Ford has expanded its Everest SUV range with the Wildtrak edition, but does this new variant deserve a spot on your shortlist? Let’s delve into what the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak offers and whether it lives up to the Wildtrak name.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Pricing and Positioning
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak enters the market with a price tag starting from $74,404 AUD (plus on-road costs), slightly increased from its initial announcement price. This positions it as the third V6-powered 4×4 seven-seater in the Everest lineup, strategically placed between the Sport V6 4×4 (from $72,490 AUD plus ORCs) and the top-tier Platinum V6 4×4 (from $79,490 AUD).
While Ford markets the Everest Wildtrak as the most off-road-focused variant, it’s important to note that there are no mechanical upgrades to differentiate it in terms of off-road prowess compared to other V6 models. The Wildtrak primarily brings cosmetic enhancements and equipment adjustments.
For buyers seeking more budget-friendly options, Ford also offers four-cylinder Everest models and 4×2 variants.
The Everest shares its foundation with the Ford Ranger ute, and the Wildtrak trim is a familiar nameplate known for its rugged appeal. However, unlike the Ranger Wildtrak, the Everest Wildtrak is launched as a limited edition, with only 800 units initially planned from the Thailand factory, expected to be completed by early 2024. Despite being a limited run and already sold out, Ford has hinted at potential future batches of the Everest Wildtrak due to its popularity, mirroring the successful limited-edition strategy seen with the Ranger lineup, such as the Wildtrak X.
The key rivals for the Ford Everest Wildtrak include the Toyota Prado, a segment leader despite an upcoming new generation. Other ute-based SUV competitors, generally in a lower price bracket, include the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Fortuner.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Features and Equipment
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak largely focuses on aesthetic upgrades. It borrows premium features from the Platinum model, including a panoramic sunroof, zone lighting, chrome roof rails, and enhanced safety features. However, in terms of core equipment, it closely mirrors the Everest Sport V6.
Visually, the Wildtrak distinguishes itself with unique badging, 20-inch alloy wheels, and side steps. The grille and front bumper feature the distinctive ‘Bolder Grey’ color, also found on the Ranger Wildtrak. This ‘Bolder Grey’ finish extends to the wheel arch moldings, fender vents, and mirror caps.
The Everest Wildtrak offers the signature Luxe Yellow paint option, shared with the Ranger Wildtrak, as one of five optional ‘Prestige’ paint choices priced at $700 AUD. Arctic White is available as a no-cost standard color, as seen in the review model.
Inside the cabin, orange stitching and Wildtrak embossing on the front seats set it apart. Standard features include keyless entry, a powered hands-free tailgate, leather seat trim, and a leather-accented steering wheel.
Front occupants benefit from heated and ventilated seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the passenger. Second-row outboard seats also include heating. Additional interior features encompass dual-zone climate control with rear outlets, an electric park brake, and 12-volt charging ports in all three rows and the cargo area. A full-size alloy spare wheel is conveniently located under the rear cargo floor.
Ford provides a five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty for the Everest Wildtrak, with service intervals set at 15,000km or 12 months. The average service cost for the first five visits is approximately $471.80 AUD, with transparent indicative pricing available on Ford’s website extending to 180,000km or 12 years.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Safety Ratings and Features
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak maintains the 5-star ANCAP safety rating achieved by the Everest range in 2022, based on stringent 2022 testing protocols.
Adding to the safety equipment of lower trims, the Wildtrak and Platinum models include tyre pressure monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The comprehensive safety suite largely mirrors the features available across the Everest lineup.
Occupant protection is provided by nine airbags, including a center-front airbag to mitigate head injuries in front impacts and curtain airbags extending to the third row.
The driver-assistance systems in the Everest Wildtrak are notably advanced and well-tuned. The adaptive cruise control system enables hands-off driving on highways and freeways while maintaining lane centering. The system’s effectiveness surpasses some competitors in the market.
Key safety technologies include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist, reverse brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring (expandable to trailer coverage with the optional Tow Pack), and automatic LED headlights with auto high beam.
