Price is one of the many considerations of people when buying a car. In fact, on today’s economy, it might very well be the first thing that buyers look at. So, when presented with a P2.2-million Ford Everest, we’re pretty sure most car-buyers would cringe and say “Ang mahal naman niyan!”
4.4 / 5
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.0/5
What You Will Like
- Outstanding overall comfort for the driver and passengers.
- Powerful yet fuel-efficient diesel engine.
- The lot of features pretty much make up for its price tag.
What You Won't Like
- Noisy engine when heaving.
- Third row entry/exit is a bit challenging.
- Blind spots produced by the A pillars.
Though there may be truth to that statement – to some extent – everyone should understand that a car's true value does not rely on its price tag. To make sure that you get what you paid for, it is equally important to understand the number of features and overall driving experience that come with the seven-digit peso figures. With this in mind, the Ford Everest 3.2 Titanium+ 4x4 AT is definitely a top choice. Allow me to explain.
For starters, the only difference between the 3.2 trim and the 4x2 Everest 2.2 Titanium+ variant that I tested before is the former’s 4x4 capabilities (with terrain management system) and electronic locking rear differential. The added weight of the 4x4 mechanism warrants the need for a bigger engine, and frankly, the five-cylinder 3.2L diesel power plant does the trick.
My quest for more power from the 2.2 4x2 version before is definitely satisfied by what the 3.2 variant provides. On paper, it can produce 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque; on the road, however, it feels more – and that’s even while the SUV’s loaded with seven people inside.
The needed pull never comes short with the Everest 3.2 Titanium+, and the engine responds well with every step on the accelerator pedal. Its six-speed automatic transmission shifts precisely and knows when you need more rev, although there’s a tad delay when doing it manually through the lever. The only thing I can complain about the engine is the sound it makes when it heaves; a bit annoying at first but you’ll get the hang of it sooner than later.
You might think that this Blue Oval is a drinker with its mammoth engine, but no. It’s quite on the average, actually, registering 16.3 km/l on the highway while running steady at 90 km/h. Fast-paced city drives at an average speed of 60 km/h read 11.1 km/l, while traversing EDSA during rush hours clocked in 8.1 km/l. Not bad for a 3.2L engine.
The added 4x4 capabilities give the Everest 3.2 an advantage on rough terrains – say, you went on a road trip to a place you’re not familiar with. Whether there’s pavement or none, you’ll be able to conquer anything, especially with its 225-mm space from the ground and 30 degrees approach angle. It even has 800mm water wading capability. It literally can go anywhere, and the good part? You can bring seven people with you on that road trip.
Even better, those seven people are seated comfortably inside its posh cabin. Air conditioning is great even on hot days, and a/c vents are present up to the last row. The wiggle room is also quite huge, and the leather seats feel nice to the touch. For the legroom, the third row is at a bit of a disadvantage, so save that for the kids and/or vertically-challenged people.
Although, egress and ingress to the Everest’s last row is challenging since the second row seats don’t stumble. Good thing, there are step boards and grip handles. And, if ever you decide to do drive-thrus and eat inside the car, that’s fine as it offers enough cup and bottle holders. Overall, as a passenger, the Everest’s interior feels like home; a place you can stay at for long hours.
What makes it even homier is the availability of USB charging ports at the second row, and read this: the presence of a 230V outlet. Yes, you can bake cookies inside or bring your mini-fridge, or I don’t know. Your call.
By the way, the Everest has plenty of trunk space. What’s great about it is that you can fold the seats flat so you can maximize the cargo area with whatever you want to load in it. Cargo loading is also as easy as pie with its power tailgate, lipless bay, and third row seats that fold within a press of a button.
Those passenger conveniences inside the Ford Everest is coupled with great ride comfort. The suspension dampens the ride well, without being too bouncy. That ride pleasure is naturally heightened more when the SUV’s loaded. Of course, driving on winding roads is a different story as the Everest has a discernible body roll because of its ride height.
Now, as the driver, you want the most comfort, right? Well, Ford hears your wishes. The array of driver-convenient features are quite a handful: eight-way power-adjustable seats, auto-leveling headlights, rain-sensing wipers, active park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, speed-sensing door locks, active parallel park assist, proximity sensors, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, tire pressure monitors, blind spot monitors, and a good-looking eight-inch head unit with SYNC. In other words, the Ford Everest 3.2 Titanium is fully-loaded.
Although, there are some things that I personally wish the Everest has. As a range-topper, it’s quite surprising that it doesn’t have push start ignition and keyless entry system. The steering wheel isn’t telescopic, too. I guess that’s something that Ford should add in its next-generation model.
Nevertheless, the Everest’s electronically-assisted steering is quite advantageous for its size. This makes it easy to maneuver in tight streets, while running at high speeds is stable and composed. With all the driving conveniences present and with its easy maneuverability, I must say that I can live with using the key and pressing a button to lock/unlock the doors.
Aesthetics-wise, we’re pretty sure you know what the Ford Everest looks like. I just want to point out a few things that you might like: (1) the HID projector lamps illuminate the road well; (2) the LED daytime running lights is a nice touch; (3) the amount of chrome is just right; (4) the wide and beefy stance looks authoritative and exhumes a sturdy construction; (5) the balanced front and rear overhangs is a great design execution.
Granted, the Ford Everest 3.2 Titanium+ Premium Package’s P2,288,000 price tag might be a bit high for common car buyer. But, considering all its features you’ve read here, and given that you have the capability to spend that much money on a comfortable, high-power, and intelligent seven-seater that your family will surely thank you for, well, what more can you ask for?
Sure, money matters, but it’s great that there’s an option out there that can give you all that you’re probably looking for in a midsize family SUV – an option that evens out its hefty price tag. Perhaps, even more.
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