Ford’s seven-seat, go-anywhere Everest SUV has been heavily updated for the 2019 model year with the company’s latest drivetrain, sourced straight from the Ranger Raptor ute.
The new Ford Everest’s design, engineering and development included testing at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria, part of a regime which saw Everest prototypes put through ‘millions of kilometres’ of testing.
For the New Zealand market, one fully-spec’d Ford Everest Titanium will replace the current two-model Trend and Titanium line-up - with the first new model due to arrive in dealerships next month.
Under the hood the new 2019 model will be fitted exclusively with the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that debuted in the Ranger Raptor, along with a 10-speed automatic gearbox first used in the 2018 V8 Mustang GT.
Producing 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque, the new power unit outperforms the 3.2-litre 5-cylinder used in the current Everest and Ranger ute resulting in an increased 3.1 ton towing capacity.
“New Zealanders can expect to see impressive new content with the new Everest including the 500Nm Bi-Turbo engine with greater towing capacity, push-button start and Autonomous Emergency Braking,” said Chief Program Engineer, John Willems.
The new Everest Titanium features a new front grille, bumper, fascia design 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and exterior mirrors, leather-trimmed handbrake, and illuminated stainless steel front scuff plates.
Under the skin the SUV is fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Smart Keyless entry, adding to the Everest's existing safety features like Adaptive Cruise Contol, Blind Spot monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert and Rear view camera.
Despite a raft of updates, the 2019 Ford Everest Titanium's RRP will remain unchanged at $87,990 will also includes the company's latest five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Ford New Zealand say around 50 Everest SUVs are sold every month and expect the new model to represent strong competition to established nameplates like the Toyota Prado.
Look out for Driven in the NZ Herald for our full review of the Ford Everest Titanium from Sydney, Australia coming soon
