By Bruce Newton, carsales.com.au
Ford underestimated how popular its flagship Ranger Wildtrak dual-cab ute would be when it was first released in 2012. It predicted only a fraction of cashed-up tradies would pay a hefty premium for an adventure-focused hay hauler, but it ended-up becoming the most sought-after model in the line-up and completely transformed the notion of a modern Australian family car.
The blue oval didn’t make the same mistake twice with the new-generation Ranger that was released last year and has now extended the Wildtrak treatment across to the related Everest wagon for the first time, adding a third V6-powered 4x4 model to the line-up that Ford says is the peak off-road variant.
But there’s no mechanical upgrades to justify that claim, just some badging, trim changes, and additional equipment. That doesn’t mean the Everest Wildtrak isn’t a good vehicle though, but is it worth the extra spend? Let’s take a look…
How much does the Ford Everest Wildtrak cost?
Ford increased the price tag for the Everest Wildtrak before it even went on-sale. While it was originally expected to cost $73,090 (plus on-road costs) when it was first announced last May, it now costs from $74,404 (plus ORCs).
It adds a third V6-powered variant to the seven-seater line-up, slotting in between the Everest Sport V6 4x4 (from $72,490 plus ORCs) and the flagship, luxury-focused Everest Platinum V6 4x4 (from $79,490 plus ORCs).
They all sit on top of more affordable four-cylinder-powered Everest models – in Ambiente, Trend and Sport trim levels - that can be had with the choice of either rear-drive or 4x4 transmissions.
This is the first time the Wildtrak treatment has been applied to the Everest and Ford is testing the water by introducing it as a special edition model that will be limited to just 800 units with the production run due to be completed at its Thailand plant early this year. Ford has already indicated another batch of Everest Wildtrak will be coming, which is good news as this run has already been a sell-out success.
The most logical rival for the Everest Wildtrak is the Toyota Prado, which has been the most popular vehicle in its class for more than a decade and is due to be replaced by an all-new model later this year. There are also similar – and cheaper - ute-based alternatives from other brands like the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner, but none have a direct rival to the adventure-focused Wildtrak.
What equipment comes with the Ford Everest Wildtrak?
The changes made to create the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak are almost entirely cosmetic.
In terms of equipment, it raids the parts bin from the range-topping Platinum model to include a panoramic sunroof, zone lighting in the cabin, chrome roof rails and a couple of additional safety features (which we’ll get to shortly). Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same as the Sport V6 that sits underneath, which already comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, leather accented trim, dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, powered tailgate and a 10.1-inch multi-function infotainment screen with sat nav, DAB+ digital radio, wireless smartphone mirroring and a 10-speaker audio system.
The Wildtrak treatment brings unique badging, exclusive wheel design, and bespoke side steps, while the grille, front bumper, fender flares, vents and mirror caps are all presented in the same ‘Bolder Grey’ as the Ranger Wildtrak. Inside the cabin, there’s orange stitching and the Wildtrak name embossed in the front seat backs.
Speaking of colours, the Wildtrak is available in Luxe Yellow like its ute sibling. It’s one of five $700 Prestige Paint options. Arctic White, as presented here, is no-cost.
A full-size spare tyre mounted on an alloy wheel is located under the floor at the rear.
All Everest models are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are 15,000km/12 months. Service pricing averages out at $471.80 for each of the first five workshop visits, but Ford does provide indicative pricing out to 180,000km/12 years on its website.
What is the Ford Everest Wildtrak like inside?
There is nothing apart from cosmetic details that distinguishes the interior of the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak from other variants in the range. But that isn’t such a big deal as the Everest has a hugely spacious and flexible cabin that is comfortable and crammed with the latest in conveniences.
The driver gets a steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment and a supportive, sizeable seat that adjusts for height at the front and rear of the cushion (which is always preferable).
The multi-function digital instrument panel is not the best of its kind. Sure, it’s clear and offers plenty of information, but the tacho is, at best, just a bar graph scrunched in the corner. What’s the matter with two dials for speedo and tacho?
On the positive side, there is a lot of ways to customise the screen with info including multiple trip computers and off-road screens.
The huge infotainment screen imposes itself on the dashboard and provides a great map view. There are now favourite shortcuts on the screen and hard buttons for air-con and audio controls, which make accessing these often-used functions much easier.
The presentation around the cockpit is predominantly dark, but there are soft surfaces where elbows and hands tend to land including the top of the door sills and the lidded bin. Other areas such as the top of the dashboard are quite hard.
Storage up front includes a lidded bin, sizeable door pockets, double cup holders and two glove boxes. Your phone can be tucked away on the wireless charger at the bottom of the centre console.
