“For over a century, Ford has been cruising alongside South Africa on its thrilling journey, and we couldn’t be prouder to host the Ford Everest African Experience here in the heart of the wild,” was the opening gambit from Neale Hill, President – Ford Motor Company: Africa.
He continued, “with landscapes as diverse as a safari animal sighting, from rugged mountain trails to sweeping savannahs, South Africa provides the ultimate playground to showcase the Everest’s formidable capabilities.” Let’s just say, he wasn’t wrong.
With its recent iteration being launched in 2022, the Ford Everest has had its share of success globally. Built on the same solid foundation as their market-leading Ford Ranger, the Ford Everest harnesses the power of shared engineering to deliver a robust, efficient, (and profitable) SUV that knocks their customers’ socks off—whether they’re looking for adventure or a robust family chariot!
Speaking of its customers, the Everest appeals to a fantastic variety! It’s the go-to choice for families prioritising safety (with elephant-sized comfort), adventure-seekers who crave excitement without sacrificing comfort (think leopard agility), and performance enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on efficiency (a lion’s heart, if you will).
The Ford Everest is truly the “go-anywhere, do-anything” SUV, primed for adventures that range from tackling tough terrain to cruising the urban jungle in sheer comfort.
But enough of all that, we were South Africa to test out the Everest’s capabilities and get better acquainted with the local wildlife, let me explain. Our adventure involved two major excursions, a fantastic drive to spot the Big 5 and a challenging ascent up to the majestic Mariepskop mountain.
Our off-roading chariots, featuring powertrains that showcase the best of Ford engineering, rolled into action with a sporty 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel and the luxurious 3.0L V6 Turbo-Diesel. Both models boasted 10-speed automatics and, of course, Ford’s impressive Terrain Management System.
Location, location. The Kapama Private Game Reserve is an idyllic 13,000-hectare haven for wildlife, and our magnificent home for a few nights. As we cruised through the game park in our 2L Sport model, we spotted giraffes and zebras grazing without a care in the world. And with the Everest’s spacious cabin and powerful AC set to a cool 18 degrees, it felt like a luxurious jungle retreat—who says safaris can’t be stylish?
In our quest to find the more elusive wildlife, we seamlessly switched to ‘Sand’ mode, giving the Everest a little extra agility to ensure it danced through soft terrain with ease. Driving through the thick sands, we were rewarded with a sight of lions feasting on a giraffe carcass, nature’s own circle of life serving up a lesson about the wild.
The next day brought the challenge we had been waiting for, the ascent of Mariepskop, the tallest peak in the eastern Drakensberg Escarpment. The Everest tackled the narrow, twisting roads as we climbed through stunning landscapes and dense forests, all while keeping us cradled in comfort. With its 800mm wading depth, we even forded streams, proving that this SUV is as tough as a buffalo and just as reliable.
As we reached the summit, enveloped in clouds and mist. The weather gods may not have been playing ball, but I’m reliably informed that the views are breathtaking, a panorama of wilderness that felt like being on top of the world. In fairness, it did feel ‘otherworldly’ up there, with a sense of ‘wrong turn’ danger to elevate the heartrate.
The journey down was equally thrilling, with gravity assisting the Everest as it gracefully carried us back to reality.
The Everest African experience was truly something else and best summed up by likening the SUV’s capabilities with the wildlife.
Its off-road capabilities. Picture a leopard on the prowl. That’s the Ford Everest’s Terrain Management System in action! With just a twist of the dial, it transitions from sandy dunes to rocky trails, effortlessly tackling every obstacle in its path.
Safety meets stability. Like the gentle giants of the savannah, Everest embodies stability and safety. Crafted from high-strength materials and armoured with advanced safety features, it’s built for tough conditions. Ford engineers have put this beauty through the wringer, conducting over 150 virtual and 100 physical crash tests, earning it a five-star safety rating that makes you feel secure whether you’re navigating a bustling city or the rugged wilderness.
Luxurious ride. In a stunning turn of events, this rugged SUV doesn’t just hit the trails; it pampers you like royalty! Enhanced with a sophisticated suspension system to minimise body roll, the Everest manages to deliver a plush ride that makes even the wildest journeys feel like a serene escape. Step inside, and you’re greeted with upscale finishes, plush seating, and a whisper-quiet interior—safari chic at its finest!
Power that dares. Under the hood, the Everest packs a lion-like punch. Whether you opt for the V6 diesel or the brawny bi-Turbo engine, prepare for an exhilarating ride. With the new 3L V6 garnering an impressive 184 kilowatts and a torque that could rival a lion chasing its next meal, towing and off-road adventures are just a heartbeat away.
Quick reflexes. Like a rhino dodging danger (they are surprisingly quick and in our case elusive too), the Everest gives you quick handling and control. Whether you’re darting through city traffic, cruising down the highway, or taking on wild terrain, you’re always at the wheel of your own adventure.
In South Africa, adventure awaits at every turn, a feast for the senses that photos can’t do justice. The Ford Everest is crafted to take on any challenge, with or without the ‘Big 5’ to see. Whether you’re tackling city streets or venturing off the beaten track, this exceptional SUV not only meets but often exceeds the call of the wild.
