Ford Everest (first Generation) (rear), Serdang

The Ford Everest is a mid-size SUV produced by Ford Motor Company since 2003. Developed and destined mainly for the Asia-Pacific region with production centered in Thailand, the first-generation Everest is based on the Mazda-based Ford Ranger pickup truck, while the following generations are based on the globally-marketed T6 Ranger. Unlike the Ranger which was paralleled with the Mazda B series or BT-50 until 2020, the Everest has no Mazda equivalent, as it was seen as unfitting for the brand.

In India, the Everest was marketed as the Ford Endeavour to avoid legal issues due to the existence of a spice-making brand with the same name in the country.

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First generation (U268/UR; 2003)

Ford unveiled the first-generation Everest in March 2003 at the 24th Bangkok International Motor Show. Developed specifically for Asian markets under the lead of chief platform engineer Masaki Makihara, the Everest shares 60 percent of the Ranger's components, including its 2.5-litre intercooled turbo-diesel engine and the exterior styling from the front to the B-pillars. It was revealed that the development of the car took four years and costs US$100 million including investments needed to manufacture the Everest.

As it is based on the Ranger, the Everest retained the double wishbone independent front suspension and a live axle with leaf spring rear suspension from the Ranger with several adjustments. It lacks a lockable rear differential.

The first-generation Everest was offered in a three-row, seven-seater configuration, while in some markets such as Indonesia it was also available as a 10-seater with face-to-face third row bench seats.

The Everest was sold in Southeast Asia, India, Middle East, Central America, the Bahamas and several African countries. It was built at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, and as CKD kits in Chengalpattu, India and Hai Duong, Vietnam. In India, the vehicle was introduced as the Endeavour in 2003.

Facelift

In November 2006, the Everest underwent a major facelift that saw the whole front and side body panels replaced to match the redesign of its base vehicle, the Ranger. Changes also included an updated front fascia, new transmission and an improved engine. In addition, the redesign featured the new 5-speed automatic transmission with BorgWarner transfer case, and an Active-Shift-on-the-Fly function (4x4 only) for the first time. Despite the massive changes, it retained most mechanical parts along with its U268 project code. However, the 2007–2015 model is sometimes referred to as the second-generation Everest by Ford or journalists.

A second facelift was introduced in 2009. While the changes were less prominent than the previous facelift, Everest now sports a rounder fascia than its predecessor and was similar with the facelifted Ranger. The changes were achieved by changing the front fender assembly, front hood, front headlights, front grill and front bumper, while it also featured larger 18-inch polished alloy wheels, a redesigned tailgate and new tail lamps.

Another smaller update was introduced in 2012, now sporting a revised front grille. In 2013, the Everest received a final facelift, featuring a redesigned front bumper in line with some other global Ford cars.

File:Ford Everest.jpg, 2007 Ford Everest (first facelift)
File:2010 Ford Everest XLT 4x2 2.5 U268 (20200713) 01.jpg, 2010 Ford Everest (second facelift)
File:2010 Ford Everest XLT 4x2 2.5 U268 (20200713) 02.jpg, 2010 Ford Everest (second facelift)
File:2014 Ford Everest 2.5 TDCi 4x2 (Indonesia) front view.jpg, 2014 Ford Everest (third facelift)

Second generation (U375/UA; 2015)

The second-generation Everest first previewed at a 'Go Further' future product event in Sydney, Australia as a near-production concept vehicle in August 2013. It was also showcased at the Bangkok Motor Show in March 2014 and as a production version November 2014 ahead of its public debut at the Guangzhou International Motor Show.

Based on the T6 Ranger, the vehicle was developed by Ford Australia under the lead of American chief program engineer Todd Hoevener. The development code was designated U375, and the model code in Australia was designated UA series. In China, the Everest was manufactured by the JMC-Ford joint venture, at JMC's Nanchang factory.

The second-generation Everest features a complete redesign which featured rounder proportions for a more modern appearance. Dimension-wise, the vehicle is shorter in length but wider and taller, altering its proportions compared to its predecessor. The wheelbase has been reduced from to .

Production and sales of the Endeavour in India ended in 2021 due to the closure of all Ford manufacturing plants in the country. Attempts to continue its production in the country through a contractual basis fell through.

Facelift

This model received a facelift in May 2018, coinciding with the Ranger facelift. The facelift included design tweaks, equipment list update, new 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox. Other changes include Autonomous Emergency Braking, a standard kick-activated power liftgate, and new alloy wheels. Interior changes include more soft touch materials such as ebony dark colour scheme. Another facelift was released for the 2021 year model in November 2020 in Thailand.

File:Ford Everest front view (facelift, Vietnam).png, 2019 Ford Everest (facelift, Vietnam)
File:Ford Everest rear view (facelift, Vietnam).png, 2019 Ford Everest (facelift, Vietnam)

Arquus Trapper VT4

The second-generation Everest is used as a basis for a light-duty tactical vehicle for the French military, called the Arquus Trapper VT4. On September 15, 2022, Arquus announced the production of the 4,000th model. On August 3, 2023, all VT4s were delivered to the French military.
File:VT4 - Armée de terre (14 juillet 2021), nouveau camouflage (1).jpg , Arquus Trapper VT4
File:VT4 - Armée de terre (14 juillet 2021), nouveau camouflage (2) (cropped).jpg, Arquus Trapper VT4

Third generation (U704/UB; 2022)

The third-generation Everest was revealed on 1 March 2022. It was developed under the U704 development code, and known as the UB series in Australia. Sharing most of the front end components with the P703 Ranger, overall dimensions of the third-generation Everest remain mostly the same, with an additional in wheel track and wheelbase. The changes was done to achieve a longer dash-to-axle ratio to accommodate the optional V6 engine and a slightly wider wheel track.
File:Ford Everest parked rear side (cropped).jpg, Rear view
File:2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Bi-Turbo 4x4.jpg, Everest Wildtrak

The T6 platform continues to underpin the Everest with upgrades, such as longer control arms for the independent front suspension and Watts' link rear suspension to suit the wider wheel track. All Everest models in this generation are equipped with underbody protection, a rear locking differential, selectable off-road drive modes, and two functional tow hooks at the front. The vehicle also offers of wading depth.

