The Everest Mystery

The Ford Everest: A Taste of Australia You Can’t Buy in America

For Americans who love their SUVs, the Ford Everest might just be the ultimate forbidden fruit. Although it’s been a staple in markets like Australia for years, it has never crossed over to the U.S., despite being built on the same platform as the popular Ford Ranger. In essence, it’s a big, burly SUV that’s not too different from what folks might be driving on American roads but with a few unique twists.

Specs and Features

The 2025 Ford Everest comes with a starting price of approximately $46,200 for the Trend version, which is a solid deal given its size and capability. The vehicle measures 193.4 inches in length, 86.8 inches in width, and 72.4 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 114.1 inches. Tipping the scales at 5,253 pounds, it’s a hefty piece of machinery designed to handle tough terrains and heavy loads.

Powered by a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, it delivers 207 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Everest offers a decent balance of power and fuel economy, boasting about 27.3 U.S. mpg.

The Driving Experience

Driving the Everest feels like cruising in a sturdy, no-nonsense vehicle. It’s not about heart-pounding acceleration or sporty handling. Instead, it focuses on comfort and practicality. The ride is smooth, thanks to its ladder-frame chassis, which is impressive considering its truck-like underpinnings. Long highway drives are a breeze with the cruise control engaged, showcasing its strong suit as a reliable road trip companion.

However, performance aficionados might be left wanting more since there is no high-performance Raptor variant. That being said, the diesel engine is both smooth and quiet, making it quite refined for daily commutes and long hauls alike.

Interior and Practicality

The cabin is spacious, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The standard third row is great for families, although it isn’t ideal for taller adults. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo space expands significantly, making it suitable for those who need to haul gear or groceries.

Tech-wise, it might not have all the bells and whistles of some American counterparts, but the 12-inch infotainment screen up front does an excellent job of keeping you connected with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some may find the reliance on a touchscreen for climate controls a bit daunting, but physical buttons for core functions are appreciated.

Conclusion

The Ford Everest might not be the flashiest or the most tech-laden SUV out there, but it’s a hard-working, dependable choice for those who need something robust and capable. It’s a bit of a shame American buyers can’t get their hands on this beast straight from their local dealership. For those who find themselves spending time off the beaten path or need to tow heavy loads, the Everest checks a lot of boxes. Its absence from the U.S. market is curious, but it definitely makes one wonder what could have been.