Next-gen 2022 Ford Everest debuts with more safety features

Following its Ranger and Ranger Raptor ladder-frame siblings, the Ford Everest holds its world premiere. The midsize SUV bursts onto the scene with guns blazing, wielding everything in its arsenal from a bold new design to an increased emphasis on occupant safety. 

Ford is marketing the 2022 Everest midsize SUV as an adventure machine 

This marks the nameplate’s third generation, seven years after the outgoing version made its debut. Although the second generation only had around half of the original’s 13-year production run, it was notable for serving as the basis for a troop transport vehicle used by the French military, a testament to its ruggedness and robustness. 

“When we started imagining the next-gen Everest, we started not at the beginning but at the end: With our customers,” said Ford Everest chief platform engineer Ian Foston. “They’re people who like adventure, recreation and being able to go out with family and friends. Whether they’re conquering sand, rocks or city life, these customers appreciate the utility, capability and spaciousness of an SUV.”

It now sports a more angular design over the outgoing iteration

Ford says that it gave the new Everest styling cues that befit the vehicle’s positioning as an outgoing model, yet also bestowed it with interior amenities that turn it into a sanctuary for its occupants.     

Exterior

The aesthetic differences between the new and outgoing Everest models are evident right off the bat. A more angular design language defines the latest release, which presumably leads to increased dimensions. The Blue Oval brand claims that the approach angle and ground clearance have been improved, with a track that’s now 50mm wider compared to the previous iteration. Meanwhile, the 800mm water-wading capability has been retained. 

Ford's latest global design language is evident on the new Everest

Similar to the new Ranger and Ranger Raptor, the new Everest now sports the redesigned LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights. These flank the upper grille that’s bisected by the horizontal bar, consistent with Ford’s global design DNA. Redesigned fog lamp housings can be found on the lower corners of the front bumper. 

Even the tail end has been revamped

A revised character line is now present on the doors, running parallel to the built-in running boards and located between the wheel arches that now sport body-colored cladding. Larger rear-quarter windows are accompanied by wider C-pillars. Even the rear section reflects the blockier look of the fascia, featuring redesigned LED taillamps and rear apron. The new rear bumper now carries vertically oriented reflectors.    

Interior    

Ford describes the new Everest’s interior as a sanctuary that fulfills its role in transporting seven occupants plus cargo in greater comfort than before. Quietness was a major consideration, according to Ford’s International Markets Group (IMG) design director Max Wolff. 

Ford says its customers wanted a sanctuary for the interior 

“We’ve all been in vehicles with multiple rows of seats, where you have to twist your head around and almost shout to be heard by passengers in the second or third rows,” he said. “That’s an issue we wanted to solve for Everest, so the interior would be a quiet place in which you can easily talk to your family or friends and enjoy the journey together.”

An "apple catcher" valley feature on the rear lip prevents items from falling off

The cabin features plush materials, premium finishes, and ambient lighting throughout. Middle seats have been engineered to slide out further forward than before, with 60:40 split-fold capability. Meanwhile, the 50:50 split-fold rear seats feature a one-touch folding mechanism. Both seating rows fold flat, the better to carry sizable cargo. Higher-spec variants bring power outlets on all seating rows.  

Tech & Safety 

The new dashboard features a cleaner look overall, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest Everest’s onboard technology. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is on offer, located just beyond the revamped multi-function steering wheel. 

This is accompanied by a 12-inch vertical touchscreen monitor running Ford’s SYNC 4A system offering voice-activated controls for communications, information, and entertainment. A factory-fitted modem enables online connectivity on the go especially with the available FordPass app, bringing extra features such as remote start and vehicle status checks through your mobile phone.  

The vertical touchscreen head unit is the showcase of the dashboard  

Safety takes center stage on the new Everest, with up to nine airbags deploying in the event of a crash, including one in the middle of the second row for side impacts. A 360-degree camera array helps in reducing blind spots, while Evasive Steer Assist (ESA) provides additional steering support in maneuvering away from danger.  

Other driver-assist technologies include a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-keeping system with road edge detection, automated emergency braking, post-collision braking, and a new Parking Assist 2.0 feature.

Engine & Drivetrain 

Available powertrains on the next-generation Everest include single-turbo and bi-turbo 2.0-liter diesel engines and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline power unit. These will be joined by a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel mill as the flagship offering. A secondary battery can be fitted into the engine bay to power aftermarket accessories. 

A four-wheel drivetrain will still be offered, featuring a 2-speed transfer case 

Customers can choose between 6-speed and 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmissions to deliver power to the drive wheels. A four-wheel drivetrain with 2-speed transfer case will be included, working with an off-road camera and upgraded suspension system. According to Ford, there may be plans in the future to develop a Raptor version of the new Everest.   

Pricing

No pricing information has been released yet for the next-generation Ford Everest, as this will likely depend on features offered in specific markets. The automaker has identified three trim levels for the new model, ranging from the base Sport, midrange Titanium, and flagship Platinum variants. 

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