For families, the Everest Wildtrak provides three top-tether child seat anchor points in the second row and two in the third row. ISOFIX anchors are located on the outboard seats of the second row.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Technology and Connectivity
In terms of in-cabin technology, the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak mirrors the slightly more affordable Everest Sport. Both feature a prominent 12-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Platinum Everest remains the exclusive variant to offer the larger 12.4-inch instrument cluster (also found in the Ranger Platinum and Raptor), a feature that would have provided a more significant tech distinction for the Wildtrak compared to the Sport.
Similarly, the Wildtrak forgoes the Platinum’s premium 12-speaker B&O sound system, instead utilizing a 10-speaker unbranded audio setup.
Standard across the Everest range are wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, integrated satellite navigation, AM/FM and digital radio, Bluetooth streaming, and the FordPass Connect phone app with an embedded modem for remote vehicle functions. USB-A and USB-C ports are conveniently placed in the first and second rows.
The Ford SYNC 4A operating system manages these features, providing a consistently responsive and user-friendly experience. Wireless smartphone connectivity is reliable and quick to establish.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Engine and Performance
Powering the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is Ford’s robust 3.0-litre ‘Lion’ V6 turbo-diesel engine, producing 184kW of power at 3250rpm and 600Nm of torque between 1750-2250rpm. These output figures surpass all direct competitors in the Everest’s class.
The engine is paired with Ford’s 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission and a Borg-Warner transfer case, enabling rear-wheel drive, open center differential 4×4, and locked center differential 4×4 modes in both high and low range. A locking rear differential further enhances off-road capability, complemented by brake traction control on the front wheels in low range.
Drivers can tailor the drivetrain performance using selectable modes including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. A dedicated Sport mode is not included.
The 10-speed automatic transmission lacks traditional paddle shifters or a gear lever for manual gear selection. Manual gear control is limited to buttons located on the unconventional gear selector, also borrowed from the Ranger. A gear-hold button is included for towing situations.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Fuel Efficiency
The official combined fuel consumption figure for the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is 8.5L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 224g/km according to ADR testing standards.
Real-world testing during this review, encompassing city driving, suburban traffic, highway cruising, country roads, and off-road driving in low range, resulted in an average fuel consumption of 10.7L/100km. Considering the Everest Wildtrak’s approximately 2.5-tonne weight and substantial size, this figure is reasonably efficient.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: On-Road Driving Experience
Ladder-frame SUVs are not traditionally known for their refined on-road dynamics, but the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak aims to challenge this perception.
The V6 engine is a standout feature, providing ample power despite the vehicle’s weight. It delivers sufficient acceleration for overtaking and tackling inclines. While a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response would be a welcome addition, the engine prioritizes refinement and quiet operation, akin to a petrol V6, over outright performance.
The 10-speed automatic transmission exhibits a busy nature due to its numerous gear ratios, but its operation remains relatively unobtrusive. However, the absence of paddle shifters or a conventional gear lever for manual gear changes is a drawback. The rotary gear selector, while improved since its initial introduction, is still not ideal for manual gear selection.
The Everest Wildtrak delivers composed body control and reliable grip in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive modes. The electric power steering requires slightly more effort than typical Ford vehicles, particularly when lane-keeping assist is active.
Considering its dimensions (4914mm long, 1923mm wide, 1837mm tall), weight (2488kg), and double-wishbone front/live-axle coil-spring rear suspension, the Everest Wildtrak offers a surprisingly balanced driving experience for its class.
Equipped with 255/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler highway terrain tires, the ride quality is firm but effectively absorbs sharp impacts. It provides a more comfortable ride compared to the Platinum model with its lower-profile 21-inch wheels, making the Wildtrak a more suitable family vehicle for everyday use. While comfortable for long journeys on open roads, city driving requires more effort due to its size.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Off-Road Performance
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak possesses the necessary attributes for capable off-road performance. It offers 226mm of ground clearance, an 800mm wading depth, and an 11.8m turning circle. Approach, departure, and breakover angles match the Sport and Platinum V6 4×4 models.
As a no-cost option, buyers can opt for 18-inch all-terrain tires instead of the standard 20-inch highway tires, a recommended choice for frequent off-road use.
