Ford confirms Everest Wildtrak for Australia
Ford are set to expand their Everest range with the addition of a ‘Wildtrak’ variant. With the 3.0 V6 as standard, plus a selection of premium parts from the Platinum variant of the large SUV and cosmetic features from the Ranger ute, the Everest Wildtrak is due for local launch later this year, but only in limited numbers.
Australian release of the Everest Wildtrak follows New Zealand, who announced the new variant back in January ahead of release there in June.
The name, obviously, comes from the upper-spec Ranger variant that was first offered in 2009. Its addition to the Everest range serves as a more rugged alternative to the urban-oriented Everest Platinum, but is just as comfortable around town as it is in the bush, according to Ford.
“The 2022 Everest set new standards for performance, comfort and versatility in the seven-seat, large SUV segment,” said David Grice, chief platform engineer for Ranger and Everest. “With the addition of Everest Wildtrak, Australian families can now choose an SUV without compromise when it comes to combining work and play.”
Only available with the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, 10-speed auto transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with low-range, the Everest Wildtrak has a 3,500kg braked towing capacity and 1,823 litres of luggage space. With the exception of luggage space, this is the same as the Everest Platinum (1,818lt), which will remain the premium variant of Ford’s large SUV. The upcoming Wildtrak will sit between the Platinum and Sport 4x4 in terms of pricing.
Differences over the current Everest offerings start with the grille pattern and grille surround, both of which are taken from the Ranger Wildtrak. The lower bumper section is the same as the Ranger Wildtrak, too, and there’s virtually no chrome trim. There are satin chrome roof rails, but the grille surround, wheelarch trims, front guard vents, mirror caps and other exterior details get a ‘Bolder Grey’ finish instead of bright metal.
‘Wildtrak’ identification is added to the bonnet, front doors and tailgate, while Luxe Yellow paint (pictured) from the Ranger is a first for the Everest and one of six colour options that will be available. All bar one of these are $700 prestige paint options.
Two wheel and tyre options will be available from launch: a 20-inch Asphalt Matt Black alloy with machined face and all-season tyres; and an 18-inch Bolder Grey alloy with all-terrain tyres for more serious off-road work. The former will be standard, with the latter a no-cost option.
No mention is made of underbody protection for the Everest Wildtrak, but given its off-road focus, it’ll presumably get the same as what was added to the Platinum for the 2023 model.
Inside, the Everest Wildtrak features Ebony leather seats with contrasting Cyber Orange stitching. There’s a 10-way power adjustable seat with memory function for the driver, while the front passenger seat has 8-way power adjustability. Heating, ventilation and ‘Wildtrak’ identification (embroidered into the uppers) features on both front seats.
Ford haven’t released full specs for the Everest Wildtrak yet, but add that it will include a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ambient interior lighting, 12-inch centre touchscreen, exterior zone lighting and tyre pressure monitoring. Some of these elements were previously only available on the Everest Platinum, but the top model retains some exclusives, like full LED headlights and a 12.4-inch instrument screen.
“Australians understand what the Wildtrak badge means – which is why it is one of our most popular Ranger variants – and we’re thrilled to add it to the Everest family for the first time,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “The Everest Wildtrak will give customers a vehicle that helps them go wherever their adventurous spirit takes them and puts a smile on their face while doing it.”
Australian list pricing for the Everest Wildtrak of $73,090 (+ ORCs) will put it between the $70,590 Everest Sport and $78,530 Everest Platinum in the local lineup. Both of those models increased in price by $1,000 for the latest versions.
Further details on the 2024 Everest Wildtrak, including how long it’ll be available for, will be announced closer to local release, which is expected to be late Q3, 2023.
