The Everest is still based on the old Ranger, but Ford has at least given it a more modern appearance from the front. The Everest is still based on the old Ranger, but Ford has at least given it a more modern appearance from the front.
The Ford Everest has been considered, by many, to be something of an ugly duckling. Not a good thing when you're fighting for breadcrumbs in a pond where Toyota's Fortuner dominates.
It was only natural that Ford would eventually hit the refresh button. Unfortunately, it's still a matter of time before they create an all-new one based on the latest Ranger, but the latest facelift - now available in South Africa - does give it a more modern appearance from the front.
Here we see a new grille set into a bolder and more car-like front bumper that resembles that of the Ecosport, while new headlights, fog lamp bezels, door mirrors and enhanced quarter back windows round off the aesthetic modifications.
Inside they've replaced the camel interior trim with a darker tone called Basalt (black) while cruise control has been added to the Limited model as a standard feature. Aux and USB inputs are standard across the range.
As before, buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and 4x4 variants (the latter including a Borg-Warner transfer case), all powered by Ford's proven 3-litre turbodiesel with variable-geometry turbocharging.
The motor pushes 115kW and maximum torque of 380Nm from 1800rpm; it's mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in the XLT models and a five-speed automatic transmission in the Limited.
PRICES
3.0 TDCi XLT - R379 700
3.0 TDCi XLT 4x4 - R426 400
3.0 TDCI LTD 4x4 AT - R447 000
Included is a five-year/90 000km service plan (intervals are at 10 000km) as well as a four-year/120 000km warranty, three years of roadside assistance and a De Rust Outdoor off-road driving course is part of the deal if you buy one of the 4x4 models.