Ford Everest : The premium SUV market is gearing up for an intense showdown as Ford is set to unveil the brand-new Everest, aimed directly at Toyota’s stalwart, the Fortuner.
Insiders in the automotive world indicate that Ford has crafted the upcoming Everest as a formidable contender, engineered specifically to unseat the reigning champion.
Following a retreat from specific markets, Ford’s commitment to launching the next-generation Everest represents a strategic shift.
The American auto giant has pinpointed the premium ladder-frame SUV segment as a critical arena for competition, especially as consumer interest in rugged yet luxurious vehicles continues to surge.
“The new Everest embodies Ford’s dedication to producing vehicles that combine remarkable performance with contemporary luxury,” shared Rajiv Sharma, Product Planning Director for Ford’s Asia Pacific division.
“We’ve analyzed the reasons behind the Fortuner’s success and created an offering that surpasses those benchmarks across the board.”
Powertrain Options That Mean Business
Beneath the surface, the 2025 Everest is set to feature two intriguing powertrain options.
The standout choice is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, generating 213 horsepower and an impressive 500 Nm of torque. These numbers notably exceed the Fortuner’s performance.
Coupled with Ford’s latest 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine promises to deliver smoother shifts and enhanced fuel efficiency compared to its rivals.
For markets leaning towards petrol options, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing 300 horsepower will also be on offer, catering to those who value performance over diesel efficiency.
Industry expert Priya Menon comments, “Ford has clearly identified the weak points of the Fortuner.
The bi-turbo diesel engine provides significantly more torque for off-roading adventures while also ensuring better efficiency on the highway—an area where the Fortuner has faced criticism.”
Capability Beyond the Pavement
Ford’s engineering team has reportedly invested thousands of hours testing the new Everest under extreme conditions across various continents.
The SUV is equipped with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system featuring an electronic locking rear differential and selectable drive modes tailored for diverse terrains.
With 256mm of ground clearance—11mm more than the Fortuner—and a water wading capability of 800mm, the Everest promises exceptional off-road potential.
Moreover, improved approach and departure angles further enhance the Everest’s ability to tackle challenging off-road challenges.
A Ford test driver, preferring anonymity, stated, “We’ve subjected the Everest to rigorous tests alongside the Fortuner, and it consistently outperforms in tricky off-road situations.
The difference is particularly evident on rocky paths and during water crossings.”
Advancements in Technology and Comfort
Inside, the Everest aims to raise the bar with a stunning 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, governed by Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system.
The interior showcases high-quality materials, including options like leather-appointed seating with 10-way power adjustments along with heating and ventilation features.
Safety technology gets a significant upgrade with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, which encompasses adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go features, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system that includes an off-road viewing option.
“The technological divide between the Everest and Fortuner will be immediately noticeable,” notes automotive journalist Vikram Patel.
“Ford has successfully fused the rugged durability expected in this category with technology typically seen in luxury European SUVs.”
Strategic Market Positioning
Ford has strategically placed the new Everest to directly challenge the Fortuner’s value proposition.
While precise pricing details are yet to be disclosed, sources indicate that the Everest will be competitively priced, likely undercutting the Toyota by 5-7% while offering a richer array of standard features.
Launching with an industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty, the Everest aims to alleviate concerns regarding long-term reliability—an area where Toyota has traditionally excelled.
Anticipated Launch Timeline
The new Ford Everest is projected to make its showroom debut by late Q3 2025, with pre-orders kicking off two months earlier.
Ford dealerships are already setting up dedicated display areas for prospective buyers to directly compare the Everest against the Fortuner.
“We’re not avoiding comparisons,” Sharma states. “In fact, we embrace them.
This Everest was designed to excel in these comparisons, and we are confident that customers who test both vehicles will notice the difference.”
For Toyota, which has enjoyed a relatively unchallenged reign with the Fortuner, the entrance of this dramatically reimagined Everest poses the most significant competition the model has seen in years, producing a real challenge to its market dominance.
