Are you confused between the Everest XLT, Wildtrak, Bi-Turbo, Sport, Platinum and V6? Or was that the Ranger line-up? This Sprint Review of the new Everest V6 Wildtrak will hopefully help you…
You should know: The Everest is blatantly based on the recently refurbished and highly popular Ranger pick-up range, hence it shares most of the trim levels and drive trains. All models use Ford’s 10-speed automatic gearbox and have at least part-time four-wheel drive; with a Terrain Management System.
More info: XLT and Sport derivatives use the venerable 2-litre bi-turbo diesel 4-cylinder (154kW and 500Nm), while this Wildtrak and the fancy Platinum model get the beefy 3L turbo-diesel V6 (184kW and 600Nm). Both V6 models use a full-time four-wheel drive system and boast with bigger alloys, more bling and posh leather. To put it bluntly.
What else? Platinum V6 represents the current pinnacle of Everest ownership (read our Afrikaans impressions here) but for anyone who doesn’t need cooled seats or 21-inch alloys, this Wildtrak makes a lot of sense. Actually, all the models do because they feature great safety and convenience spec, with merely escalating levels of fanciness.
Why you shouldn’t: Some of our testers were irritated by the constant gear changes, which seem completely superfluous in a vehicle with six hundred Newton-meters. This torque monster would’ve easily coped with six gears, while the 2L Bi-Turbo could’ve retained that crazy ten-speed. In fact, most of us prefer the gutsy 2L to this big lump.
Ford S.A. claims 8.5L/100km from the 76L tank but – as is normal in everyday use – ours often helped itself to 11 around town. Point it at the open road and that figure plummets, while passenger comfort levels (and the jittery bakkie ride around town) improve.
Why you should: Ford has no performance or top speed claims, but our recent 0-100km/h tests of a Platinum V6 yielded a best time of 9.21 seconds. Not much faster than the Bi-Turbo, but still decent for a 2,490kg beast. Also, hand-on-heart, this car felt more refined and cohesive than the sheeple’s favourite, Fortuner.
In summary: At about 1.2 million ZAR (early December 2024), the Everest Wildtrak may seem expensive but starts to look like exceptional value when you’re comparing it to others. This robust but elegant 7-seater turbo-diesel V6 SUV even comes with a slightly uncompetitive 4-year/120,000km warranty and optional service plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 2,993cc V6 turbo-diesel |
| Transmission: | 10-speed automatic, 4WD |
| Max. Power: | 184kW @ 3,250rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 600Nm @ 1,750rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 8.5L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 9.21 seconds (2023 Platinum V6 test) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R1,199,500 |