Suburban focus for Ford's rear-drive Everest

Following the demise of the locally-built Territory SUV, Ford Australia has introduced a rear-wheel drive (RWD) Everest to its line-up.

Ford says the Everest RWD is not a replacement for its Territory – that duty will fall to the Edge SUV from 2018, which won't be badged as the Territory but could wear the Explorer name if Toyota Australia doesn't relinquish its Edge trademark.

Instead, the Blue Oval claims it will “widen the lens” of its SUV line-up by appealing to metropolitan buyers chasing the looks and flexibility of a large, seven-seat SUV but without the need for four-wheel drive capability.

Starting at $5000 less than the Trend 4WD, but $1000 more than the entry-spec Ambiente 4WD, the Trend RWD is priced from $55,990 (plus on-road costs).

Apart from the 2WD drivetrain it is mechanically similar to its 4WD sibling, remaining powered by the Everest’s 143kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Australian designed and developed but built in Thailand like all other Everest and Ranger ute vehicles, the Everest RWD tips the scales 98kg lighter than the off-road range.

It features a specially-designed tail-shaft, engine mounts and front axle hubs, and omits the transfer case, front drive shafts and front differential. The suspension, steering and electronic chassis controls are recalibrated to match.

Ford says the model loses none of the towing capacity (3000kg braked) or ground clearance (225mm) of the 4WD Everest. In that way it aims to attract ‘grey nomad’ types who require the amenity and ability of a large SUV, without the off-road capability of a Prado.

“The Everest four-wheel drive range has already established itself as an award-winning vehicle, so the new rear-wheel-drive model will now help us build more momentum with buyers who do not need the vehicle’s locally-developed off-road capability ,” said Ford Australia CEO and president, Graeme Whickman.

“As we double our SUV offerings, the Everest also serves as our flagship of this growing line-up, with more local pedigree than any competitive SUV thanks to our Australian product development team’s leading role designing, engineering and testing it.”

The Everest Trend RWD joins the newly-released Escape medium SUV as one of 20 new or upgraded models Ford plans to release locally by 2020.

2017 Ford Everest pricing (plus ORCs):
Ambiente 4WD — $54,990
Trend RWD — $55,990
Trend 4WD — $60,990
Titanium 4WD — $76,705

Related reading:
>> Ford Everest Trend RWD Review
>> Ford Everest v Toyota LandCruiser Prado Comparison Test
>> Off-road SUV Comparison