Sponsored by Ford
While heading off on a summer road trip is all about sun and fun, arguably making a convertible the best choice as far as holiday transport goes, winter adventures bring a whole new set of conditions to consider.
Driving conditions, that is, as winter presents a number of challenges on the road, from rain and fog to snow and ice, with the latter being a certainty if you are heading up a mountain to hit the ski slopes.
Whether it be skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing or just heading to the bach for a winter weekend getaway, heading off into the winter wilds with your family on an adventure need not be done in fear of the conditions, particularly if you do it in a vehicle capable of tackling unfavorable road conditions with assured confidence. And, preferably with a decent degree of comfort in the mix as well.
And comfort and assurance rarely come in a more convincing package than the Ford Everest.
Available in three models – Trend, Sport and Platinum – the Everest is particularly well-named, with the big SUV having the mechanical and tech-smarts to conquer even the most challenging wintery conditions with an almost disdainful ease.
Packed with the latest technology as standard equipment, every Everest model features LED headlights, taillights and front fog lamps, keyless entry and push button start, dual zone climate control, leather accented seats, wireless phone charging, a big 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest version of Ford’s excellent SYNC operating system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an embedded modem for app connectivity and over-the-air updates.
It also boasts the latest in safety features and driver assists, with intelligent active cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane centering, intelligent speed assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, emergency autonomous braking and nine airbags throughout the cabin.
With its rugged underpinnings providing a tough and extremely capable platform for heading off road, the Everest’s rear multi-link suspension also brings a whole new level of comfort to the package.
But despite the refined ride and high levels of comfort, the Everest is still extremely capable in one other key area – towing. The Everest is capable of hauling a braked trailer with a load of up to 3500kg, making it a class leader both on and off the road.
The Everest range features both the proven 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine in the Trend and Sport models, and a range-topping 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 that pumps out an impressive 184kW and 600Nm in the Platinum.
Both engines are hooked up to Ford’s excellent 10-speed automatic transmission and drive all four wheels through a full-time AWD system that also boasts an advanced Terrain Management system.
And it is this combination of AWD and terrain management that makes the Everest such a compelling choice for taking the family into mountainous terrain and the challenging conditions that can occur there.
The Terrain Management system features six modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand, each of which works with the advanced AWD system, allowing the driver to literally dial in the best mode to suit the conditions.
The Everest uses Ford’s most advanced AWD system that uses four settings – 2H (high ratio, RWD), 4H (high ratio AWD), 4L (low ratio AWD) and 4A – with the addition of the “4A” setting making the Everest one of the safest and easiest vehicles of its type to drive.
With the “4” standing for 4WD and the “A” standing for Automatic, the way the system operates is rather self-explanatory, yet very compelling. Slipping the Everest into 4A basically means the vehicle monitors and controls the delivery of power to all four wheels as needed.
The system allows the Everest to vary the torque split from 100 percent to the rear wheels 50:50 percent split front and rear and can send more torque to the front under hard acceleration from a standstill to minimise wheelspin, while also adjusting torque if it senses the vehicle is sliding or the rear wheels are spinning.
None of which the driver even really needs to know about, as the Everest works unobtrusively in the background to ensure its occupants are safe and comfortable, regardless of the conditions.
All of this makes the Everest the perfect SUV for heading off on those winter adventures knowing that not only can you go almost anywhere you choose whether it be on or off the road, but also that your family is safe and secure, regardless of the conditions.
To find out more, visit ford.co.nz