FORD's 2022 next-generation seven-seater luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) arrives in three grades to choose from.
The 2022 Ford Everest line-up consists of the two-wheel drive (2WD) Sport variant, the four-wheel drive (4WD) Trend, and high-spec 4WD Titanium.
Both Trend and Titanium variants are powered by a returning 2.0L Bi-Turbo powertrain that is mated to the brand's 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, all in which delivers 210 PS @ 3,500 rpm and peak torque of 500Nm @ 1,750-2,000 rpm.
Both variants are also equipped with the part-time 4x4 electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system with e-Locking Rear Differential and six selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand.
Meanwhile, the Sport features a 2.0L Single Turbo diesel with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a power output of 170 PS @ 3,500 rpm and max torque of 405Nm @ 1,750-2,000 rpm. It has four selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery.
All of them adopt Ford's latest global design DNA theme seen by the C-clamp LED daytime running lights (DRL) integrated with a full-width horizontal grille bar at the front and the full-width integrated LED taillamps at the rear.
While the Sport and Trend variants get LED headlamps, the Titanium features Ford's latest Matrix LED headlamps with glare-free high beam for improved visibility without dazzling other road users.
LED front and rear fog lamps and LED stop lamps come standard across the entire range.
Compared to the previous model, engineers have lengthened its wheelbase and increased its track by 50mm each as well as tweaked the damper settings for better on- and off-road control. Rear window now allows more light into the third row.
Comfort Camper
Inside the premium finish cabin includes plush materials, ambient lighting, and either a first-in-class large, high-resolution portrait 12-inch touchscreen (Titanium) or a 10.1-inch one (Trend and Sport) - both comes loaded with Ford's latest Sync 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and eight speakers.
A 360-degree camera with split-view display is exclusive to the Titanium while the Trend and Sport are equipped with reverse cameras in addition to front and rear sensors.
All versions come standard with an 8-inch or 12-inch digital instrument panels that replace the traditional analogue clusters, four USB charging ports (one of which is windscreen-mounted), a wireless Qi charger, seven airbags, and an underbody protection bash.
There are 10 cup holders in total located at the centre console, armrest dash-mounted 'pop out' holders and in the rear.
Other features include an electronic parking brake, three 12V sockets, premium black leather seats now with eight-way power adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger and ebony interior trim.
Exclusive to the Titanium is an e-Shifter and a 230V AC power outlet capable of delivering 400W (up from 150W).
Active safety features across the next-gen Everest range include Isofix mount points, ABS, EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, emergency brake assist (EBA), hill descent control, hill launch assist, roll-over mitigation and adaptive load control.
In terms of driver assistance features, the Sport and Trend come equipped with emergency stop signal, turn assist, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
Titanium adds on a range of advanced driver assistance systems including blind spot information system (BLIS), lane departure warning & assist (LDW), high beam assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Other new and enhanced technologies include: adaptive cruise control, Active Park Assist 2.0, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, and pre-collision assist - last of which has been enhanced to provide emergency braking support at an intersection.
Into the wilderness
Given the nature of the SUV, several features of the Everest have been geared towards accomodating activities pertaining the great outdoors.
The new roof rails enables it to carry bikes, canoes, cargo pod or roof-top tent.
Both Sport and Titanium come equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Trend rides on 18-inch alloys. In all it gives the Everest a water wading ability up to 800mm and ground clearance of 200mm.
The Titanium exclusively receives a returning hands-free power liftgate, new dual panel panoramic sunroof, and power folding seats.
The second and third row seats have been designed to fold flat to allow for long loads. Second-row seats also slide further forward than before for easier third-row seat access.
Designers included an underfloor storage space and created a small lip at the rear of the cargo area to stop items from falling out of the back when the tailgate is lifted.
Everest Milestones
The 2022 Ford Everest is priced from RM263,888 (Sport), RM281,888 (Trend), and RM308,888 (Titanium). All prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and for Peninsular Malaysia only.
Seven colours are available to choose from: Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Equinox Bronze, Lightning Blue, Meteor Grey and Sedona Orange.
It comes with three-year manufacturer's warranty, or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first. Inclusive of a two-year extended warranty or 60,000km, whichever comes first.
A Ford Everest Milestones programme will soon also launch to offer customers a series of experiences as an ownership reward.
Inspired by Everest customers, the programme is an industry first and created exclusively for the Malaysian market. It will be hosted on the Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC)-Ford e-commerce website where Everest customers can choose from a range of Milestone adventures to enjoy with friends and family.
The SDAC-led initiative programme is part of Ford Inner Circle, which 2022 Everest customers will automatically be member of, is also solely for Malaysian customers.
Members will receive exclusive rewards as with benefits which includes in-depth familiarisation and training sessions with the Everest.