Ford Everest: The competitive terrain of premium SUVs is bracing for a thrilling showdown as Ford gears up to unveil the all-new Everest, aimed squarely at taking on Toyota’s reigning champion, the Fortuner.
Insiders in the automotive industry indicate that Ford has meticulously crafted the forthcoming Everest as an unbeatable contender, specifically engineered to topple the current segment leader.
After retreating from some markets, Ford’s decision to introduce the next-generation Everest signifies a strategic shift toward a promising opportunity.
The American automaker has pinpointed the premium ladder-frame SUV sector as a key arena worth engaging in, especially as consumer interest in robust yet luxurious vehicles continues to rise.
“The new Everest illustrates Ford’s dedication to providing vehicles that merge outstanding capability with contemporary luxury,” states Rajiv Sharma, Product Planning Director at Ford’s Asia Pacific division.
“We’ve analyzed the Fortuner’s strengths and shortcomings to create something that surpasses those benchmarks across every aspect.”
Ford Everest Powertrain Options That Mean Business
Under the hood, the 2025 Everest will boast two impressive powertrain options.
Leading the charge is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine generating 213 horsepower and an astounding 500 Nm of torque—numbers that significantly outdo the Fortuner’s performance.
This engine pairs with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, promising seamless shifts and improved fuel efficiency compared to rival models.
For markets favoring petrol options, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine providing 300 horsepower will also be available, catering to drivers seeking a more responsive experience.
Industry analyst Priya Menon observes, “Ford has strategically pinpointed the Fortuner’s vulnerabilities. The bi-turbo diesel engine offers far more torque for off-roading while maintaining higher efficiency on highways—exactly where the Fortuner has faced critique.”
Ford Everest Capability Beyond the Pavement
Ford engineers have invested countless hours testing the new Everest in severe conditions across various continents.
Equipped with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system featuring an electronic locking rear differential and selectable drive modes for various terrains, the Everest is ready for adventure.
With a ground clearance of an impressive 256mm—11mm more than the Fortuner—and a water wading capability of 800mm, this vehicle showcases formidable off-road capabilities.
Improvements in approach and departure angles enhance the Everest’s performance in demanding off-road environments.
A Ford testing driver, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed, “We’ve put it through some grueling tests in comparison with the Fortuner, and the new Everest consistently excels in difficult off-road scenarios, especially on rocky inclines and during water crossings.”
Ford Everest Technology and Comfort Leap Forward
Inside, the Everest seeks to elevate expectations, featuring a stunning 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4A infotainment system.
The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, offering options like leather-appointed seating with 10-way power adjustments and heating/ventilation features.
Safety tech sees a significant upgrade through Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system with dedicated off-road views.
“The difference in technology between the Everest and Fortuner will be immediately clear,” comments automotive journalist Vikram Patel.
“Ford has remarkably merged the ruggedness expected in this category with technologies typically found in luxury SUVs.”
Ford Everest Market Positioning
Ford has strategically positioned the new Everest to challenge the Fortuner’s value narrative.
While official pricing details are yet to be announced, sources indicate that the vehicle could be competitively priced, potentially undercutting Toyota by 5-7% while delivering more standard features.
Moreover, the Everest will debut with an industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty, directly addressing long-term reliability concerns—a domain where Toyota has historically excelled.
Ford Everest Launch Timeline
The new Ford Everest is projected to hit showroom floors by late Q3 2025, with pre-orders set to commence two months prior.
Dealerships are already gearing up with specially designed display areas, allowing prospective buyers to compare the Everest directly against the Fortuner.
“We’re eager for comparisons,” states Sharma. “In fact, we embrace them. This Everest was engineered to excel in direct comparison, and we’re confident that those who test drive both vehicles will notice the distinction.”
For Toyota, which has enjoyed a relatively smooth ride with the Fortuner, the introduction of this thoroughly revamped Everest marks the most significant competition the model has faced in years—a true challenge to its market dominance.
