The Ford Everest debuted in the early 2000s, initially targeting the Asia-Pacific region and was built on the Mazda-based Ford Ranger platform. Many of you from India may remember it as the “Endeavour”, an alias it adopted possibly due to a trademark conflict with a local spice brand and other reasons — an ironic twist, given that its namesake, Mt. Everest is located in the Indian subcontinent. But its bold styling and versatility quickly won it popularity. Subsequent generations have shifted to the globally marketed Ranger platform. We in the UAE, however, missed the second-generation, but it has returned in its third-generation avatar. Quite recently we took the top-spec Limited trim for a test drive to evaluate it across key aspects: cost, style, space, functionality, and power. Here’s our take on what I call, “The Moving Mountain”.
Exterior: Big and tall; rugged, yet refined; 21″ wheels
The 2024 Ford Everest Limited is a bold, large mid-size SUV measuring 4,914 mm in length, 1,923 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,841 mm in height, making it comparable to the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Volkswagen Teramont. Many would appreciate its boxy silhouette which reminisces SUVs of old, but its softened edges give it a modern outlook. Its most distinctive feature is its prominent, vertical front grille, which doesn’t care for aerodynamics, “like a real truck” as some would say. The grille features a 3D hexagonal design, chrome accents, and a large Ford blue oval badge; flanked by C-Clamp LED headlamps, giving the Everest an unmistakable identity, even on the busy roads of the UAE.
The Everest’s side profile is well-proportioned, with modest overhangs that gives it that true SUV vibe, which also renders practical off-road angles: a 30.2-degree approach, a 25-degree departure, and a 21.9-degree breakover—numbers similar to the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (wearing 275/45R21 tyres) on the Limited trim fill the wheel arches well, though 18-inch wheels available on base trims might better suit off-road escapades better. At the rear, the LED tail lamps add a modern touch, though they lend a sedan-like feel, slightly deviating from the otherwise tough appearance. Exterior colour choices are mostly mature, with Sedona Orange being the only adventurous one in the 7-colour palette.
Interior: Spacious cabin, simplistic aesthetics & giant 12″ screen; some cheap plastics
Inside, the Everest Limited’s cabin delivers a true SUV experience with a high-set layout that requires climbing aboard, setting it apart from crossovers like the Acadia or even Ford’s own Explorer. The dashboard design favours function over flair, with straightforward lines and large, user-friendly buttons and controls. Its vertical air vents echo the hexagonal grille pattern which add some visual texture, and the chrome accents are tastefully minimal, contributing to a more understated look compared to typical American SUVs. However, the plastic trim quality could be improved.
The highlight, however, is the giant 12-inch touchscreen infotainment, a central hub that modernises the space. Accompanying it is a smaller, but customisable 8-inch digital instrument panel. Driving comfort is prioritised with an 8-way power-adjustable seat for both the driver and front passenger, a thick-rimmed 4-spoke steering wheel, and excellent visibility supported by large side mirrors. Steering wheel controls are practical and easy to use, and the gear selector is a compact e-shifter instead of a traditional notchy lever. Leatherette seats, while comfortable and easy to clean, feel less premium, while dual glove compartments, dash-mounted ‘pop-out’ cupholders, and a hands-free boot add to the practical design. Rear legroom and shoulder space accommodate three passengers comfortably and the third row can accommodate another two (but is best suited for children), making the Everest ideal for family outings or accommodating extra guests.
Standard on this model is an 8-speaker sound system, while the Limited gives audiophiles to cheer about with an upgrade to a premium Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker setup, enhancing audio quality significantly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simplify connectivity, while the wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports keep devices charged and organized.
During our test drive, the 3-zone A/C system performed well, with strong blower power and effective cooling, supplemented by overhead vents that improve air circulation. Most controls are physical, with only the heated and cooled seats managed via the infotainment system.
