2022 Ford Everest specs confirmed: What's new, what's hot, what you get and all the other latest updates on the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, LDV D90 and Toyota Fortuner rival

Ford Australia has at last revealed the long-awaited specifications for the coming Everest large SUV.

Set to go on sale in July, the headline items we now know include confirmation of engine outputs and towing capacity information, along with standard features in the four-grade model line-up.

However, the crucial new pricing info still eludes us, though that won’t be too far away.

As expected, the two cheapest versions – Ambiente and Trend – will be powered by a revised version of the previously optional 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder bi-turbo engine.

It produces 154kW of power at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque between 1750rpm and 2000rpm. That’s a 3kW dip compared to the outgoing version, though Ford assures us improvements to the standard 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission will more than mask the minor power drop.

As before, no manual gearbox will be offered. All other info about this EU 5-rated four-pot twin-turbo diesel engine – including fuel consumption and emissions outputs – will be revealed later on.

Interestingly, towing capacity is now rated at 3500kg across the board, meaning a 400kg improvement, as well as parity with the biggest Everest news for 2022 – the arrival of the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel. This engine will be only available on the Sport and Platinum flagship for the time being.

The Platinum is powered by a a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

Like the closely-related Ranger, the Thai-built Everest V6’s power and torque maximums are 184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm between 1750rpm and 2250rpm. It too uses the 10-speed auto and is also EU 5-rated for emissions.

Of course, Ford says the V6 diesel will provide “an excellent balance of pulling power and fuel economy”, though what the latter figures are remain a mystery.

Additionally, as widely reported, the old Ranger/Everest’s 143kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel has been relegated to history, while there is no sign of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine for the time being. Finger’s crossed that happens.

While the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel will be available in both rear-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will use the vaunted new permanent four-wheel drive system across the range, employing an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case offering several selectable drive modes. Note there’s also a new gear shifter Ford dubs e-Shifter on 4x4 versions.

There are two basic sets of driving modes available. All models get the self-explanatory Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery modes, while the Trend 4x4 2.0-litre and Sport 4x4 and Platinum 4x4 V6s add Mud/Ruts and Sand modes.

The Gross Combined Mass (GCM) for all is 6250kg, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is 3000kg for the 4x2s, 3100kg for the Trend 4x4 and 3150kg for the Sport and Platinum V6s, payload varies from 658kg (Platinum) and 741kg (Ambiente 4x2), Vehicle Tare Weight goes from 2199kg (Ambiente 4x2) and 2432kg (Platinum) and kerb weight ranges from 2259kg (Ambiente 4x2) to 2492kg (Platinum).

The Everest has a minimum towing capacity of 3200kg.

Kicking off with the Ambiente, features include exterior LED lighting, five-seater configuration, fabric trim, tilt/telescopic steering column (at last!), keyless entry/push-button start, dual-zone climate control, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 8.0-inch instrument cluster, embedded modem, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, satellite navigation, SYNC 4A with embedded voice assist, remote starting, side steps, power folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electric park brake, stop-start tech and 17-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tyres.

On the safety front there are nine airbags with full three-row head-protection coverage where applicable, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), reverse AEB, post-impact braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver alert, parking sensors all round, blind spot alert, cross traffic alert with trailer coverage, reverse camera and auto on/off headlights with auto high-beam functionality. These come on top of anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution, anti-roll stability control, hill-start assist and – on 4x4 models – a locking rear diff.

The Trend adds niceties like a third row (for seven seats), privacy glass on rear windows, a powered tailgate, heated folding mirrors with puddle lamps, leather trim seats, a powered driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, second glovebox, 12.0-inch touchscreen upgrade and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Moving to the Sport gives you the V6 turbo-diesel engine, black exterior trim, handsfree for the powered tailgate, sports seats, powered front seats with driver’s side memory, heated/cooled front seats, a 10-speaker audio boost and 20-inch alloys.

The Sport sits second from the top in the Everest lineup.

Finally, the Platinum builds on the Sport’s specification with matrix LED auto-levelling headlights, panoramic sunroof, standoff roof rails, tyre pressure monitors, zone lighting, plastic underbody protection, quilted leather seating, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation cluster, B&O audio upgrade with 12 speakers, 360-degree camera and active park assist.

The colour palette now looks like this: Shadow Black, Aluminium (grey), Arctic White, Meteor Grey, Sedona Orange, Equinox Bronze and Blue Lightning.

Options include off-road wheel and tyre packs, towbar with trailer-brake controller, a Touring Pack (includes 360-degree camera, zone lighting, tow bar kit), third-row seating for Ambiente, a premium seat pack (heated/cooled front seats with power adjustment) and prestige paint.

There's an off-road screen showing a number of things, such as predictive overlay guidelines and surround-view camera.

As mentioned previously, the U703 Everest is an Australian-designed and engineered, Thai-built, body-on-frame large SUV version of the coming T6.2 Ranger, with new bodywork from the central pillar back, for more practicality, a sturdier stance and improved proportions – factors that were deemed essential in overcoming consumer resistance to the outgoing Everest against the all-conquering Toyota Prado.

The interior has been completely redesigned from top to bottom, with a wide-look dashboard restyle, while both the Everest’s tracks and wheelbase have been stretched 50mm.

And like Ford’s popular pick-up, this means the SUV’s suspension (wishbones and coils up front, a Watt’s link coil set-up out back) is similar in design to before, but actually it’s been completely redesigned due to being further outboard. Consequently, there’s now greater scope for spring/damper articulation, more tuning range to improve both ride and handling capabilities on road, as well as 4x4 prowess due to greater wheel travel off it.