen (derivative dependant). This helps to keep things situated in one place, including options such as the vehicle manual, the 360-degree view camera and system updates which can be done from the comfort of your home. It is also fully customisable.
Performance and handling
At the heart of the XLT is a 2 litre ‘bi-turbo’ (i.e. twin turbo) accompanied by a 10-speed transmission producing impressive results. The 4-cylinder diesel can produce significant of torque of 500 Nm to all four wheels accompanied by 154 kW of power.
The aggressive yet smooth delivery makes it feel sportier than many competitors. As a result of this and its quick gear changes, I found it rather easy to pass slower moving vehicles on the freeway, without digging in too deep into the accelerator. I was easily able to get the big 7-seater into a good flow of traffic.
With great power must come great fuel economy – if only. Ford claims that with inner city driving the vehicle can achieve within the range of 7L/100km. While I could not test this to its full capability, however, with my driving I managed to get 10L/100km. This could likely be improved in other driving scenarios as my routes include plenty of hills and three school drops worth of traffic.
Unfortunately, the suspension is not as smooth as one would like. I understand that it is a 4×4 which needs the kind of suspension that can tackle harsh terrain. On a day-to-day basis, however, a small surface bump gets the car ‘all shook up.’ Even though my one-year-old son thought it was fun, it was concerning watching him shake left and right as if the back experienced its own mini earthquake.
Safety first
The Everest XLT 4×4 has an array of quality safety systems that come as standard. These include the following:
- ABS
- ESP
- Hill descent control
- Hill launch assist
- Park sensors all round
- Airbags in the front, sides and curtain airbags
- Lane keeping system
- Trailer coverage system with BLIS
- Cruise control
- Cross-traffic alert
- Pre-collision assist
- Rear camera
The Ford Everest XLT 4×4 is a vehicle with much to offer. I appreciate the high-quality tech and overall better handling and comfort compared to other seven-seaters. Improvements can be made for a more stable rear suspension. The SUV makes up for this with many other perks, like not having to switch to brights yourself. Its safety features also make you feel comfortable and confident with features such as cross-traffic alerts and pre-collision assist to keep you and your family safe.
Ford’s high-quality offerings still stand strong, proving their worth in the competitive SUV segment.
Good to know
The specs of the XLT
Engine: 4-cylinder, 2L bi-turbo diesel
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 7L/100km
Power: 154 kW
Torque: 500 Nm
Price: starting from R896 300
Warranty and service plan: standard 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. An optional Service or Maintenance Plan can be purchased.
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