Ford Everest Wildtrak new car review

For many buyers with a sense of adventure, this attractive family-sized off-roader makes much more sense than uncomfortable and unwieldy dual-cab utes.

2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak.

The Ford Everest Wildtrak follows the Ranger ute’s path to success by applying attractive upgrades to a popular model.

This is the first Everest Wildtrak

The Everest has featured in Ford showrooms since 2015, when it arrived as the wagon-bodied cousin to the smash-hit Ranger ute.

Ford’s Everest is now available with the Wildtrak treatment.

The Blue Oval bravely resisted the temptation to steal the Ranger’s thunder with a rugged “Raptor” or “Wildtrak” version of the Everest until 2023, when it announced plans to build 800 Everest wagons with the Wildtrak treatment.

Customers can choose from a selection of interior and exterior changes including the option of eye-catching yellow paint to stand out from the crowd.

Luxe Yellow paint is a $700 option exclusive to the Wildtrak.

It’s not much more than a sticker pack

The Wildtrak treatment is primarily cosmetic, adding charcoal grey exterior highlights, a choice of road-focused or all-terrain wheels and tyres, and a cabin trimmed in charcoal-coloured leather with yellow stitching.

Golden interior highlights are part of the deal.

This Wildtrak sits toward the top of the Everest line-up, between the mid-grade Sport and the range-topping Platinum. The new machine misses out on the Platinum’s polished alloys, branded stereo and full-width digital dash, though it still has luxuries such as a powered sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting and a 360-degree camera.

It has the same engine, transmission and suspension found in other Everest models.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car

The Everest is one of the best four-wheel-drives on the road. It’s a safe, comfortable and refined machine – particularly compared to rival ute-based wagons such as the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X.

Ford’s 184kW and 600Nm V6 turbo diesel engine pairs well with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive to give it an edge over less sophisticated rivals.

The Everest has an 8-inch digital dash and 12-inch infotainment screen.

A high-tech cabin works in its favour, as do clever terrain modes that tailor its behaviour to different driving environments.

You need to be patient – or pay over the odds – to get one

Officially priced from $73,090 when it was first announced in May, the Everest Wildtrak rose to $74,404 plus on-roads in the second half of the year – more than $80,000 drive-away and about $1000 more than an equivalent Ranger.

Charcoal exterior trim joins new alloys and side steps.

It sold out quickly.

But careful shopping reveals the Wildtrak can be found in cheeky dealerships charging $90,000-plus for vehicles in stock today.

Given the popularity of the first run, we reckon Ford would be mad not to have another go – don’t be surprised to see the Everest Wildtrak return to showrooms at some point in the future.

The Everest is quite capable off-road.

Consider this instead of a Ranger

Do you really need a ute?

If you’re not the type to haul topsoil or muddy mountain bikes, the Everest might be a better bet. Seven-seat versatility is a winner for families, and its car-like coil suspension delivers a more comfortable ride.

The.

A significantly shorter wheelbase delivers a tighter turning circle for the Everest, which is easier to live with in town than the Ranger. Less rear overhang works in its favour off-road, too.

Though the Ranger is trendier – and benefits from business tax incentives – the Everest is a better fit for a lot of people.