New Ford Everest teased

Just as night follows day, the second-generation 2022 Ford Everest that’s based on the incoming Australian-developed Ford Ranger has been officially previewed as it enters the final stages of testing ahead of its global reveal early next year.

Disguised in what the Blue Oval brand calls “digitised camouflage”, the design of the new-gen Ford Everest predictably draws inspiration from the 2022 Ford Ranger on which it’s based, featuring a similarly “tough dominating front-end” with a more “muscular side” profile.

That muscular profile is accentuated by the shortened front overhang – a key component of the new Ranger’s design and capability – and overall greater length.

In contrast to the C-shaped headlights found at the front, the tail-lights have been arranged in more of an L-shape, bridged across the top by a similar centre bar as found at the front.

Other key design features include a chrome-trimmed grille, large-diameter alloys wheels and side steps, while a subtly integrated roof spoiler adds another layer of muscularity.

That pumped-up muscularity is certain to be backed by powertrains already seen in the incoming Ford Ranger, with the most likely options being the familiar 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel and the new 3.0-litre V6 oiler.

Given the Everest is already the most powerful offering in its class, the new six-cylinder engine should cement its crown as the king of output among its rivals – at least until the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series’ 3.3-litre twin-turbo engine finds its way under the bonnet of the next-gen Toyota Prado and/or Toyota Fortuner.

The gruntier mill should also help the new Everest match or even better the Isuzu MU-X and SsangYong Rexton’s class-leading 3500kg braked towing capacity. The current model can only haul 3100kg.

As with every ute-based SUV, the new Everest will swap out the pick-up’s load-friendly rear leaf springs in favour of a multi-link coil spring set-up and offer seating for seven.

Expect both 4x2 and 4x4 variants to continue, the latter’s off-road credentials already previewed by the new Ranger.

Inside, you can expect to find the same technology highlights as the Ranger, including a new 12.0-inch vertically oriented infotainment interface and 12.4-inch digital cockpit on high-grade models.

“Engineered for any adventure and designed for comfort, the next-generation Everest builds on its award-winning capability to provide the performance and versatility customers told us they needed to take on life and #SeekYourExperience,” Ford Australia said in a statement.