FORD EVEREST WILDTRAK & XLT

Launched to great acclaim in 2022, the new Ford Everest raised the bar in the premium SUV segment. Now, Ford has expanded its Everest range to six models to appeal to different tastes and pockets in the segment. 

Seen for the first time on the Everest, the Wildtrak is one of two new models added to Ford’s D-segment SUV line-up. Slotting in below the flagship Platinum model, the Wildtrak brings loads of style and even more athleticism to appeal to lifestyle customers. The other new model is the entry-level XLT derivative – in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise – and we had the opportunity to drive both from Lanseria to Pilanesberg at the recent launch event.

AESTHETICS FOR A NEW GENERATION

We fell in love with the Everest when it was launched, thanks to its handsome styling and striking proportions. The Wildtrak elevates this aesthetic by adding more model-exclusive touches both inside and out. 

Up front, you will find a large mesh grille whose horizontal bars now come in a sinister ‘bolder grey’, flanked by the distinct C-clamp LED headlights with daytime running lamps. Also prominent are the ‘super alloy’ silver bash plate and dual recovery points. Other nice touches include raised WILDTRAK lettering on the grille, fog lamps, sleek taillights, bright finish side steps, roof rails, and privacy glass. Machined dual-finished 20” alloys come as standard, with 18” alloys wrapped in meatier rubber available for those who want to fully exploit the Wildtrak’s off-roading potential. 

PREMIUM CABIN EXPERIENCE

The Wildtrak cabin is naturally elevated over that of the lower-spec models. In standard form, the cabin is already an environment to behold thanks to Ford’s contemporary design language, which is further enhanced by a generous application of soft-touch materials and high-quality finishes. The Wildtrak adds contrast stitching on the steering wheel, dashboard, door trims, gear lever, and seats. Though firm, the seats come with eight-way adjustable front seats, premium leather upholstery, and Wildtrak logo embossing. While the cabin is made mainly of dark materials, the dual-pane panoramic roof brings in loads of natural light.

Given the vehicle’s premium nature, we expect excellent creature comforts and conveniences. As standard, the Wildtrak comes with a crisp 12” portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s latest SYNC4A and boasting wireless smartphone connectivity, which works effortlessly. An eight-speaker sound system, USB A and C ports, and a wireless charging pad are present to ensure that road trips are much more enjoyable for the music-loving and always-connected generations.

ON THE ROAD

Like the range-topping Platinum model, the Wildtrak derives its motivation from a burly 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, suitable for 184 kW and 600 Nm, delivered to a permanent four-wheel-drive system. There is no manual gearbox for the current generation Everest, which we did not miss thanks to the attentive and smooth shifting 10-speed automatic.

On the road to the Pilanesberg mountains, the V6 proved a fantastic powerplant for the nearly 2.3-tonne behemoth. Thanks to what felt like a telepathic connection between the accelerator and the engine, the car responded instantly to throttle inputs with ‘shove you into your seat’ urgency. Overtaking was exciting while accelerating to and maintaining highway speeds was a breeze. Even at higher speeds, the engine was refined, barely intruding into the well-insulated cabin. Fuel consumption was in the low 10s, which is impressive despite shooting past the claimed 8.5 l/100 km consumption.

ENTER THE XLT

Unlike the Wildtrak, which is aimed at the upper lifestyle segment, the XLT offers a different value proposition as the entry point to the range. That said, the XLT offers good value while retaining the striking looks of the Everest, though it is less conspicuous than the Wildtrak. Instead of dark trims, you get chrome touches for the grille bars, door handles and mirrors, with privacy glass only available from the rear window backwards. 

Enter the cabin, and you’ll find interior appointments similar to the Wildtrak, with the same 12” infotainment and 8” digital instrument screens, wireless connectivity, eight-way adjustable front seats and numerous charging ports. However, you make do without the sunroof and contrast stitching and must be content with partial leather seat trim.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Powering the XLT is Ford’s 2.0l Bi-Turbo engine which generates 154 kW and 500 Nm. Unlike the Wildtrak, the XLT can be either a 4×2 or a 4×4. The XLT is down 30 kW and 100 Nm on the Wildtrak, but that didn’t affect the drive for us. We were surprised by how little we missed the V6. Power delivery was not as explosive as the Wildtrak’s, but the XLT holds its own on the highway. Buyers shouldn’t feel short-changed with the XLT, and with fuel consumption of 9.3 l/100 km, it is also frugal.

LAST WORD

The Wildtrak and the XLT are welcome additions to the Everest line-up and offer more options for buyers. If standing out is your biggest motivator, the Wildtrak will scratch that itch. However, if you can do without the extra bits and bobs, the XLT will best serve your interests as it offers better value for money. 

Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © FORD SOUTH AFRICA