Ford Everest 2016 car review

Classed as one of the toughest SUVs in its segment, the Everest has a true body-on-frame design, assuring the torsional strength required for challenging terrains. The Everest helps drivers navigate difficult driving conditions with ease and it’s all thanks to its intelligent four-wheel drive system, active transfer case with torque on demand and terrain management system. A super high water-wading capability of 800 mm, 225 mm of ground clearance and aggressive approach and departure angles also add to its off-road capabilities. Some say it is a Ranger-based SUV, but it only shares the bonnet and two front panels in common with the beloved ute.

Room for every man and his dog

The Everest’s premium interior is jam-packed with modern features and smart, sophisticated design. This is complemented with flexible and roomy seating that uses advanced and tough materials to provide a comfortable ride for vehicle occupants on all terrains. The driver and front passenger are provided with eight-way power seats, while the second row of seats recline and slide. In the back there are also temperature and fan controls, a power outlet for charging laptops and an additional 12-volt socket for charging mobile devices. With a touch of a button the power-fold third row of seats can be folded flat, helping to maximize cargo space should you need it. There’s enough room in the boot to horizontally stack golf clubs, and even the glove box has been cleverly designed to fit a 16-inch laptop.

Ultimate terrain capabilities

The automatic transmission features advanced driver recognition software. This allows the transmission to adapt to the current driving style by analysing acceleration and deceleration rates, brake and throttle applications, and cornering speed. The terrain management system gives drivers four pre-set modes – normal, snow/mud/grass, sand and rock. These settings alter the vehicles throttle response, transmission, four-wheel drive system and traction control to help drivers tackle all driving conditions with confidence.

Smarter, safer technology

The unshakable off-road toughness of the Everest is complemented by a wide array of intuitive and practical technologies, making this rugged, seven-seat SUV one of the smartest vehicles in its segment.

The latest generation SYNC2 lets drivers use natural voice commands to easily control the car’s entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices. SYNC2 also boasts an eight-inch touchscreen with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation. The entertainment system features a first-in-class, 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer. Everest’s high-resolution, dual-screen instrument cluster can be personalised, displaying anything from fuel economy to torque distribution, plus much more.

Other segment-first technologies include Curve Control, which is designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly.

The Everest is a large tech-laden SUV that can pretty much go anywhere and do anything with minimal effort.