A few weeks after experiencing an Everest for the very first time, we took delivery of the range-leading Ford Everest Platinum to bring you this review.

We’d not had the pleasure of driving any Ford product for years. We therefore graciously accepted an offer to drive the Everest Sport a few weeks ago. That derivative is  mid-way up the hierarchy of Everest variants on offer in SA. At the very top of the family tree is the Ford Everest Platinum. We had an opportunity to drive this version for a few days quite recently.

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Blinged Out

The Everest range really stands out in the sea of SUVs on our roads thanks to a bold an unique aesthetic. They also seem to be quite popular as it is quite difficult to swivel one’s head and not spot one in traffic. Ford’s design team really excelled with this product. It has the same imposing face as its Ranger sibling, upon which it is based, and large proportions. The range-leading Platinum version has the same hallmarks as its siblings.

However, Ford is keen for people to know that you coughed up for the apex variant. As a result the Platinum has a multiple badges that spell out its name. These include a pair on the flanks, one across the tailgate and another boldly along the nose above the massive grille. We gotta admit, we can’t recall another vehicle that announces where it lies in its respective range the same what that the Everest Platinum does. Other external cues are the 21-inch polished alloys and V6 badges on the sides – more of which in a bit.

Upmarket Interior

We’ve already commented favourably on the interior treatment of the Everest in our previous review. The cabin feels premium and upmarket as well as high-tech. That last observation is one we make in comparison to direct rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X. The Everest Platinum has a same massive tablet infotainment interface in the centre of the facia. There is also a configurable digital display ahead of the driver.

Front occupants get the pleasure of electrically adjustable seats with lumbar support. In addition, both are heated and cooled; the former coming in handy as temps in the Cape fall with each passing day. Oh, there is also a heating function for the steering wheel rim. Other niceties include a dual-zone climate control system, with physical dials and buttons, thank goodness. There is also a roof-length panoramic roof and B&O audio system fitted as standard.

Other standard items include a wireless mobile phone charging station and a USB-C port for front passengers, as well as another port near the rear-view mirror, probably for a dash-cam or adventure GPS unit. Middle row passengers have a USB-C and -A port as well as a plug point to a 400W inverter. The latter should come in handy to charge camera batteries on safari or power a smaller cooler for drinks.

As with its siblings, the Platinum version is also a seven-seater. The rear-most seats are only really there for kids. And if you have seven passengers, then boot volume is severely diminished.  The rear chairs do fold down individually, by buttons in the boot, to create more space as/when needed. The tailgate is also electrically adjustable.

Safety Systems

Ford has loaded the Platinum with a whole host of safety features. There is the usual, six airbags ABS, ESC, hill start assist, etc. In addition it has adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality for traffic jams. There is blind-spot monitoring as well as cross traffic alert and pre-collision assistance. There is also lane-keep assist with road edge detection. From an off-road perspetive there is hill descent control, a 360-degree camera, an off-road screen and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Diesel Power

The Ford Everest Platinum boasts a turbocharged V6 engine. This unit is diesel fed, as opposed to the range-leading Ranger Raptor than chugs petrol. The oil-burning powerplant in our test unit delivers a healthy 184 kW of power. Even more impressive is the 600 N.m of torque on tap from low down in the rev range. A ten-speed automatic transmission feeds power to all four wheels by default. Ford claims an optimistic 8,5 litres/100 km fuel consumption, we didn’t manage to get below 10,5.

The engine in the Platinum is a refined unit that delivers plenty of oomph in a completely unflustered manner. There is loads of grunt and that massive well of torque is accessed through the ten-speed auto to make for quiet progress. In fact, the rev-counter barely spends much time above 3 000 r/min as there is so much power in reserve. We imagine this would be an ideal tow vehicle for a caravan or boat.

Drivers can set the drivetrain as they desire though a rotary dial between the front seats. There is a full suite of off-roading goodies on offer including 4wd as well as a low-range transfer case. These are allied with a few drive modes (Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand) to prime the powertrain for ideal responses in different scenarios. Although, we suspect not many folks are going to chance any bundu bashing with those large shiny alloys. Ford does give owner the option of 18-inch wheels for the more adventurous.

Firmer

We’ve mentioned the 21-inch standard alloys twice before. They really look the part on this range-topper and their presence can also be felt. The Everest range features a body on frame design. Vehicles of this type tend to have quite jiggly ride ride quality as the body and frame can move at different rates. We’ve noted before that Ford engineers have managed to alleviate this sensation to a large degree. The larger alloys, when compared to others in the line-up, do feel a bit more direct and take a little away from the suppleness of the ride quality we have experienced before. It’s not massively different and probably won’t be as evident unless you’ve driven a few examples on different rims.

Summary

Ford can be really proud of the Everest range. Further experience with this model has only reinforced our earlier impressions. The upliftment of the product has also raised its price somewhat and the Everest Platinum is over R1,3m, which elevated it onto a whole different level. That price brings some non-traditional rivals into play, opening up the door to the established premium players, but perhaps for vehicles that are not as large or capable off road.

While driving the Everest Platinum we took note of as many of the other Everests as we could. We spotted plenty of Wildtrak and Sport versions, which aren’t quite as expensive. Platinum derivatives, easily noticed by the aforementioned badging, were few and far between. We aren’t saying that the Platinum isn’t a good vehicle, it just seems that there is better value to be had elsewhere in the Everest range.

Model: Ford Everest Platinum
Price: R1 309 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, V6 turbodiesel
Transmission: ten-speed automatic, AWD
Max power: 184 kW
Max torque: 600 N.m
0-100 km/h:  n/a
Top speed: n/a
Consumption: 8,5L/100 km (claimed, 10,8 during review)