Ford Everest 2023 Sport vs Titanium

When the previous generation Ford Everest first came out in 2015, it effectively set the tone in the midsize pickup-based SUV segment. This was thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, impressive ride and refinement, and driving dynamics that felt more like a crossover rather than an unwieldy pickup. With this new 2023 Ford Everest, it seems history is set to repeat itself. While it still rides on the same T6 platform as before, it’s been heavily re-engineered to once again set the benchmark in the class.

Setting The Fundamentals Right

Fundamentally speaking, its T6 platform remains to be the 2023 Ford Everest‘s (and the Ranger, too) strength. Even before this next-generation model, the T6 platform was already one of the leaders in terms of refinement, stability, and comfort, and this new one takes it further up a notch. With its wheels pushed further out by 50 mm, the Everest has gained a slightly wider footprint. Along with a host of re-engineering to its chassis, suspension, and structure, the next-generation Ford Everest is now the segment’s benchmark in terms of comfort and refinement.

Not only does it have as good of a ride as the updated Nissan Terra, but it’s now a much quieter car compared to all of its competitors. And you know what, it’s now nearly as good in terms of refinement as something like a Ford Explorer or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Now, only if we could get that 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, but alas, that won’t be sold in the ASEAN region.

Speaking of engines, there will be two that will power the local-spec Ford Everest–both of which are 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel engines. The range kicks off with the single-turbo version that produces 170 hp and 405 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic. The range-topper continues to be the twin-turbo version that’s powering our Titanium+ 4×4 tester here, which produces 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This engine sends its power through a four-wheel drive (4WD) system via a 10-speed automatic. While the engine figures remain unchanged, Ford’s engineers did a whole lot of re-engineering to improve its refinement.

Refined Manners

True enough, stand right next to the Titanium+ 4×4’s engine bay, and the diesel clatter has been reduced. Moreover, the difference in noise levels outside and inside the new Everest is much more significant than before. Outside noises are well-suppressed, and that includes road, wind, and engine noise. Not only that but ride comfort has also been improved. The outgoing Everest already had a very sturdy and rigid structure, but this has even greater solidity. It’s almost European car-like in that aspect.

So it scores well in terms of refinement, but what about driving performance? As this is just a first drive, we weren’t really able to fully extract the engine’s power, but we’re happy to report that its 10-speed automatic has been much improved. Whereas the previous version had a higher chance of shuddering due to the transmission’s confusion due to its sheer amount of gears, this new one feels very eager to downshift and refined to upshift. We can’t fully comment yet on whether the engine’s power delivery has improved, but as far as its transmission goes, it’s now one of the better gearboxes out there.

As for handling, this is still a body-on-frame SUV, so we did not experience any form of sportiness with this vehicle. Still, its driving dynamics remained secure for the class, with body roll, pitching, and diving motions being well-mitigated. We weren’t fans of the previous model’s numb electric power steering, but Ford’s engineers managed to improve this new model’s steering accuracy and feel. Surprisingly, you can now feel more of the road with this electric steering, which is always a good thing from a handling perspective as it lets you know what’s happening to the front wheels. Lastly, its brakes also feel much firmer now as opposed to the previous model’s spongy pedal feel.

At Home At Any Terrain

The 2023 Ford Everest is not just a more refined SUV than before. Take it through the beaten path, and you’ll be surprised that it can roll up its well-tailored sleeves and due a whole lot of dirty work. The Everest’s dimensions have been incrementally updated to give this SUV better clearance over tough terrain, but more importantly, it now comes with a whole host of technologies that make off-roading easier–even if you’re just a first-timer.

From a 360-degree bird’s-eye view camera that gives your trajectory in real-time, all the way to a host of drive modes that can cherry-pick the appropriate mode for the 4×4 system and whether the locking rear differential should be activated, the Everest now does the thinking for you. No need to switch various knobs and buttons just to activate various off-roading features. On top of all this, the technology of the Everest doesn’t overwhelm you. Instead, it assists you in going through tough terrain easier.

