The rumours were true! Ford has revealed the first-ever Wildtrak version of the Everest, handing its adventure SUV a trim level previously reserved for the Ranger…

Back in mid-2022, we reported on patent images suggesting the new Ford Everest would receive the Wildtrak treatment, a specification previously reserved for the closely related Ranger bakkie. Now, exactly that has happened.

Yes, the Blue Oval brand’s New Zealand division has just whipped the wraps off the first-ever Everest Wildtrak, confirming the newcomer will hit that market by July 2023. As you might have guessed, it will be available there exclusively in conjunction with the flagship 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine (driving all 4 wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard).

So, what makes an Everest Wildtrak? Well, this top-spec version of the Dearborn-based automaker’s 7-seater SUV features what Ford describes as “a range of design and styling enhancements” that emphasise the vehicle’s “off-road attitude”.

Like the Ranger equivalent, this high-spec iteration of Ford’s ladder-frame SUV will be available in the Wildtrak-only “Luxe Yellow” exterior paint colour, the first time this hue has been offered on the Everest (though the line-up will also include black, white, grey, aluminium and orange paint options). The Everest Wildtrak furthermore scores a model-specific grille and front bumper, along with 20-inch alloy wheels with “Bolder Grey” detailing.

A closer look at some of the Everest Wildtrak details, inside and out…

The latter colour has also been applied to elements of the front bumper, the grille surround, the fender vents and the side-mirror caps. Meanwhile, the “functional” side steps feature steel inserts and the alloy roof rails add “extra practicality”. The requisite “Wildtrak” lettering is included on the front doors, tailgate and bonnet.

Inside, the Everest Wildtrak features oodles of leather trim as well as power-adjustable front seats (10- and 8-way for the driver and front passenger, respectively) complete with heating and cooling functions, not to mention yet more “Wildtrak” logos embroidered into the seat backs in “Cyber Orange” stitching. The ebony leather-and-suede seat trim likewise features contrast stitching in this orange hue, which is also carried over to the rear seats, centre armrest, instrument panel, door trim, dashboard and gear-shifter.

In New Zealand, the Wildtrak derivative will ship with a 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen. It will also feature a 10-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging as standard.

“The 2022 Everest set new standards for performance, comfort and versatility in the 7-seat, mid-sized SUV segment. Now, we’re giving customers all that, wrapped in an SUV that looks as comfortable pulling up outside a hip hotel as it does on the trails,” David Grice, Chief Programme Engineer for Ranger and Everest.

In South Africa, the Everest range – which is imported from Thailand – currently comprises only Sport and Platinum variants. We’ve asked Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa whether the Everest Wildtrak is destined for local shores and will update this story once we hear back…

Update: Ford Motor Company of SA says it is unfortunately unable to share any details on a potential local introduction of the Everest Wildtrak, adding “information about future vehicle programmes will only be confirmed closer to local launch”.

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