The Ford Everest Wiltrak was the first-ever of this specification to join the six-model line-up. It falls in below the top of the range Platinum offering more rugged capability for the more adventurous driver that wants both practicality and capability for an off-roading lifestyle.
With the introduction of the range-topping Platinum, is some of the appeal of the Everest Wildtrack removed? Unlikely, because each Everest serves a different driver. If luxury is your primary need, then the Platinum will suit you better. If you seek a lifestyle vehicle, then the Wildtrak serves that need. If neither of these needs drives your motivation, then the price difference may be more important.
The drive
Driving the Ford Everest Wildtrak feels effortless—smooth and quiet, with strong acceleration and effortless overtaking while still providing plenty more punch under the bonnet (thanks to 3L V6 turbodiesel engine). Yet that is not where it stops – it has serious off-road capability offering drivers 4WD and all the terrain settings needed for the ultimate 4×4 experience.
The 3L V6 turbodiesel engine has a power output of 184kW and 600 kW of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Gear changes are so smooth you cannot even feel it. It does all the thinking for you and gets there super seamlessly without any drama.
Like its Ranger Wildtrak sibling, it is equipped with a off-road SYNC screen and a rotary-controlled drive modes: normal, eco, tow/haul, slippery, mud & ruts, and sand.
It also features the permanent 4WD drive system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case (EMTC). The default driving mode for this system is 4A/automatic suitable for both on and off-road, adjusting between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction in all road conditions.
The fuel consumption, 13.1L/100km, did leave something to be desired. With a mixture of highway and local stop-start driving using most of the tank, improving these figures to be closer to the claimed consumption figure of 8.5L/100km seemed highly unlikely, however, I did note others reviews did significantly better than us.
The level of the fuel tank is also indicated with a series of horizontal lines next to the gauge. It admittedly took me a minute to read the fuel correctly, but once I did it did not pose a major negative to the seven-seater – just something to become accustomed to.
The design aesthetic
The Wildtrak incorporates design cues that made the Ranger derivative such a popular option. This includes the Wildtrak-specific front grille in Ford’s ‘Bolder Grey’. This colour is also featured on the front bumper and is unique to this model.
The Wildtrak features ‘Super Alloy’ silver finish on the front bash plate which has dual recovery points. It also provides a sneak peek at the additional underbody protection which is standard to this model.
A standout design aesthetic is the nameplate ‘WILDTRAK’ in raised lettering on the bonnet. It again features a dark grey accent, also seen on the mirror caps, rear bumper and the tailgate insignia.
Possibly the most distinguishing feature on Ford’s higher-end vehicles is the C-clamp headlights with their trademark LED daytime running light, headlights, fog lamps and taillight. This is complemented with bright-finish side steps, stand-off roof rails and privacy glass. The exclusive Luxe Yellow synonymous with Wildtrak is available in the Everest as well.
It comes standard with 20’’ alloy wheels but there is an option to select 18-inch rims and all-terrain tyres if you plan on venturing off road more often.
From the interior, the Wildtrak features leather seats with yellow stitching that matches the characteristic Luxe Yellow that distinguishes the brand. The front seats add suede to the design as well. Wildtrak branding is also boldly displayed on these seats in matching colour.
This aesthetic is completed with a leather steering wheel and soft touch finishes on the centre console, doors and dash. Many other parts of the dash, however, have a very plastic look and feel plastic, lowering the potential this could have. The modern and luxurious feel is completed with dark roof lining.
The Everest Wildtrak has a decent sized boot even with the third row up. Additionally, there are additional cubby spaces on each side to stop loose items rolling around or to bring a bit of organisation to the boot.
One aspect worth mentioning is the door handles are integrated into the handles one would push the door open with. It did not take long to become accustomed to this, and I soon realised that it is quite an ergonomic design feature with functional benefits to quickly and easily opening the door. It also took me much longer to stop trying to open the doors of the following test vehicles in the same way.
Stepping inside
There is both a wireless charging pad along with a USB and C-port for phone charging. There is also a space just in front of that area where your phone can be placed upright. = not sure if that was the intended purpose but it works.
Tech introduced in about 2022/2023 and present in Everest Wildtrak is the 12-inch iPad style screen as the infotainment screen. It is also features Ford’s intuitive and modern SYNC 4A infotainment system along with dials for quick adjustment of essential functions. More than that relies on the screen and potential distraction from the road.
The Wildtrak features a 360-degree camera with the traditional reverse camera as well as a birds eye view that proves very useful when reversing out of tight spaces. It also has Ford’s Active Park Assist 2.0 with full autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking,
Rear passengers receive the expected USB and C-port charging points. There is also a dial to adjust airflow. The second row of seats can also be adjusted, primarily to allow access to the third row but also to increase the legroom in the second row or boot if needed. The third row is typically what you would expect, something that is nice to have on occasion but not suitable for much more than that.
The Wildtrak does leave out some features which was slightly unexpected in an SUV that crosses the million Rand mark. These include things such as rear passenger gran handles, the ability to mute the infotainment system on the steering wheel, paddle shifts (albeit it does perfectly well without them) and no cover over the luggage space for privacy from outside. Conversely, it does have a speed limiter on the steering wheel which is useful in such a powerful vehicle.
Other features in the Everest Wildtrak include electronically opening and closing tailgate, start button, coast-to-coast dashboard, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, dual panel powered Moon Roof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an eight-speaker sound system.
Safety
A wide range of driver assistance technologies come standard including:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go and lane cantering
- Cross traffic alert
- Evasive steer assist
- Lane keeping system with road edge detection
- Pre-collision assist
- Reverse brake assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage
The Everest Wildtrak is in a class of its own. Drivers who want serious off-road capability without sacrificing everyday comfort while still enjoying a far amount of the luxury that comes with the Platinum will find their match in the Wildtrak.
It is a genuine adventure vehicle you can live with daily. For those who actually use their SUV for more than the school run, this is the one that won’t let you down.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 3L V6 turbodiesel
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5 L/100km (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 13.1 L/100km (achieved)
Power: 184 kW
Torque: 600 Nm
Price: starting from R 1 084 000
Warranty and service plan: four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Customers can purchase service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
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