The second row’s flexibility is aided by a sliding seat-base and 66/33 split-folding function. There are also dual seat-back pockets, a fold-down arm rest with pop-out dual cup holders and door bins that will swallow cups.
Space is acceptable rather than generous in row two for adults. It just doesn’t have as much legroom as expected. The seat position is raised to help the view out, but it still feels pretty enclosed, and there is little support offered as the seat is flat as a tack.
The sunroof does reduce headroom across the first two rows, but you’d have to be a basketball centre to notice.
Access to the third row is easy thanks to the middle seat being able to slide forward or fold down flat. But it’s really only suitable for small kids. A taller person – not a basketball centre – could survive for a little while if the row-two bench is moved forward.
Behind that boot includes an underfloor storage area, lighting and four hooks in the floor. It only offers 259L of cargo space – less than most small hatchbacks – when in seven-seat configuration, but a cavernous 898L as a five-seater and 1818L with just the front seats in place.
What technology does the Ford Everest Wildtrak feature?
Again, there is nothing new here to separate the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak from the slightly cheaper Everest Sport.
They both get the imposing 12-inch infotainment screen mounted vertically in the dashboard as well as an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster.
Only the Platinum Everest gets the bigger 12.4-inch instrument cluster (along with Ranger Platinum and Raptor) and that’s a pity because the full-size screen is undoubtedly better and would have at least given the Wildtrak some obvious differentiation from the Sport in terms of tech.
The Wildtrak also misses out on the Platinum’s 12-speaker B&O audio system, making do with a 10-speaker unbranded set-up.
Most everything else is familiar stuff for all Everest owners: wireless or cabled Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, embedded sat-nav, AM/FM and digital radio, Bluetooth streaming and the FordPass Connect phone app with embedded modem (very handy for remote unlocking). There are USB-A and USB-C points in the first and second seating rows.
The Ford SYNC 4A operating system underpins all this and does a consistently efficient job. Wireless smartphone connection is quick and rarely falters in my experience.
How safe is the Ford Everest Wildtrak?
All variants of the 2024 Ford Everest, including the Wildtrak, have scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on the 2022 testing protocols.
Like the flagship Platinum, it picks up tyre pressure monitoring and a 360-degree parking display above the standard suite of advanced safety systems across the rest of the range.
There are nine airbags including a centre-front airbag to prevent head knocks and curtain airbags that extend all the way to row three.
The driver assist system is one of the most sophisticated and best calibrated going around. Engage adaptive cruise control and the Everest Wildtrak will cruise fuss-free hands-off along a highway or freeway while remaining centred in its lane. Seriously, there are some rival car company engineers who need to drive the Everest so they understand how far off the pace their systems are!
The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system monitors for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Also included is traffic sign recognition with an intelligent speed adjust function, reverse brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring (it adds trailer coverage if you option the $1700 Tow Pack) and auto LED headlights and high beam.
There are three child seat top tether strap points on row two and two on row three. ISOFIX mounts are in the outboard seats of row two.
What powers the Ford Everest Wildtrak?
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is powered by the 3.0-litre ‘Lion’ SOHC 60-degree V6 turbodiesel that delivers 184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm between 1750-2250rpm. None of the Everest’s rivals can top those outputs.
The engine is mated to Ford’s 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission and then drives the wheels via a sophisticated Borg-Warner transfer case that can run in rear-wheel drive and open and locked centre diff 4x4 in high range and low range.
A locking rear diff provides additional traction in the toughest stuff, while braked traction control on the front wheels is retained in low range.
The drivetrain can be altered through Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand modes. There is no Sport mode.
The gearbox does not have a manual shift lever or paddles. Instead, it can only be manipulated via buttons on the weirdly shaped and unhelpful gear selector borrowed from the Ranger. It also includes a gear-hold button for towing.
How fuel efficient is the Ford Everest Wildtrak?
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is officially claimed to average 8.5L/100km and emit 224g/km of CO2 on the ADR Combined test cycle.
Over the course of our test drive we steered two Everest Wildtrak models through a wide variety of traffic conditions, from heavy city and suburban traffic with the auto stop-start trying to save fuel, as well as on freeways, in the country and off-road in low range. Both vehicles emerged with a 10.7L/100km average.
Considering the Everest Wildtrak weighs 2.5 tonnes (approx) and has the aero efficiency of a block of flats, that’s not too bad.
What is the Ford Everest Wildtrak like to drive?
As for the actual driving experience, the Ford Everest goes some to redressing the reputation that ladder-frame SUVs aren’t all that pleasant to drive in everyday situations.
First off, the brilliant V6 turbo engine is definitely an asset. Sure, it does feel the weight it has to pull, but it copes gamely. If you really put the foot down it will accelerate swiftly enough to ensure overtakes and hills are conquered efficiently. A Sport mode to sharpen the throttle would be appreciated though.
