Say hello to what is potentially the best true SUV Ford->ke31 has ever made, the 2015 Everest. Just try not to fall in love. Sadly, the American automaker isn’t bringing this body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle, diesel-powered SUV->ke145 to the States. Nope, it’s strictly for our friends in China, Australia, New Zealand, India, and the southern parts of Africa. The Everest has actually been around for some time now, starting life in 2003. Like it’s always been, the SUV is based on the global Ranger pickup truck->ke1311 platform, another vehicle we don’t get stateside.

Ford is making the Everest more competitive than ever, with, of course, its off-road capabilities, but also its on-road refinement and interior amenities. Included are such things as autonomous emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert, and Curve Control. That last part helps keep the top-heavy SUV right side up when entering a corner too hot.

Also present is Ford’s Terrain Management System that includes settings for Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, and Sand and Rock. It adjusts the engine’s throttle response, the transmission, traction control, and four-wheel-drive system. The part-time transfer case also includes a low range while the rear axle has an electronic-locking differential.

Needless to say, the Everest isn’t joking around about its abilities.

Ford slathers the icing on the cake with two diesel engine choices; one being a 2.2-liter Duratorque four-cylinder and the other a 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost is offered as well.

Click past the jump to read more about the Ford Everest.

2015 Ford Everest

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Ford Everest
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The appearance of the Everest is ruggedly handsome. Tall ground clearance matched with meaty tires helps set the ground work while the front fascia gets its own skidplate-type design. A large chrome grille with matching chrome accents add style to the entire body. A similar skidplate design resides out back, helping give the SUV a proper appearance.

All those looks are backed up by actual off-road versatility. It boasts an impressive 29-degree approach angle and a 25-degree departure angle with nearly nine inches of ground clearance and a fording depth of over 30 inches.

Interior

Things inside are rather luxurious for such an off-road bruiser. Three rows of seating offer room for seven and the rear two rows fold flat for enlarging the cargo area. A down-to-business dashboard is accented by an eight-inch infotainment screen complete with Sync 2. The driver’s gauge cluster gets a center analog gauge with twin screen flanking either side.

The center console is home to the Terrain Management knob, the gear selector, buttons for the traction control, locking differential, and four-wheel-drive low range. Two USB ports a AUX line-in port, and a SD card slot live in the front storage bin. Two 12-volt power ports keep other electronics charged.

Drivetrain

Under the Everest’s hood lies three engine options and two transmission choices. The single gasoline option is the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost found in the U.S.-spec Ford Fusion. Next is the 2.2-liter, DuraTorq, four-cylinder diesel and the more powerful 3.2-liter, DuraTorq, five-cylinder diesel. All three engines can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Yes, you can get an Everest with three pedals. No output numbers have been announced yet.

Helping things move along is the sophisticated four-wheel-drive system. Like the U.S.-spec Ford Explorer, the Terrain Management system controls a ton of driveline parameters that help the SUV move down the trail. Everything from throttle response to traction control and ABS are all routed through the system. A push-button low range offers extra torque to the wheels when the going gets tough. An electronic locking rear differential keeps both rear tires turning that the same speed.

Suspension

The Everest uses an unconventional but highly effective Watts-link suspension stabilization bar to keep the rear axle from moving sideways. A four-link set up holds the axle fore and aft. Lastly, coil springs hold the Everest’s rear up. Up front, a conventional coil-over shock system and double wishbone control arms keep things off the ground.

Prices

Ford has yet to release pricing on the 2015 Everest, but we’ll update you as soon as the numbers drop.

Competition

Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner shares much of the same architecture design with the Everest; body-on-frame, independent front suspension, live solid axle out back, robust four-wheel-drive system, and a tall ground clearance.

Sadly, our U.S.-spec 4Runner doesn’t come with a diesel option. Its only powertrain is the ubiquitous, 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission option.

Pricing for the 4Runner starts at $32,820 and rises up past the $45,000 mark.

Nissan Xterra

Like the 4Runner, the Xterra is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with four-wheel-drive, a solid rear axle, and a V-6 powerplant. Unlike the 4Runner and Everest, the Xterra doesn’t come with a third row, so passenger count is limited to five.

Under the Nissan’s hood is a similar mill to the Toyota’s. It’s a 4.0-liter V-6 that puts out 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. A five speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission is available.

Pricing for the Xterra starts at a much cheaper $23,110 but doesn’t include four-wheel-drive. You’ll spend at least $25,160 to get that. Prices for the top-line PRO-4X with the automatic exceeds the $31,000 mark.

Conclusion

The Ford Everest is one heck of an SUV. It’s got all the right parts and pedigree for the makings of a solid off-roader. While we commend Ford for continuing to build such a vehicle, we can’t help but wish it was headed our way. We can blame things like emissions and safety standards, along with Ford’s own saturated SUV/crossover market here in the States. Those looking for something like this from the Blue Oval will have to settle with either the softened Explorer or the too big to off-road Expedition.

And that’s a shame, because the Everest seems like the perfect combination of ingredients.