The Ford Everest Platinum is the Ranger Platinum with an extra row of seats and without a load bay – as is the case with all Everest/Ranger siblings. The Platinum in the Everest, however, makes more sense to my mind. One selects an SUV, as a luxurious family vehicle as well as for the power and versatility – a Platinum Everest makes complete sense.
The Platinum is the top derivative in Everest’s third generation. As the flagship it has all the bells and whistles while featuring several updates seen across the line. These include significant changes to design, new turbodiesel engine, and an interior Ford designed to resemble a sanctuary.
The drive
Drivers of the Everest can look forward to powerful performance that will never let you down. With inclines and overtaking it did not disappoint and always felt like it had more to give. I never drove with a full carload, but its punchy performance makes me confident it will not struggle with full capacity.
Even on straight roads with little congestion you barely need to touch the accelerator to maintain speed. I would recommend keeping an eye on that speedo to avoid ‘expensive’ surprises, especially as murmurs of AARTO begin again.
What provides this power is one of the most anticipated updates to the Everest lineup: the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine. It has a power output of 184 kW and a peak torque of 600 Nm.
This is paired with the 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission which was also updated. Ford makes a bit of a change in that there are no paddle shifters that drivers have come to expect. If you do want to change manually you can do so with buttons on the side of the transmission.
The Platinum features a permanent four-wheel drive system using electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case (EMTC) with selectable drive modes.
Everest’s towing capability is supported by smart technologies to make towing easier. A dedicated tow/haul drive mode optimises gear shift timing to maintain the best power delivery and engine braking when carrying loads, either in a trailer or in the cargo area. The electric trailer brake controller delivers smooth and effective control of a trailer’s brake system. Hitching is assisted with the new camera views.
The fuel consumption of the Everest Platinum was a ‘bit’ on the thirsty side: 14.3l/100km. This is also significantly different to the acclaimed figures of 8.5l/100km. With the power and performance of the Everest a figure much higher than 8.5 is not unexpected but 14.3 is still quite high.
The design
The design is an area where the latest Everest really sets itself apart. It screams power, aggression and confidence and certainly caught the attention of many bystanders. Ford’s intention was to achieve both ruggedness as well as a sleek and modern design with a wider track and longer wheelbase.
Other additions that add to the eye-catching design are the C-clamp headlamps and horizontal upper grille bar. There is also a mix of horizontal and vertical elements to complement the confidence of the design.
On the sides, the wider track results in a more dramatic swell over the wheels, enhancing the strength of the aesthetic. The new roof rails add to the design and can carry loads of up to 350kg allowing for the carrying of anything from bikes to canoes, to cargo pods.
Based on customer feedback, Ford’s intention is to create a sanctuary in the inside. This is largely created by the noise insulation technology which Ford claims makes the necessity of turning one’s head to hear passengers unnecessary.
Other interior updates include plush materials along the doors, premium finishes including a leather steering wheel, black interior and ambient lighting. Easier access to the third-row seats is created with a sliding second row. Notably, the word Platinum is written wherever possible so as to not let either the driver or anyone they have in the car forget that they are in the flagship.
What was odd is that even with the plush leather seats, leather steering wheel and trimmed doors it still has a plastic dash. These are not uncommon but when creating a feeling of luxury, it was surprising. There are also more affordable vehicles that have soft-touch material on the dashboard.
Spaciousness is emphasized with coast-to-coast instrument panel and center console. Both the 3rd and 2nd row can be folded flat to increase the cargo space behind the front row. There is a second level under the boot which can also be used for further storage which is particularly useful if you have all three rows up And less boot space.
Stepping inside
It is here that Ford excelled in creating a sanctuary for both the driver and passengers. There is little that is overlooked in the technology and luxury and even just practicality of the Everest. A simple example is the dual cupholder in the center console, plus dash-mounted ‘pop out’ cupholders.
Many brands only focus on making the driver seats a first-class experience. Not only does the driver seat have heated and ventilated, 10-way power adjustable memory function but the passenger has an 8-way adjustment. Going a step further, heated seats are also available in the second row. The second and third row seats can also be lowered with a simple touch of a button.
A seemingly simple but actually ingenious addition to the Everest is the addition of a lip to the boot area. When it opens, if anything has come loose, this ‘apple-catcher’ stops it from falling out upon opening.
Another impressive feature adding to the modernity is the 10.1- or 12-inch high resolution, portrait infotainment screen. It is the same size and has the same functionality as a tablet. Ultimately, it is more than just an infotainment screen but the technological hub of your vehicle.
Even with all the tech, Ford does not sacrifice the important things. To me, this is the ability to quickly and easily adjust your AC settings just below the infotainment screen and not just on the screen itself.
The Everest Platinum also has a modem which allows remote start, vehicle status check, and remote lock and unlock functions via your device and the Ford app.
From this, you can also control the exterior lighting function that has been added to the Everest. While I did not get to test this it is worth mentioning because it will be an extremely handy feature for those that want their SUV to form part of their adventure lifestyle.
Other features of the Platinum include: wireless charging as well as USB and C-port in the front, leather trimmed e-Shifterii, electric parking brake, storage space and charging ports in all three rows, electronically opening tailgate, Android Auto and apple CarPlay which connects seamlessly, fully opening panoramic sunroof, voice activation and a 360-degree camera with split-view display,
Safety
Several new safety features are added to the Everest range. The SUV now has far-side airbags between the driver and front passenger for extra protection in a side impact. A new far-side airbag and dual knee airbags increasing the total number to nine.
The Platinum also has matrix LED head lamps for greater visibility as a result of auto dynamic levelling and speed-dependent lighting. The head lamps also offer both static and dynamic bending capability and glare-free high-beams for maximum visibility for the driver without dazzling other road users. One of the best pieces of safety tech in Ford vehicles.
Additional new and enhanced driver assistance and safety features include:
- Enhanced adaptive cruise control
- New lane-keeping system with road-edge detection
- New evasive steer assist which provides steering support to manoeuvre around a vehicle if a collision is imminent
- New reverse brake assist providing audible warnings and even bring the Everest to a complete stop if the driver does not react in time
- New blind spot information system with trailer coverage
- Enhanced pre-collision assist with intersection functionality, which mitigates the effects of accidents when turning across the path of oncoming traffic
The updates to the Everest, and particularly those present in the Platinum raise the SUV to a new level. Be warned though, it comes with a corresponding price tag.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 3-litre turbodiesel V6 engine
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Power: 184 kW
Torque: 600 Nm
Fuel consumption: 8.5l/100km (claimed)
Price: from R1 309 000
Warranty and service plan: four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Optional service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000km available.
Read more MasterTests
3 comments