2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak review

The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is the latest V6 4x4 Everest model. Image: Supplied

How much does a Ford Everest Cost?

Priced at $74,404 plus on-road costs, the Ford Everest Wildtrak is the second most expensive model in the entire line-up behind the Everest Platinum. It sits just above the other V6 model, the $72,490 Sport.

Launched as a limited edition late in 2023, it is a fundamentally accurate guide to what you can expect if you are shopping among any of the V6 4x4 Everest models.

At the other end of the scale, you can purchase a four-cylinder turbo-diesel Everest Ambiente for $53,990 plus on-road costs.

The key equipment highlights for the Ford Everest Wildtrak are a panoramic sunroof, zone lighting, chrome roof rails.

Inside, the Ford Everest Wildtrak gets orange stitching and its last name embossed in the front seats.

Otherwise, the equipment list familiar; keyless access and start, a power tailgate, dual-zone climate control with second and third row outlets, leather seat trim, front-seat heating and ventilation, and driver’s seat 10-way power adjustment (front passenger gets eight-way). Second row outboard passengers also get heating.

Tech includes wireless or cabled Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, embedded sat-nav, AM/FM and digital radio, Bluetooth streaming and the FordPass Connect phone app with embedded modem (very handy for remote unlocking). There are USB-A and USB-C points in the first and second seating rows.

Sounds are broadcast via a 10-speaker audio and functions are displayed on a huge 12-inch infotainment screen. Disappointingly though, the Wildtrak only gets the basic Ford Everest digital instrument panel and not the full-width and better designed version reserved for Platinum.

Ford Everest servicing and warranty

A five year/unlimited km warranty is provided and service intervals are 15,000km/12 months. Capped price servicing is offered and can be reviewed on the Ford website.

Ford Everest exterior design

The second generation Everest designed and developed by Ford in Australia followed the latest Ranger, with a more squared off design than its predecessor. Under the sheetmetal, the Ranger and Everest have the same track and fundamental ladder frame, but the Everest has a shorter wheelbase.

The Everest is 4914m long, 1923mm wide and 1837mm high. It’s very close to the outgoing Toyota Prado in size.

Cosmetically, the Everest Wildtrak is delineated by its badging, its own 20-inch alloy wheel and side step design and ‘Bolder Grey’ colour finishing from the Ranger Wildtrak for items like the grille and wheel lip mouldings. 

What is the Ford Everest like inside?

The Ford Everest Wildtrak majors on flexibility and useability.

It comes standard with three rows of seats that allow it to be set up with as many as seven seats in-place or as few as two, with every option in between also available.

Row three splits in two, while row two split-folds 66:33 and slides to vary legroom.There’s plenty of evidence here of attention to detail. The places where you come in contact with the trim have some softness to them.

The storage options are extensive, and include a logical place to securely store a phone in the centre console.

Luggage space starts at a useable 259 litre with three rows in-place, 898 litres with two rows upright, and then a massive 1818 litres with rows two and three folded flat.

The infotainment systems now includes some favourites shortcut functions that make life easier, while retaining hard buttons for air-con and audio control.

Some features of the vehicle are less impressive. Row two seating is as flat as a tack, and not as spacious as you might expect. Understandably, row three is kids only.

The digital instrument cluster is pretty clunky and basic in its information and operation. For this money, Ford can do better.

The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is an off-road seven seat SUV. Image: Supplied

Is the Ford Everest good to drive?

The driving suitability of the Ford Everest Wildtrak is dependent on what you want to do with it.

It's comfortable, well-controlled and handles predictably. Combine that with an engine that combines both effort and refinement, and the Ford Everest Wildtrak is a terrific cross-country hauler. Its extensive local development really shows up here.

By the standards of these ute-based off-roaders (think Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport), the Ford Everest Wildtrack is clearly the pick of the bunch.

With its 3500kg braked towing capability, the Everest Wildtrak theoretically qualifies as a candidate for caravaners as well. But towing at the maximum allowed, its only got a 262kg payload, so pack carefully.

However, between the adventures, the Ford Everest Wildtrak is likely to spend time doing urban commutes, school runs and the like.

For that role its less well suited. It’s big, it requires effort to steer about and it consumes a decent amount  of diesel doing it. Our overall average after a week of testing was 10.7L/100km against a claimed 8.5L/100km average.

It will be higher again if driving is confined to the suburbs.

The Ford Everest Wildtrak has a couple of driving characteristics that take a bit of getting used to. It comes with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, so at low speeds there is a constant sensation of gear shuffling. It's not especially intrusive or annoying, but it’s there.

More annoying is the lack of a proper manual gear shifting function – like a lever or steering wheel paddles. Instead that function is performed via a switch on the gearshift bun, and it's not intuitive to use.

While the powertrain does have multiple on- and off-road modes, the lack of a sport mode to sharpen the throttle and hold gears longer is also an omission that should be corrected.

While the engine is strong, it is battling a 2.5 tonne kerb weight and could use a bit of a prod at times.

The Ford Everest Wildtrak will get further into the rough stuff than most people will want to go. Image: Supplied

What is the Ford Everest like off-road?

Its sophisticated 4x4 system and low range gearing help ensure the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak will get further into the rough stuff than most people will feel they want to go.

The system can run in more secure high-range all-wheel drive on-road, unlike some rivals that can only be 4x2s on bitumen. Other helpful features include a locking rear diff, hill descent control, 226mm of ground clearance and 800mm wading ability.

As a no-cost option you can also trade in the Wildtrak’s 20-inch highway rubber for 18-inch all-terrains. If you’re going to do a decent amount of off-roading it’s a good idea.

What safety features does the Ford Everest have?

The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak comes with a five star ANCAP safety rating based on 2022 protocols.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system monitors for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Also included are traffic sign recognition with an intelligent speed adjust function, reverse brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and auto LED headlights and high beam.

The driver assist system is one of the most sophisticated and best calibrated going around. Engage adaptive cruise control and the Ford Everest Wildtrak will cruise fuss-free hands-off along a highway or freeway remaining centred in its lane.

There are nine airbags including a centre-front airbag to prevent head knocks and curtain airbags that extend all the way to row three.

Other safety features include tyre pressure monitoring and a 360 degree camera, three child seat top tethers on row two, and two on row three. Isofix mounts are in the outboard seats of row two.

The Ford Everest Wildtrak has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Image: Supplied

How does the Ford Everest compare?

The most logical rival for the Everest Wildtrak is the Toyota Prado, which even as it runs-out ahead of a new generation continues to be the sales leader in the segment. The Everest is the better vehicle, but the new Prado could change all that.

Other ute-based ladder frame SUV rivals such as the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner aren’t as well executed as the Everest but they are cheaper to buy.

Should I buy a Ford Everest?

The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is a compelling pick if you plan to go touring on- and off-road and need some space to pack people and contents into.

The Ford Everest Wildtrack should not be your choice if the primary focus is urban commuting and school runs. Then, if you need a seven-seater, choose a more road-oriented vehicles like the Kia Sorento.

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