The Everest redefined the SUV segment with its bold design, advanced technology and stunning off-road and on-road capabilities.

We have been a first-hand witness to how the Ford Everest has become a compelling force in the local automotive market. It was a budding game-changer back in 2003. Nobody knew that its entry into our market then would forever change our automotive landscape, particularly the arena once dominated by the AUV’s Toyota Revo, Mitsubishi Adventure and Isuzu Highlander.

Though it was not the first midsize SUV packed in a pickup truck platform, its charisma of a bigger refined loader combined with the toughness of a proven American workhorse was just captivating. Not to mention that it could be stuffed more than any regular AUV could was an added plus.

Fast-forward to 16 years and 65,000 units sold after, the Everest remains to be a force to reckon with in the country. Though other brands have eventually caught up and far bested the once midsize SUV titleholder, this behemoth is still one tough nut to consider.

“The Ford Everest was launched in the Philippine market in 2003, at a time when the demand for SUV was still on the rise. The Everest redefined the SUV segment with its bold design, advanced technology and stunning off-road and on-road capabilities,” Ford Philippines managing director PK “Uma” Umashankar said during its launch at Mega Tent in Libis.

“Given its track record in the Philippines, we are confident that the new Ford Everest will give Filipino customers a ride no less than extraordinary, building on its position as one of the smartest and safest SUVs in its class,” he added.

ECSTATIC media participants with Ford executives.

Recently, we put the 2020 Ford Everest to the test in a grueling 500-kilometer drive. The testing grounds consisted of traversing the roads from Manila to Baler in Aurora, to San Fernando La Union and back under the harshest of conditions. That time, a tropical storm carrying strong winds and severe rains with it was fiercely lashing right to us.

Pitted were its new 2.0-liter engine 4×2 variant and a more powerful 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo engine 4×4 variant. We particularly loved the latter since it’s the same engine that powers the mighty Ranger Raptor. The latest 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine kicks out 210 hp and 500N-m of torque. Paired with the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, it even provides improved fuel efficiency and a better push.

Personally getting behind the wheel of Raptor-powered midsize SUV gave me a better perspective of what this big brute could do. The drive was nimble, despite its heft. Steering was stable and provided good feedbacks. With the heart of the Raptor, it blazed the straights with much vim and vigor. Tackling the tight turns on the uphill and downhill slopes was even effortless. What’s more, despite occasional zero visibility due to heavy downpours, it gave me confidence that I could slip through the wet conditions with less hassle. Add its new rain-sensing windshield wipers into the mix and everything was just smooth-sailing.

Its other segment-leading safety features also lent us a hand during the rough weather conditions, such as: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, forward collision warning system, driver alert system, auto high beam control and BLIS — Blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and rear view camera and parking sensors.

Since it was a media drive, organizers even spiced up the activity with added challenges along the way. It was consisted of activities that allowed us to further inspect every nook and cranny of the Everest as it featured various cup holders and cubby holes. The panoramic moonroof was even further exploited through a photo contest, while its hands-free liftgate also came in handy to keep things interesting. Eventually, our team ended up as the overall winners of the challenges.