Some of the other key aspects you might want to know about is the fact that it has an 800 mm water wading depth, and due to its wheels being pushed 50 mm further out the vehicle, this gives the Everest much better wheel articulation when going over very uneven terrain.

Tough On The Outside, Tailored On The Inside

If there’s one aspect that truly sums up the 2023 Ford Everest, that would be its looks. The tough yet refined exterior not only showcases that it’s an SUV that’s at home in an adventure or in the jungle. Park it inside a high-end resort, and the Everest won’t look out of place. The new Everest comes with a leaner, more muscular look compared to its more rounded predecessor, yet it also managed to learn how to be a suited-up gentleman. It has just the right amount of chrome details to make it look refined rather than ostentatious. Along with details (at least in this Titanium+ 4×4 variant) such as the 20-inch wheels, C-clamp LED daytime running lights surrounding the adaptive matrix LED headlights, and a full-width tailgate garnish that emphasizes this SUV’s width, the Everest communicates its refined but tough demeanor extremely well.

Likewise, its interior is a much more refined place to be in. This segment isn’t known for offering premium interiors, but the 2023 Ford Everest is set to move the goalpost in this aspect, too. Hard plastics are fewer and further in between since all touch points such as the dash and the top of the doors are now finished in either soft-touch materials or leatherette surfaces. Not only that, but this Titanium+ variant comes with various matte silver and faux wood trimmings that give the interior a tasteful atmosphere. Because of the 2023 Ford Everest, expect this utilitarian segment to finally catch on and offer a premium interior.

It’s also worth mentioning that thanks to its revised T6 platform and more upright body, there’s more space on all three rows of the 2023 Ford Everest. This is even with the Titanium+ 4×4’s panoramic sunroof slightly eating into head space. The trunk of the Ford Everest even grew to 39 liters behind the second row, which is an impressive feat, to begin with.

Technology That’s Second Nature

Another aspect where the 2023 Ford Everest is setting the benchmark is when it comes to its comprehensive suite of tech. All variants come as standard with the latest SYNC 4 infotainment that debuted in the F-150 and Mustang Mach-E, and with that, it comes in a portrait touch screen that’s available in 12-inches for the Titanium+ variants and 10.1-inches for the lower variants. This comes mated to a fully-digital gauge cluster that’s 12.4-inches in size for the Titanium+ variants and 8-inches for the rest of the lineup. The two screens are intuitive to use and are very responsive in how they respond. What’s more, Ford managed to preserve the hard buttons for the climate controls, which is always a good thing.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered in all variants, while wireless charging is only available on higher trims. Other goodies that the Titanium+ 4×4 comes with are a full suite of advanced driver assistance tech. While most are carried over from the previous model, new for the 2023 Everest are stuff like rear automatic emergency braking, fully-automated parking assist, stop-and-go function for the adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, as well as a new post-collision brake for the automatic emergency braking.

The good news is that all of these driver-assistance and cabin tech are practically second nature to operate. What we’re only concerned about is that the button for the locking rear differential and hill descent control are on the screen. This could be a concern in the event that the screen suddenly fails or the SYNC 4 operating system hangs.

Is The 2023 Ford Everest Really That Good?

Indeed it is that good. Just like the previous generation model, the 2023 Ford Everest is once again set to make history repeat itself. Thanks to its significantly-improved driving dynamics, well-designed cabin tech, and more capable off-road manners, the new Everest is currently setting the benchmark in the midsize pickup-based SUV segment. What’s more, when it finally arrives in the Philippines this July 28, 2022, the Everest will be sold at these very competitive prices.

• Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo Titanium 4×4 AT: P2,495,000
• Everest 2.0 Titanium 4×2 AT: P2,179,000
• Everest 2.0 Sport 4×2 AT: P2,089,000
• Everest 2.0 Limited 4×2 AT: P1,999,000
• Everest 2.0 Trend 4×2 AT: P1,799,000

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