Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV

Many car buyers opt to browse the local sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment due to the division’s tough-looking nameplates. 

One of the section’s most sought-after models is the Ford Everest, and Zigwheels Philippines got to spend some time with its new Sport Special Edition variant.

Here’s what we found out after sitting behind the wheel for a few days. 

Commanding road presence, eye-catching exterior elements 

It’s no secret that the Ford Everest demands a commanding presence on the road. The SUV stands tall and has considerable bulk to go along with some of its unique exterior features. 

At the fore, the current-generation Ford Everest sports C-shaped daytime running lights that help give the vehicle its own identity. These headlights are complemented by a black garnish on the black honeycomb grille as well as a bold “EVEREST” script — also in black — at the bottom of the bonnet. 

The lower portion of the SUV’s fascia gets black horizontal slats bordered by black trims that house its fog lamps. Rounding off its features at the front is a skid plate that not only adds character to the vehicle but also provides owners with some level of confidence. 

Its side profile is highlighted by a set of 20-inch alloy wheels in black paint sporting a red accent. These are fitted with 255/55 radial tires from Goodyear. A pair of beefy running boards reinforces its tough nature. 

Also notable are its black pillars, black side mirrors with repeaters, and black roof. 

The vehicle may lack the typical plastic claddings on the wheel arches and side sill garnishes, but omitting these features gives it a cleaner look and allows the trim-specific appointments to stand out. 

Its hind side is fitted with a black spoiler, a decent-sized rear glass with a wiper, signature LED taillamps, a power liftgate, and some chunky bumpers with reflectors on each side. 

Here are the vehicle’s dimensions: 

Length, width, height (in millimeters [mm>)	4,914 x 1,923 x 1,842
Ground clearance (in mm)	227

It has a water wading depth capacity of 800 mm. 

Overall, the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition looks tough with a dash of sportiness. The writer has had several people compliment the abundance of black trims on the SUV as well as the unique red accent on its wheels — noting that these design choices make the vehicle more “handsome.” 

That said, its hunky build, paired with some athletic touches, makes the SUV look at home in busy urban streets as well as on challenging rural thoroughfares, supporting its tough character. 

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Sporty interior, adequate cabin amenities 

The cabin of the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition gets treated to a similar amount of black trims. 

Welcoming the driver is a multi-functional steering wheel swathed in black leather. Even the third spoke at six o’clock is finished in dark color. The dashboard also uses a black surface with the only contrasting elements being the chrome appliques on the air conditioning vents housed in piano black casings. 

The seats, too, are upholstered in black leather with perforation. These offer considerable cushioning and are comfortable to sit on, whether for short or long trips. Likewise, the black leather-covered armrest helps relieve fatigue. 

With the copious amount of black trims inside the cabin, the writer wished that instead of using a light-hued headliner, Ford could have opted for a darker shade. 

Moving on to its technological amenities, the Ford slapped the Everest Sport Special Edition with a slew of decent features such as an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch colored portrait touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The latter offers seamless connectivity and helps drivers integrate some smartphone apps like Google Maps and Spotify. Audio is decent and is delivered to an eight-speaker sound system. 

It’s also worth noting that the SUV offers wireless charging, which is always a plus. 

Below are some of its notable features: 

• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning system 
• Power-adjustable driver and front passenger’s seats
• Pull-down center armrest with pop-up cup holders for second-row passengers 
• Electronic parking brake 
• Spacious compartment on center console 

The almost all-black interior of the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition works well in giving the SUV a cohesive design. Further, having a blacked-out cabin serves two purposes: one, offering a stylish and sporty cockpit for its occupants, and the other, making it easier to maintain. 

Smooth power delivery, comfortable suspension 

Under the hood of the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The said setup generates the following figures: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	167
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	405

The above numbers translate to smooth acceleration with very minimal to no delay in the low gears. Unlike other diesel-powered SUVs that have an obvious delay or rubber band effect, the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition drove easily even when set on Normal and Eco modes. 

It made the vehicle a joy to drive in stop-and-go traffic since movement from a standstill feels easy. And when cruising on the highway, the diesel mill together with the automatic slushbox offers an even power delivery across the rev range with power easily maintained at high speeds. 

As for its brakes, halts and deceleration are facilitated by ventilated discs, front and back. Stopping power is ample and gives the driver confidence in the SUV’s ability when braking is required. 

Supporting the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition is a double wishbone with coil spring and an anti-roll bar setup at the front and a coil spring with Watt’s link and anti-roll bar arrangement at the rear. 

This suspension systems give the Ford Everest — in general — its notable comfortable ride feel. On that note, the author’s little passenger, who occupied the second row, fell soundly asleep on several occasions. 

Safety 

Despite the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition being a mid-range variant, the American carmaker did not skimp on it when it comes to safety features. Here are some of its technologies: 

• Hill-launch assist control and roll-over mitigation 
• Hill descent control 
• Front and rear parking sensors 
• Rear camera 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Electronic stability program with traction control system 

The Ford Everest Sport Special Edition also gets advanced driver-assist features in the form of an adjustable speed limiter and cruise control to help minimize fatigue in long drives. 

Want to drive  home a brand-new Ford Everest?  Make sure to check out our special offer on the model.

Final thoughts 

The Ford Everest Sport Special Edition truly is an SUV that is built to handle tough situations. Its high ground clearance and adequate water wading depth capacity allow it to make easy work of the usual light floods in the city, especially this rainy season. 

Likewise, its capable powertrain and comfortable suspension system can make it an ideal ride for those wanting to take on spontaneous adventures outside of the metro in summertime. 

It is also packed with decent technological features, which makes it a good pick not only for seasoned drivers but also for beginners who won’t mind a little help from a driving nanny. 

At the moment, the variant is priced at P2.204 million. 

Also read: 

Ford Territory: a crossover bursting with flavors

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined

Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses

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