The four-wheel-drive model is available with the option of 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and towing capacity. To accommodate the increased towing capacity, Ford worked on the engine cooling package, stiffened the frame and increased the front and rear axle load capacities.

Instead of using a more conventional centre differential with a limited-slip or locking function for off-road driving, the Everest uses an electromechanical clutch pack that would connect and disconnect the front and rear wheels. It allows the Everest to operate in rear-wheel drive on high traction surfaces, and move the front wheels if needed. The clutch pack can engage completely in off-road situations.

Markets

Middle East

The third-generation Everest was released in the Middle Eastern markets on 10 October 2023, it is powered by a 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is offered in three grades: XLS, XLT, and Limited.

Oceania

=Australia

=
The third-generation Everest went on sale in Australia on 12 May 2022, with four trim levels available at launch: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Platinum. For engines, the Ambiente and Trend trims use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine, while the Sport and Platinum trims use the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. Four-wheel drive is an option for Ambiente and Trend trims which both trims comes standard with two-wheel drive, while the Sport and Platinum trims comes standard with four-wheel drive. The Everest was awarded Wheels Car of the Year in 2022, the first Ford vehicle to win Australia's most prestigious new car award since the SX Territory in 2004. In October 2022, the Sport 4x2 variant was added to the line-up. In May 2023, the Wildtrak model using the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine (4x4) was added to the line-up. In January 2024, the Trend 4x2 variant was removed from the line-up. In August 2024, the off-road focused Tremor model using the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine (4x4) was introduced in Australia.

=New Zealand

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in New Zealand in September 2022, with three trim levels: Trend, Sport and Platinum. For engines, the Trend use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine, while the Sport and Platinum use the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, and all variants are four-wheel drive.

South Africa

The third-generation Everest was launched in South Africa on 28 September 2022, with two trim levels available at launch: Sport and Platinum. For engines, the Sport use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine, while the Platinum use the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, and both variants are four-wheel drive. In May 2023, the entry-level XLT and flagship Wildtrak trims were added to the line-up along with the introduction of two-wheel drive variants, therefore the number of available variants was increased from two to six. In July 2024, an armoured version of the Everest produced by SVI Engineering, went on sale available to both corporate and private clients, in two variants corresponding to the level of in-car protection.

Southeast Asia

=Indonesia

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in Indonesia by importer RMA Indonesia on 8 June 2023 alongside the Ranger (T6). It is available in two trim levels: XLT and Titanium, both variants are powered by the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine and four-wheel drive. In April 2025, the Sport model, equipped with exclusive black exterior accents and uses the 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo engine (2WD), was added to the line-up.

=Malaysia

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in Malaysia on 24 September 2022, with three variants available at launch: 2WD Sport, 4WD Trend and 4WD Titanium. For engines, the Sport variant use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo engine, while the Trend and Titanium variants use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine. In November 2023, the Wildtrak model using the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine (4WD) was added to the line-up.

=Philippines

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in the Philippines on 28 July 2022 alongside the Ranger (T6). At launch, it was available with five variants: Trend 4x2, Limited 4x2, Sport 4x2, Titanium+ 4x2 and Titanium+ 4x4. For engines, all variants use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo engine, while the range-topping Titanium+ 4x4 variant use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine. In August 2023, the Everest Wildtrak model using the 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo engine (4x2) was added to the line-up. In May 2025, the Sport Special Edition (4x2) was added to the line-up.

=Thailand

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in Thailand on 21 March 2022 alongside the Ranger (T6). At launch, it was available with two variants: 2.0 Turbo Sport 2WD and 2.0 Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4WD. During the 43rd Bangkok International Motor Show, the Everest received a total of 914 bookings. In July 2022, two variants were added: 2.0 Trend 2WD and 2.0 Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 2WD. In March 2023, the Wildtrak model using the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine (4WD) was added to the line-up. In March 2024, the Platinum model using the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine (4WD) was added to the line-up. In August 2024, the Sport (2WD) model, equipped with the Adventure Pack and Driving Assistance Technology Package, was added to the line-up. In March 2025, Sport Special Edition (2WD) variant, equipped with additional special exterior and interior decorations from the Sport model, was added to the line-up.

=Vietnam

=
The third-generation Everest was launched in Vietnam on 1 July 2022, with four trim levels available at launch: Ambiente, Sport, Titanium and Titanium Plus. For engines, all trims use the 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo engine and two-wheel drive except for the Titanium Plus, while the Titanium Plus trim uses the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine and four-wheel drive. In May 2023, the Wildtrak model using the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine (4WD) was added to the line-up. The Platinum model using the 2.0-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo engine (2WD) was added to the line-up. In April 2025, the Sport Special Edition (2WD) variant was added to the line-up.

Sales

References

External links

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Everest
Cars introduced in 2003
Mid-size sport utility vehicles
2010s cars
2020s cars
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All-wheel-drive vehicles