2025 Ford Everest: Peak SUV
Need professional-grade off-road ability but won’t compromise on comfort, practicality, and space? Then the 2025 Ford Everest Titanium is the answer.
EXTERIOR
The Everest hails from the long line of pickup-based SUVs. In the case of the top-selling Ford Ranger, it bears the design language from the first quarter of its length. The Ranger itself was updated to look like its larger American sibling, the F-150. The Everest obviously follows suit visually.
The remaining three-quarters is its own flesh, adding the touches needed to give the Ford its own identity. Fortunately, it is an overall cohesive look. What most will notice is the purposeful stance of the Everest. No razor-thin tyre sidewalls, or non-existent fender gap here.
INTERIOR
If there is one pickup to emulate then the Ranger has to be at the top of the list. Unlike many class rivals, it has never shied away from the latest technology and convenience features, which are often more in line with a modern sedan than a work pickup. That is because the customers at this level are using their vehicles for both work and play.
On the comfort front, the Everest has adapted the extra space well. Leather, soft-touch materials, and the durable plastics necessary for the Ford to handle a lifetime of hard work intermingle in ergonomic and quality fashion. The 12-inch portrait touchscreen absorbs the more technical features, with the most common for drive modes and climate control a quick press away.
The all-digital instrumentation is just as clear as the main infotainment screen. The leather extends all the way to the rear, for second- and third-row passengers, as does the dual-powered moonroof.
All major features are either powered or can be automated, from the heated front seats to the windshield wiper. Further niceties, like a wireless charging pad, a power tailgate, and acoustic laminated glass to reduce road noise keep the Everest feeling premium.
However, the main draw of this segment of vehicles is the third row. These are family vehicles, made to haul cargo — human or otherwise. Second row access is a no-brainer. The key is in the third row.
For the Everest, it’s a button press or a lever pull away, whichever direction the user finds themselves. Children up to average adults will have no problem sitting long-term in the rear-most row. There’s its own climate control, a comfortable seating angle, glass for viewing, and audio reaches that far back thanks to a good stereo system. When not in use, the two rear rows can be configured as pleased to accommodate a sizeable mixed cargo.
ON THE ROAD
The Ranger has always had impeccable road manners, despite its impressive off-road abilities. The Everest inherits these traits as well. For the family, a comprehensive suite of passive, active, and electronic safety systems mitigates any fear of operating the vehicle. Cameras, sensors, plus the large side mirrors make navigating the Ford through urban traffic simple.
Ride quality is as refined as the interior, and the suspension makes light work of stress-inducing Jamaican tarmac, passing as little disturbance to occupants. The Everest is no slouch either. Its 2-litre bi-turbo diesel pushes 210bhp and a hefty 369lb/ft of torque through a smooth-shifting, 10-speed transmission to all four wheels. No faux-wheel drive, aka all-wheel drive, here, just real four-wheel drive with low range and a locking differential.
These elements function just brilliantly off-road. When the tarmac turns to nothing the Everest will continue surefooted, having the inherent ability from the Ranger. Traction, suspension travel, approach, breakover, and departure angle deliver confidence-inspiring control at all times. The engine, transmission, and electronic driver aids operate in synchronicity to keep momentum under difficult terrain. Yet, for all its off-roading prowess, the Everest never deviates from the high level of passenger comfort it’s endowed with.
Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
Cameras, sensors, plus the large side mirrors, make navigating the Ford through urban traffic simple, while still being able to tackle tough off-road trails. (Photo: Rory Daley)
