Earlier this month, we reported that a more rugged version of the Ford Everest was seen being tested in Australia. Luckily, the prototype testing had no camo, so it’s easier to tell more or less what level of ruggedness this future Everest will have.
Based on the spy photos, the more rugged Everest appears to be the SUV equivalent of the Ranger Tremor and Wildtrak X. This means it can be rocking a longer-travel suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers. Expect it to sit about 26mm taller and have 30mm added to its tracks. It appears to be sharing the pickup’s chunky 265/70 R17 General Grabber AT tires.
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While the prototype is believed to be the high-trim Wildtrak X variant, upon closer inspection, it appears to be a lower Tremor-level trim. The prototype had its variant badges taped, but if you stare long enough, you can see shapes that fit the letters ’I-T-E-D’ followed by ‘X,’ so could it be spelling ‘Limited X’? Based on this tiny bit of information, I decided to render two versions of the rugged Everest: the high-trim ‘Wildtrak X’ and a lower ‘Limited X’ variant.
Ford Everest Wildtrak X
The Wildtrak X variant shares its front end and extended wheel-arch flares with its Ranger counterpart. This includes a new Asphalt Black grille design with integrated auxiliary lights. The main front bumper intake is outlined with a trim-specific Cyber Orange accent. Like its pickup counterpart, it gets two-tone 17-inch alloys and ‘Wildtrak X’ badging on the front doors and tailgate.
Limited X
The Limited X variant follows the same general rugged upgrades as the Wildtrak X. Its front end is based on that of the Ranger Tremor. Like its pickup counterpart, it gets black 17-inch alloy wheels. This variant comes with ‘Limited X’ badging on the front doors and tailgate.
Both variants get raised black roof rails and black side steps. Metal bash plates give the rugged SUV added off-road protection.
What could be under the hoods of these rugged X variants? Chances are they will stick to the 207hp 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine found on the Wildtrak X. In Australia, a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 diesel mill is available on the standard Ranger and Everest variants. Don’t expect to see the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in these—that powerplant is reserved for the top-dog Raptor variants like the overseas Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor.
Could there be a Raptor version of the Everest coming soon? That’s still a big question mark for now, but it will give right-hand-drive markets a rugged alternative to the left-hand-drive-only Bronco.
While this might not be the ultimate ‘Raptor’ version some people are dreaming of, it’s a step in the right direction for people who want a factory Everest model with added off-road capabilities. What do you think of the X twins we rendered? Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.
