Ford Everest : The premium SUV segment is gearing up for an intense showdown as Ford gears up to unveil the all-new Everest, aimed squarely at topppling the Toyota Fortuner, a long-time leader in the market.
Insider sources hint that the forthcoming Everest has been meticulously crafted as a robust challenger, designed to surpass the dominating player in this space.
Ford’s choice to re-enter certain regions with the next-generation Everest marks a strategic shift for the American automaker.
With consumer tastes gravitating towards vehicles that boast both rugged features and luxurious comforts, Ford sees the premium ladder-frame SUV market as a critical battleground.
Rajiv Sharma, Product Planning Director at Ford’s Asia Pacific division, states, “The new Everest illustrates our dedication to creating vehicles that blend remarkable capability with modern luxury.”
“We have analyzed the keys to the Fortuner’s success and aimed to construct a vehicle that surpasses those benchmarks in every respect.”
Powertrain Options That Pack a Punch
The 2025 Everest comes equipped with two powerful engine choices.
Leading the pack is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that churns out an impressive 213 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, setting it apart from the Fortuner by a considerable margin.
This powertrain is matched with Ford’s innovative 10-speed automatic transmission, offering seamless shifts and enhanced fuel efficiency when compared to rivals.
For those who prefer petrol, the Everest will also feature a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, producing 300 horsepower, catering to drivers seeking responsiveness over fuel economy.
Analyst Priya Menon observes, “Clearly, Ford has pinpointed the Fortuner’s shortcomings. The bi-turbo diesel supplies significantly more torque for off-roading while delivering better highway fuel efficiency—exactly where the Fortuner has been critiqued.”
Unmatched Capability Off the Beaten Path
Ford’s engineers have put countless hours into testing the Everest under extreme conditions across different continents.
Equipped with an advanced four-wheel-drive system, the vehicle also features an electronic locking rear differential and selectable modes tailored for various terrains.
A significant ground clearance of 256mm—11mm more than the Fortuner—ensures excellent performance in rugged scenarios, and its water-wading capacity reaches up to 800mm.
Improvements in approach and departure angles further enhance the Everest’s capabilities on tough terrains.
A Ford test driver, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “Our rigorous testing alongside the Fortuner has shown that the Everest consistently outperforms in challenging off-road conditions, especially on rocky paths and during water crossings.”
Technology and Comfort Advancements
Inside the Everest, the goal is to surpass expectations with state-of-the-art features, including a striking 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen featuring Ford’s latest SYNC 4A technology.
The cabin showcases high-quality materials throughout, offering options such as leather seating with 10-way power adjustments and heating/ventilation functionalities.
Safety measures have also received a notable boost with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, encompassing adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system with an off-road view.
Vikram Patel, an automotive journalist, comments, “The technological advantage of the Everest over the Fortuner will be instantly noticeable. Ford has intricately blended the ruggedness expected in this segment with technology more often associated with luxury European SUVs.”
Strategic Market Positioning
Ford has strategically positioned the new Everest to counter the Fortuner’s appeal.
While specific pricing details have yet to be confirmed, reports indicate that the Everest is likely to be priced competitively, potentially undercutting the Toyota by 5-7%, yet offering more standard features.
Additionally, the Everest will launch with an industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty, aiming to mitigate concerns about long-term reliability—an aspect where Toyota has consistently excelled.
Anticipated Launch Timeline
The all-new Ford Everest is projected to hit dealerships by the end of Q3 2025, with pre-orders opening two months earlier.
Ford dealerships are already creating dedicated showcase areas for potential customers to directly compare the Everest with the Fortuner.
Sharma emphasizes, “We aren’t shying away from comparisons; we actually welcome them. This Everest is crafted to shine in those assessments, and we’re confident that customers will notice the distinctions during their test drives.”
For Toyota, which has historically faced little competition with the Fortuner, the launch of the completely redesigned Everest signifies a formidable challenge to its market dominance—and a true risk to its leadership status.
