FORD BRINGS BACK EVEREST BASECAMP, ADDS SPORT RWD

Ford has tweaked the Everest lineup for 2021, with the biggest changes being the return of the ‘BaseCamp’ special edition and the addition of a rear-wheel drive version of the Sport grade.

BaseCamp is Back

First offered in late 2019 as a 2020 model, the BaseCamp is back for 2021 and almost identical to the original. The package is based on the Everest Trend 4x4 and adds a 76mm black nudge bar, atop which sits an LED light bar. A Ford Genuine snorkel is also fitted, along with a Ford Genuine tow bar rated at up to 3,100kg (depending on engine choice).

Roof carry bars mount a Rhino Rack ‘Pioneer Platform’ and Sunseeker awning, which is slung off the passenger side of the rack.

Identifying BaseCamp decals feature on the front doors, with a dark grey finish added to the grille, lower front bumper skid plate, front guard vents and rear skid plate. The Trend’s 18-inch alloy wheels get the dark grey finish, too. The grey trim and decals were not part of the previous BaseCamp offering and the new version drops the bonnet protector that the original offered.

The BaseCamp package adds $2,000 to the Trend 4x4 grade it’s based on, but Ford claims the package offers $6,000 in value. Introductory drive away pricing for the BaseCamp is $64,990 for the 3.2lt turbodiesel 4x4 and $66,490 for the 2.0lt bi-turbo 4x4.

Sport now in 4x2

The Everest Sport that debuted last year also continues into 2021, but that grade will now be available with a 4x2 option, meaning that Ambiente, Trend and Sport grades are now available with rear-wheel drive. Previously 4x4 only, the 4x2 addition is only available with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder engine and shaves a significant $7,500 off the 4x4 price.

The Sport’s signature blackout styling – grille, bumpers, roof rails, mirror caps, tailgate trim - and mesh grille remains, along with the 20-inch alloys. Sport decals on the tailgate and flanks identify the grade, with Sport embossed into the front seat headrests, too. These and Capital Blue contrast stitching, plus a soft-touch dash pad, carry over from the 2020 version.

Both the updated models are 5-star ANCAP rated, offering AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Aid with Driver Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, full-length curtain airbags and the comprehensive Dynamic Stability Control package amongst its standard safety features.

Also Updated

Finally, the Trend and Titanium grades get a new grille for 2021, made up of a grey mesh fill and chrome surround. The premium Titanium grade also adds the same bold ‘EVEREST’ bonnet badging that graces the MY21 Sport 4x4/4x2.

“With the Everest BaseCamp Special Edition and Everest Sport in rear wheel drive, we’re offering more choice for our customers to take to the roads in vehicles that have been designed and engineered in Australia to make discovering our great country easy, safe and comfortable,” says Andrew Birkic, Ford ANZ President and CEO.

The updated Everest range will be available in Ford dealerships from December.

FORD ‘MY21.25’ Everest Pricing*

Everest 4x2

Everest Ambiente 3.2 4x2 (5 seat) $50,990

Everest Trend 2.0 4x2 $56,990

Everest Sport 2.0 4x2 $59,990

Everest 4x4

Everest Ambiente 3.2 4x4 (5 seat) $57,490

Everest Trend 3.2 4x4 $62,990

Everest Trend 2.0 4x4 $64,490

Everest BaseCamp 3.2 4x4 $64,990

Everest BaseCamp 2.0 4x4 $66,490