Ford will soon reveal its 3rd-generation Everest in full. The Blue Oval’s next 7-seater Adventure SUV, which is based on the new Ranger, will be unveiled during the first quarter of 2022, which raises hopes that the upcoming Toyota Fortuner rival might arrive in Mzansi before the end of the new year…

Update: The camouflage is falling away as spy photographs taken in January 2022 show the Ford Everest in a bit more detail. What’s very clever is that if you zoom in, the camouflage used is not your ordinary mix of swirls and shapes, but rather clever use of letters, spelling out Everest. This mule was spotted near Ford’s facility near Dearborn, Michigan in the US. Pics by S. Baldauf/SB-Medien.

Ford has released images of the next Everest undergoingthe final testing phase of the Blue Oval’s global testing programme for the new model. The finer details of the newcomer’s exterior execution, which was penned by Lee Imrie– anexterior designer at Ford Australia– remains hidden under a cloak of digitised camouflage that incorporates “clever reflective strips”, however.

What IS evident, however, is that the next-generationEverest shares the new Ranger’s prominent new grille (replete with a strikethrough crossbar) and C-clamp headlight treatment, its wheel arches seem more elaborate, and the rear three-quarter lights appear larger, than on the current model (the latter cue suggests this version will be longer than the outgoing model) andlastly, the tailgate features wraparound LED tail-light clusters (with a boomerang-shaped lighting signature); they are connected by what is either an LED light bar or a cosmetic trim strip that’s covered by the black tape.

“We created an artistic pattern that hints at adventure,” said Imrie. “The camouflage consists of a series of rectangles (tilted on a 45-degree angle) that were inspired by mountain peaks.

“We made sure the vehicle’s design remains hidden by designing the camouflage pieces in isolation. This means when it’s applied to the vehicle, it’s a completely random pattern,” he added.

So far, the outgoing Everest (and its fellow bakkie-based SUVs– theIsuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Haval H9, for that matter), have failed to trouble the Toyota Fortuner in terms of sheer sales numbers in the South African market (even though the high-end versions of the Ford are liberally equipped). However, the Isuzu and upcoming Ford will soon be much newer than the segment leader.

The new model’s flagship is likely to be powered by the new Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, which produces peak outputs of about 186 kW and 597 Nm, while more affordable derivatives will feature Ford’s YN2S-series 157 kW/500 Nm twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. All engines will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

It’s feasible that the model’s independent front- and solid rear-axle (with Watt’s linkage) suspension will be retained; AWD versions will again offer Terrain Management off-road drive modes.

Inside, the new Everest’s cabin will again feature a roomy 7-seater configuration, but its ambience will be more upmarket, thanks to the fitment of a fully digital instrument panel, and a 10.1- or 12.0-inch SYNC4-equipped touchscreen infotainment system (which operates many of the functions that were selectable via hard buttons the on outgoing model’s fascia).

The setup also incorporates mobile internet connectivity and a new off-road display mode that provides driveline, steering angle, pitch and roll angles and other info. A 360-degree camera and the ability to start, check various functions of-, as well as lock/unlock the vehicle via the FordPass Connect mobile app will probably be carried over from the new Ranger.

The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has not announced exactly when it will launch the new Ranger, but it should be during the latter half of2022. Given that the new Everest will be revealed months before that, we don’t believe the 7-seater Adventure SUV will arrive in our market long after its bakkie sibling. Will it be produced in FMCSA’s Silverton plant, like its predecessor was, however? Perhaps, but considering the Blue Oval will also producethe new-generation Volkswagen Amarok in Mzansi, not necessarily;Ford may opt to import the newcomer from Thailand instead. We’ll keep you posted!

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