When driven more sedately, it’s happy to idle up from tip-in revs to redline with quietness and smoothness more akin to a petrol V6. Yep, refinement rather than gung-ho performance is its greatest strength.
The transmission isn’t quite so fuss-free. With 10 speeds it’s no surprise there’s a sense of perpetual motion coming from the gearset as it constantly finds the right gear for the moment. It’s commendable that it’s not more intrusive.
However, the lack of manual gearshift paddles or a proper gear lever are missed. The gear blob is not as annoying as it was at launch – Ford has retuned the action, we think – but it’s still not optimal.
The added control that manual shifting provides clashes with the way the Everest Wildtrak is designed to roll down the road with disciplined body control, reliable grip (in rear- or all-wheel drive) up to a point and electric assist steering that requires more effort than normally associated with Ford products (especially when lane keep is activated).
It’s about as sporting (translation: not very) as you could expect from a vehicle that weighs 2488kg, measures 4914m long, 1923mm wide and 1837mm tall, and has a double-wishbone front/live-axle coil-spring rear suspension.
Rolling on 255/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler highway terrain tyres, the Everest Wildtrak has a firm basis to its ride. It does iron the sharp edges off the bumps and crags, but it’s not a complete softy.
It is more compliant than the Platinum that rides on lower-profile 21s and for that reason alone the Wildtrak is the more comfortable family transporter.
It would be great for a long, adventurous journey on country roads. Around town though, it can be a bit tiring.
How good is the Ford Everest Wildtrak off-road?
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak has all the right ingredients to be a capable off-roader. The 4x4 drivetrain is backed up by a generous 226mm of ground clearance, 800mm of wading depth and an 11.8m turning circle. It has a 30.2-degree approach angle, 25-degree departure angle and 21.9-degree breakover angle – all of which ensure it will easily tackle some serious terrain.
As a no-cost option you can also swap the Wildtrak’s 20-inch wheels on road-biased highway rubber for 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres. If you’re going to do a decent amount of off-roading it’s a good idea.
We subjected the Wildtrak to a quite steep and technical climb during our test drive. Once low range was locked in on the centre console dial and the rear diff via the touch screen, the SUV motored over rock ledges and exposed tree roots, scrambled over humps and swales and coped with a fair degree of cross axle-ing … until it couldn’t.
Basically, the highway tyres ran out of grip and the driver ran out of talent. The system does not provide traction control in low range (like Toyotas do) and that was missed.
Driving back down the trail, hill descent control – also accessed by the screen – proved effective while cameras also help see the extremities of the vehicle through a display on the screen.
The Wildtrak comes with two front recovery hooks and steel underbody protection.
How much can the Ford Everest Wildtrak carry?
Like all seven-seat members of the range, the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is very flexible when it comes to how many people and how much stuff it can carry.
With all seven seats occupied there is 259 litres of luggage space, with row three folded there is 898 litres, and with only the front seats occupied there is a massive 1818 litres.
Helpfully, all the seats fold flat, which makes loading and unloading easier.
The Everest Wildtrak has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg. But combine that with its 6250kg gross combined mass (GCM) and you’re left with a payload of just 262kg, so pack lightly for that family trip. At 3000kg it inches up to 362kg, so it’s a challenge. Unladen payload is 662kg.
Should I buy a Ford Everest Wildtrak?
If you’re looking for a family wagon that can do it all, then there is no doubt the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak fits that bill. Its cabin is comfortable, spacious and loaded with the latest in conveniences. It sets a new class benchmark for safety, and it is extremely competent across a wide variety of conditions, from the urban jungle to the far reaches of the outback.
But, then again, so are the cheaper 4x4 versions of the Ford Everest, which means the Wildtrak isn’t a particularly impressive derivative.
Frankly, there’s virtually nothing beyond cosmetics that make the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak a must-buy ahead of the cheaper Sport V6.
Some upgrading of off-road capability would have been appreciated considering this model is intended to be the flagship in that regard.
To be blunt, this is very much a ‘roll the arm’ effort from Ford. A badging effort for marketing purposes and little more. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s all part of the automotive business.
But what we really want to see is an Everest Wildtrak X that really addresses the off-roading task, just like the Ranger Wildtrak X upgrades do.
And while you’re at it, Ford, how about a cheaper V6 Everest and even a 4x2? Those are the sort of Everest models plenty of us are waiting for.
2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak V6 4x4 at a glance:
Editor’s Rating: 7.7/10
| Price: $74,704 (plus on-road costs) |
Transmission: 10-speed automatic |
| Available: Now |
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined) |
| Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel |
CO2: 224g/km (ADR Combined) |
| Output: 184kW/600Nm |
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022) |
Disclaimer: Images supplied by Ford Australia.
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