Coming this month: 2022 Ford Everest 7-seat SUV

After launching the all-new Ford Ranger pick-up truck recently, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is poised to follow that up with the introduction of its sister model, the Everest. The Ranger-based 7-seat SUV will be officially launched by the firm later this month, and here’s what you can expect from it.

Like its predecessors, the Everest will ride on a similar ladder-frame chassis architecture as the Ranger, and it will also sport a number of visual similarities with its pick-up truck twin, namely the front fascia that sports distinct design cues – C-shaped LED DRLs and prominent bar grille designs included.

Of course, unlike the Ranger, the Everest’s will sport a fully enclosed SUV body to house seating for up to seven occupants. This also means it will have a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,900mm – 50mm longer than the pick-up truck twin in underpins.

The same can be said about the Everest’s innards, whereby the cabin’s forward area will be largely similar to that of the Ranger’s. This also means it will also take up similar tech and features that the Ranger boasts – digital instrument display panel and large centre touchscreen included, albeit depending on variant.

Whilst still on the subject of tech, much of the latest Ranger’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be present too. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, plus a few others. Basic safety, on the other hand, sees an improvement thanks to the presence of nine airbags lining the cabin.

Mechanically, the new third-gen Everest will also share similar powertrain options, the range will consists of three single- and bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel 4-cyl mills, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 option on top of those, and perhaps a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol 4-cyl too – a mill that Ford will offer select markets starting next year, but our market’s status in having this option remains uncertain.

As for transmission options, the Everest will not have a manual transmission option present as the ranger. Instead, all mill will be paired to either a six-speed or 10-speed automatic boxes depending on variant.

Closer to home, Ford offers our neighbours north of our border the Everest powered by the 2-0-litre 4-cyl diesel mills. The single-turbo version of which go to power the base and mid-spec Trend and Sport variants, which come primed with 6-speed automatics boxes and rear-wheel-drive. Instead, just the flagship Titanium+ variant benefits with the bi-turbo mill and 10-speed auto box, plus the options between rear- and all-wheel-drive setups.

What do you folks think of the Ranger’s full-bodied twin, then? Would this be your go-anywhere 7-seat SUV of choice? Hit the comments section below with your thoughts.