The Everest scales new heights

MANILA, Philippines - In the Ford hierarchy, the Everest straddles the line between the spunky Escape and the mid-size Explorer.

However, truth to tell, the Everest had typically seemed to share stylistic cues with its platform sibling, the Ranger pickup. The profile seemed to suggest a Ranger with more seats and a shell to cover the flatbed – compared to its “proper” SUV brethren with silhouettes of a more refined, fully planned and “integrated” vehicle.

One could take some umbrage with the past Everest iterations – particularly the tepid fascia that bestowed the vehicle a sort of bored disposition. It certainly didn’t particularly stand out in the parking lot when resting side by side with other SUVs.

Ford has obviously made a determined effort to prettify the workhorse Everest – making sleeker and more refined for a more discriminating set. This is not, in any way, dissing the many who have an earlier Everest in the garage. If anything, this is testament to the triumph of function over form, as well as the good brand equity of Ford in the Philippines. At a mil-plus, the Everest delivers great value.

Ford boasts that the new Everest is the “most capable seven-seat SUV on the road or off” to complement the slew of changes in design – with best-in-class torque, active versatility, superior off-road capability, and its vaunted “Built Ford Tough” quality.

Getting acquainted with the new Everest begins with admiring its classier face: from its multi-bar chrome grille, the embossed “Everest” emblem on its chrome brow, to the swept-back look of its headlamps. There is much to be happy about. In a tangible way, this facial upgrade sets the tone for the rest of the new Everest experience – more substance and style.

On both sides of the vehicle are chrome fender badges that accent its smooth-flowing lines, and provide a nice complement to the chrome door handles and chrome side mirrors with turn lamps.

The spare tire location – arguably a source of disappointment for its aesthetic disservice to any car – is given a mild face lift. Ford upgrades to a lockable cover, and improves and mutes the design so that it doesn’t scream “Everest” any more. Only the telltale stylized peaks remain.

As for the wheel and tires, you’ll feel very secure on the standard 255/60 Bridgestones mounted on mean-looking six-spoke aluminum alloy 18s. Once you hop aboard, you’ll see why those monster wheels were mounted outside. Space is an important selling point for the Everest. Can you imagine stowing away one of those monsters on board?

Taking cues from its more posh and expensive SUVs, Ford injects a hefty serving of opulence for the Everest. The tan leather seats, plush camel interior, wood accents and, of course, the impressive 2-DIN entertainment system that accommodates DVDs, iPods, phone couplings, and everything in between – they all evoke the driver’s dream of arriving in style. People will surely want to ride with you – what with the two backrest screens to go with the motorized wide TFT display and touch screen you have in front. For safety’s sake though, the screen disables when you disengage the emergency brake.

Rear A/C control is a thoughtful touch, as with the two vents per row at the back – including the two “concession” seats at the back that can accommodate two kids or two adults you don’t particularly like.

The instrument cluster is very legible, and lights up with a comforting driver-adjustable amber glow. Sadly, the seats are non-motorized, so you have to do your own adjustments. The FM antenna, too, is surprisingly a manual affair.

Part of arriving in style means arriving safely. ABS and four airbags – two front, two side – come standard in the 3.0 and 2.5 variants (the lowest variant still has two front, though).

Getting behind the wheel isn’t fun, however, if there’s nothing much under the hood. The Everest certainly isn’t all bells and whistles. The test unit we tried packed a mean 3.0 DuraTorq diesel engine delivering a class-leading 156PS of power and 380NM of torque. That means you can indulge in some habits such as jackrabbit starts and aggressive overtaking – not that I told you to.

The Everest also has a first-in-segment five-speed automatic transmission. Ford says it throws in some advanced engine management gizmos, such as a 32-bit computer processor and common-rail direct fuel injection system technology to enhance response and fuel efficiency.

I didn’t get to test the 4x4 (which retails for P1,695,000) on off-road conditions, but I did put that shift-on-the-fly 4x4 dial to good use. I tried to see how much traction I could get on the challenging parking incline of a metro mall we shall not name. The Everest delivered in spades – even if the slope was wet on account of rain. Of course, steering will be a bit of a struggle in 4x4 mode, but the experience was well worth it. You needn’t worry about where you bring your Everest – even if you take it, well, climbing.