During off-road testing, the Everest Wildtrak confidently tackled steep and technical terrains. Engaging low range and the rear differential lock via the center console dial and touchscreen, the SUV navigated rocky inclines, uneven surfaces, and challenging cross-axle situations. However, the highway tires eventually reached their grip limits in more demanding scenarios, highlighting the benefit of opting for all-terrain tires for serious off-roading. The system lacks low-range traction control, a feature found in some competitors like Toyota, which could be beneficial in extreme conditions.
Hill descent control, activated through the touchscreen, proved effective during downhill sections. Cameras assist in visibility around the vehicle’s extremities.
Overall, the Everest Wildtrak demonstrates itself as a capable off-roader as well as a comfortable on-road vehicle. It includes front recovery hooks and steel underbody protection as standard.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Cargo and Towing Capacity
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak, like other seven-seat Everest models, offers versatile cargo and passenger configurations. With all seven seats in use, it provides 259 liters of cargo space. Folding the third row expands this to 898 liters, and with only the front seats upright, a substantial 1818 liters of space becomes available. All rear seats fold flat, facilitating easy loading and unloading.
The Everest Wildtrak boasts a braked towing capacity of up to 3500kg. However, when combined with its 6250kg gross combined mass (GCM), the payload capacity reduces to just 262kg when towing at maximum capacity, requiring careful consideration of cargo weight when towing heavy loads. Reducing the towing weight to 3000kg increases the payload to 362kg. The unladen payload capacity is 662kg.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Interior Comfort and Design
The interior of the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak largely mirrors other Everest variants, with the primary distinctions being cosmetic. The Everest interior is generally well-regarded for its spaciousness, technology integration, and comfortable and quiet cabin.
The driver’s seat offers ample adjustability, including reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and height adjustment for the seat cushion, including separate front and rear cushion height adjustments.
The digital instrument panel design is not ideal, with a less prominent tachometer. However, it offers extensive customization options for displaying various information, including trip computers and off-road data screens.
The large infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and provides excellent map visibility. The addition of shortcut buttons on the screen and physical controls for climate and audio enhances usability.
The interior materials feature a predominantly dark color scheme, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas such as the door sills and center console lid. Harder plastics are present in areas like the upper dashboard.
Front cabin storage includes a lidded center bin, sizable door bins, dual cup holders, and two glove compartments. A wireless charging pad is located at the base of the center console.
Second-row usability is enhanced by sliding seat bases and a 60/40 split-folding configuration. Features include seatback pockets, a fold-down armrest with cup holders, and door bins capable of holding drinks.
Second-row legroom is adequate but not exceptionally generous for adults, and the raised seating position can create a somewhat enclosed feeling. The seat design is relatively flat and lacks significant bolstering. The panoramic sunroof slightly reduces headroom in the first and second rows but is unlikely to be noticeable for most occupants.
The second-row seats easily fold and slide forward to facilitate access to the third row, which is best suited for children. Adults can occupy the third row for shorter journeys with the second row adjusted forward. The third-row seats feature a 50/50 split-fold design.
The cargo area includes under-floor storage, lighting, and four tie-down hooks.
Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024: Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The Ford Everest Wildtrak 2024 is undoubtedly a capable and desirable SUV, particularly if you are already considering a V6-powered Everest 4×4. However, its appeal largely stems from the inherent strengths of the Everest platform rather than significant unique features of the Wildtrak variant itself.
Beyond cosmetic enhancements, the Everest Wildtrak offers minimal differentiation from the more affordable Sport V6 model. While marketed as the pinnacle of off-road Everest models, it lacks any mechanical upgrades to justify this claim.
In essence, the Wildtrak appears to be primarily a marketing-driven trim level, adding visual flair and limited equipment upgrades without fundamentally altering the vehicle’s capabilities. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, buyers seeking genuine off-road enhancements might find the Wildtrak wanting.
A more compelling offering would be a future Everest Wildtrak X model, mirroring the Ranger Wildtrak X, with tangible off-road focused upgrades. Furthermore, a more accessible entry-level V6 Everest or even a 4×2 V6 option would broaden the Everest’s appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Ford Everest Wildtrak V6 4×4 2024 at a Glance:
- Price: $74,704 AUD (plus on-road costs)
- Availability: Now
- Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel
- Power/Torque: 184kW/600Nm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
- CO2 Emissions: 224g/km (ADR Combined)
- Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)
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