Ford Everest Sport: Putting the ‘sport’ in SUV

Throughout history, the color black has symbolized power, mystery, strength, authority, and elegance. While it has typically meant the absence of flair or even glamour, black nonetheless conveys unparalleled sophistication.

Ford is aware of these virtues ascribed to the color, and the international auto brand captures most effectively in the Everest Sport variant of its popular midsize SUV. This trim, in effect, serves as a distinct sub-model distinguished from the rest of the line.

Exterior execution

Numerous touches make the Everest Sport unique in the range. It starts with a stark, all-black front mesh grille – serving to better highlight the familiar blue oval logo in its center – then continues in the attractive and Sport-exclusive 20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels upon which 265/50 R20 tires are affixed. These add up to an image of all business, elegance, and even aggression.

The sidestep, side mirrors, and accents in the front and rear bumpers are also rendered in the hue to consistently apply the theme.

A cohesive look is further achieved by painting the otherwise chrome strip on the Everest’s liftgate in black; same with the roof rails. If all these visual cues still don’t suffice, modest-sized “Sport” decals on the side and the rear also serve to distinguish the variant at a glance.  

The Everest Sport also levels up on its illumination through LED auto on/off projector headlamps, daytime running lights, and LED taillights. To heighten its premium feel, Ford gives the trim rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and power-adjustable sideview mirrors with turn indicators, side steps, roof rails, power liftgate with hands-free function, and front and rear splash guards. These features are surely welcome accoutrements to the modern driver who not only expects an aesthetically pleasing ride but one having more than its fair share of conveniences.

Cabin pleasure

While staying true to what the model stands for, inside, Everest Sport’s theme continues with “Sport”-embossed leather seats (in black, of course), and Ford runs blue stitching on the dash panel for a tasteful accent. The handbrake boot, center console, steering wheel, and front center armrest also get the same black leather.

Other niceties in the Sport include a third-row 50:50 folding seatback, electrochromic rearview mirror (which adjusts to the amount of light hitting it for ideal and comfortable viewing [goodbye, glare!>), dual-zone automatic temperature control, passenger-side vanity mirror behind the visor, front scuff plates, and a second-row bench with 60:40 split-folding seatback. Added convenience comes in the form of two 12V power sockets so that more passengers seeking a quick charge for their mobile devices will not be disappointed.

Entertainment for journeys short and long comes courtesy of an infotainment getting  three USB input ports, and DAB+ (Digital Radio Broadcasting) digital radio. Listen to your favorite content via a premium 10-speaker system with subwoofer (and power amplifier). Ford provides audio controls on the steering wheel.

Shell of protection

The Everest Sport is equipped with a complete suite of safety, security, and driver-assistance features: cruise control, electronic stability control with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, roll stability control, rollover mitigation, hill launch assist, traction control, seven airbags (front passenger, side, curtain, and driver knee), front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, volumetric burglar alarm system, and child seat Isofix anchorage points.

Under the hood

The sporty, more aggressive theme, of course, will be nothing but an empty promise without commensurate the power to back it up. Rumbling under the hood is Ford’s dependable 2.0-liter single turbo TDCi engine delivering 180ps (at 3,500rpm) and 420Nm (from a low 1,750 to 2,500rpm). Drivers access this output through an impressive 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift – the same used in the model’s Titanium trims. The sweet-shifting transmission promises both robust performance and miserly fuel consumption.

Choose from four colors: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, and (exclusive to the Sport) Deep Crystal Blue. The Ford Everest Sport is priced at P1.868 million, and is packaged with Ford’s once-a-year or 10,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) preventive maintenance schedule.

Truly, in the Everest Sport, black has never been this colorful, and discriminating car buyers will surely see that the “Sport” name of this Ford Everest is not a superficial appellation but is rightfully earned.

Photos from Ford