Drivetrain & Drive: 296 horse Turbo 2.3L w/ 10-spd auto & switchable 4×4
The 2024 Ford Everest only comes with single powertrain option for the UAE, even for the Limited model. While some might expect a V8, Ford has equipped it with a turbocharged 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost engine, delivering 296 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque—numbers close to that of the all-new Toyota Prado and the newly-facelifted Teramont. Paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, it offers smooth shifts and responsive power delivery, with no noticeable jerks or delays, making city commuting and highway merging effortless. It’s also does well in the NVH department delivering a quite cabin and a ride that feels comfortable – not quite luxury level, but close.
The Everest’s truck-based frame, switchable 4×4 system, and best-in-class ground clearance and 800 mm wading depth make it highly capable off-road. With low-range gearing and switchable modes (from 4H to 4L), it provides ample torque for challenging terrains, while the 2H mode helps conserve fuel for city driving. Its advanced 4WD system, featuring an electromechanical transfer case with a multi-plate clutch pack, distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, adjusting from 0:100 to 50:50 based on driving conditions. In standard mode, it maintains a 40:60 torque split but shifts torque to the front wheels under hard acceleration to reduce wheelspin. Our off-road shenanigans were limited to light trails and mild dunes, which it took on enthusiastically – coasting carefree! Furthermore, the locked 4WD system upon engine shutdown also ensures reliable grip when parked on slopes.
The Everest’s stop/start function that helps deliver a claimed 10.9 km/l economy, combined with an 80-liter fuel tank, extends its range, minimizing fuel stops on longer trips. For those keen on off-roading, switching to 18-inch wheels with upgraded tyres further enhances its durability and stability, complementing its 6 selectable drive modes.
Safety is a key focus for the 2024 Ford Everest Limited, which has earned a 5-star rating from ANCAP. The SUV includes six airbags and a suite of advanced safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist. Expectedly, it also comes with surround view cameras to make parking maneuvers easy.
All Everest models feature a third row, with the Limited offering a power-folding option. And dropping down both rows give you a ton of space. Also, with a 3.1-ton towing capacity (braked) and the dedicated Tow/Haul mode, the Limited is able to tow a trailer, small boat, or quad bikes with ease. Even the roof can take a 350 kg static load (100kg – dynamic).
Verdict: Rugged, yet refined SUV with a reasonable asking price
In a market where buyers are divided between mall-friendly crossovers and all-out 4×4 off-roaders, the 2024 Ford Everest stands out by combining the traits of the comfortable Explorer with the rugged Ranger. It offers spacious 3-row seating for up to seven people and modern connectivity features, though some interior materials feel a bit on the economical side. The Everest packs an adequately powerful turbo engine, allowing its 4×4 system to handle rough terrain confidently, with bumpers and ground clearance designed for off-road use. With that said, while larger wheels and premium features like a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control are tempting, the XLT variant with its significantly cheaper price tag (AED160,000 approx.) seems to provide better overall value than this top-spec Limited trim, especially for budget-conscious buyers. The price also includes a five-year or 100,000-km warranty and service package, plus a promotional five percent cashback deal, which to some extent, help offset apprehensions about reliability and residual value.
Rivals & alternatives
The Toyota Fortuner offers a lower price point than the Everest, while the new Land Cruiser Prado sits higher, but both represent better reliability and resale value. The Mazda CX-9 provides refined, urban-oriented driving but lacks the Everest’s off-road capability. The Nissan Xterra is affordable but feels underpowered, and while the Nissan Pathfinder has good features, it hasn’t gained market traction. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is also less powerful but significantly undercuts the Ford’s price, and last but not least, the Volkswagen Teramont excels in spaciousness but feels more like a crossover than a traditional SUV.
GOOD – Rugged SUV stance; space and features; adequate power and decent 4×4 capabilities
BAD – Some cheap plastics; unproven reliability and residual value; XLT trim represents better value
EDITOR’S RATING: 7/10
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type – 7-seater; 5-door mid-size SUV
Engine – Front-engine; turbocharged 2.3-litre 4-cylinder; four-wheel drive
Transmission – 10-speed automatic
Peak output – 296 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 420 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
0 to 100km/h – sub-9 seconds (estimated)
Top speed – 200 km/h (drag limited; estimated)
Fuel economy – 15.5 l/100km (estimated)
Price – Starting at AED 149,525.25; AED 199,900 (as tested)
