Ford adds the Everest XLT to the local lineup
Another significant new addition to the Next-Gen Everest lineup is the XLT series, which is the most affordable model in the lineup, making Ford's excellent seven-seater SUV more accessible to a wider spectrum of customers. Despite its lower price, it provides an appealing combination of comfort, convenience, and safety features, as well as remarkable capabilities.
The Everest XLT's appearance is defined by a polished chrome finish for the horizontal grille bars, which contrasts with colour-coded treatment in critical locations such as the door handles and mirrors. The rear windows feature privacy glass, and it has the same high-tech complete LED treatment for the daytime running lights, headlights, fog lights, and rear clusters as the high-spec variants.
The interior and accessories are similar to the existing Everest Sport, with partial leather seat trim for all seven seats and eight-way electrically powered adjustment for the front seats. Along with the eight-inch digital instrument cluster, the XLT provides an intuitive portrait-format 12-inch colour touchscreen for the feature-rich SYNC 4A infotainment system and, on the 4x4 model, a SYNC off-road screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad, as well as several USB-A/C connections and 12v plugs in the front and third-row seats and the load compartment.
Smart keyless entry is included in the Everest, but it can be deactivated in the SYNC menu if the owner prefers to lock and unlock the car with the remote. The powered tailgate is an excellent addition to owners' busy lifestyles.
The Everest XLT is powered by the identical 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine as the Everest Sport. It generates 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which, when paired with the fast 10-speed automatic gearbox, results in swift performance and exceptional fuel economy. In XLT trim, the Everest can be purchased in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations. The 4x4 variant comes equipped with a part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, as well as a rear differential lock for tough off-road conditions. The six selectable Drive Modes shared by the Sport 4x4, Wildtrak, and Platinum variants add to its all-around capabilities.
Pricing (includes VAT):
- Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4x2 10AT R 832 400
- Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4x4 10AT R 896 300
- Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4x2 10AT R 918 500
- Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4x4 10AT R 984 800
- Everest Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT R 1 084 000
- Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT R 1 146 500
Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years. Terms and conditions apply.
