Ford Everest

Model Overview

The Ford Everest is a mid-to-large rugged seven-seater SUV under the Ford brand, and one of the marque's most iconic ladder-frame SUVs in the global market. The name Everest is derived from the world's highest peak, "Mount Everest", signifying its robust off-road capability and go-anywhere character. The Everest range is built on the Ford Ranger pick-up platform, sharing its ladder-frame chassis and powertrains with the Ranger. The first-generation Everest was introduced to Southeast Asian markets in 2003, and was subsequently produced in China by JMC-Ford in 2015 under the local nameplate "Hanluzhe". In 2022, Ford officially unveiled the third-generation Everest developed on the all-new Ranger platform. As of June 2026, the 2026 Everest is officially on sale across multiple countries and regions, including Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In the Australian market, the new model starts from approximately RM247,000. In China, the current Hanluzhe is priced from RM265,800, with the next-generation model expected to be introduced for local production in the future.

Design Language

The third-generation Everest closely mirrors the all-new Ranger in its exterior design, sharing styling cues with Ford's North American F-Series pick-up trucks. Up front, it features a prominent polygonal front grille with a honeycomb mesh insert, flanked by bold black trim pieces to project a muscular stance. The signature C-clamp LED headlamps feature a smoked finish with integrated dot-matrix LED elements, delivering instant brand recognition when illuminated. The range-topping Platinum variant features exclusive badging along the front edge of the bonnet; the Sport variant adds a darkened front grille, wing mirror caps, alloy wheels, and roof rails, paired with smoked LED headlamps and tail lamps.

In terms of dimensions, the third-generation Everest features an extended wheelbase and wider tracks compared to its predecessor. Wading depth is rated at 800 mm, while maximum braked towing capacity has been upgraded to 3,500 kg. The reinforced roof rails can support a static load of up to 350 kg, easily accommodating a roof tent or luggage box.

Inside, the Everest adopts the Ranger's dashboard layout, door cards, centre console armrest, and all-new three-spoke steering wheel. The centre stack houses a portrait-oriented 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display, paired with an 8-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster. Infotainment is driven by Ford's latest SYNC 4A operating system, supporting wireless connectivity. The cabin accommodates up to seven occupants and features power-folding third-row seats. The flagship Platinum variant is further equipped with Matrix LED headlamps and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Everest offers a versatile powertrain lineup globally, with turbo-diesel engines serving as the primary offering. The entry-level Everest Active is powered by Ford's updated 2.0L four-cylinder single-turbo diesel engine, delivering a maximum output of 125 kW (170 PS) and a peak torque of 405 N·m. Mid-to-high-spec variants are equipped with a 2.0L Bi-Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing approximately 207 PS (152 kW) and 500 N·m of torque. The flagship Everest Sport, Wildtrak, and Platinum models are fitted with Ford's 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine, delivering 184 kW (250 PS) and 600 N·m of torque. Additionally, select markets offer a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 222 kW and 452 N·m of torque.

Power is sent through Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission as standard across the range. In overseas markets, selected variants are offered in both rear-wheel drive (4x2) and four-wheel drive (4x4) configurations. The Everest Sport Bi-Turbo Limited Edition is restricted to just 700 units, sold exclusively in Australia.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis forms the backbone of the Everest's serious off-road capability. The vehicle features a body-on-frame chassis structure (ladder frame) derived from the Ford Ranger pick-up platform. The front suspension employs an independent double-wishbone setup, while the rear features a solid live axle with non-independent suspension, complemented by lateral and longitudinal stabilizer bars for enhanced off-road handling. Running ground clearance is rated at 225 mm, with an approach angle of 29.4°, a departure angle of 25°, and a ramp breakover angle of 21°.

For the 4WD system, the Everest provides multiple configurations. The entry-level 4WD variant features an Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) part-time 4WD system; higher-spec variants boast an Electro-Mechanical Transfer Case (EMTC) on-demand full-time 4WD system, equipped with a low-range transfer box, a centre differential, and an electronic rear differential lock. The Terrain Management System provides selectable drive modes: 4x2 variants offer Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, and Slippery; 4x4 variants add Mud & Ruts and Sand modes. The dedicated Tremor special edition further gains a Bilstein off-road suspension setup and Rock Crawl mode.

Cabin and Equipment

The Everest features a 2+3+2 seven-seater cabin layout, complete with power-folding third-row seats. The second-row seatbacks fold in a 60:40 split configuration. Thanks to its three-stage seat-folding design, folding the second and third rows flat creates a 1.85-metre-long continuous flat cargo floor suitable for camping.

In terms of interior equipment, a 12-inch multi-touch centre display powered by Ford's SYNC 4A system is standard across the range. Higher-spec models offer comfort amenities such as a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Sport variant features two-tone sports upholstery. For in-car entertainment, higher-spec trims can be optioned with a premium sound system. Qi wireless smartphone charging is fitted as standard across the range.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

In terms of passive safety, the Everest comes equipped with 9 airbags, comprising dual front airbags, side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are standard across the board.

For active safety, the 2026 Everest is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard. Core safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Lane Centring Assist, and Lane Keeping System (incorporating Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Road Edge Detection, and Driver Alert System). Additional driver aids include Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist, Evasive Steer Assist (ESA), Reverse Brake Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. A Thatcham-certified security alarm system is also fitted as standard across the lineup.

Market Performance and Overview

The Everest's market performance varies considerably across global regions. In Vietnam, the Everest has recorded outstanding sales—delivering 641 units in May 2026 alone to secure over 90% market share in the seven-seater ladder-frame SUV segment; cumulative sales in the first five months of 2026 reached 5,283 units, significantly outperforming the Toyota Fortuner. In Australia, the Everest remains one of Ford's core pillar models. In the US domestic market, however, Ford does not offer the Everest.

In China, sales of the Hanluzhe have remained relatively sluggish, with full-year sales recording just 1,016 units in 2024 and 2,589 units in 2021. Industry observers suggest that the localized Chinese name "Hanluzhe" diluted the geographic brand equity associated with the original "Everest" moniker; meanwhile, its driver assistance package remained at Level 1, leaving it less competitive against rising Chinese domestic off-roaders. In this segment, the Everest's key rivals include the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. With the potential introduction of the next-generation Everest for local assembly in China alongside petrol powertrain options, the fortunes of this rugged seven-seater SUV in the Chinese market could see a positive turnaround.