The premium SUV market is gearing up for a seismic shift as Ford unveils the all-new Ford Everest, aiming squarely at unseating Toyota’s long-standing champion, the Fortuner. With a blend of rugged performance and luxurious amenities, the 2025 Ford Everest is engineered to redefine the standards of the segment.
Ford Everest: A Strategic Comeback
After a period of strategic realignment, Ford’s introduction of the next-generation Everest marks a decisive return to the competitive premium SUV arena. Recognizing the growing consumer demand for vehicles that seamlessly combine off-road prowess with on-road comfort, Ford has meticulously crafted the Everest to meet and exceed these expectations.
“The new Everest represents Ford’s commitment to delivering vehicles that combine exceptional capability with modern luxury,” says Rajiv Sharma, Product Planning Director at Ford’s Asia Pacific division.
By analyzing the strengths of competitors like the Fortuner, Ford has developed the Everest to offer enhanced performance, comfort, and technological advancements.
Powertrain Options That Mean Business
Under the hood, the 2025 Ford Everest offers two robust powertrain options designed to cater to diverse driving preferences:
- 2.0-Liter Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine: Delivers 213 horsepower and a formidable 500 Nm of torque, surpassing the Fortuner’s output. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine ensures smooth shifts and improved fuel efficiency.
- 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Petrol Engine: Offers a potent 300 horsepower, appealing to drivers who prioritize responsive acceleration and performance.
“Ford has clearly benchmarked the Fortuner’s weaknesses. The bi-turbo diesel offers substantially more torque for off-road situations while maintaining better efficiency during highway cruising—exactly where the Fortuner has received criticism,” notes industry analyst Priya Menon.
Capability Beyond the Pavement
The 2025 Ford Everest is engineered for adventure, featuring:
- Advanced Four-Wheel-Drive System: Equipped with an electronic locking rear differential and selectable drive modes tailored for various terrains.
- Impressive Ground Clearance: Standing at 256mm, the Everest offers superior clearance compared to the Fortuner, enhancing its off-road capabilities.
- Enhanced Water Wading Capability: With the ability to wade through depths up to 800mm, the Everest is well-suited for challenging water crossings.
A Ford test driver revealed, “We’ve taken it through some punishing tests alongside the Fortuner, and the new Everest consistently performs better in technical off-road situations. The difference is especially noticeable on rocky inclines and water crossings.”
Technology and Comfort Leap Forward
Inside the cabin, the 2025 Ford Everest offers a harmonious blend of technology and comfort:
- Digital Instrumentation and Touchscreen: A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster complements a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system.
- Premium Interior Materials: Options include leather-appointed seating with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation functions.
- Advanced Safety Features: The Co-Pilot360 suite encompasses adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system with a dedicated off-road view.
Automotive journalist Vikram Patel comments, “The technology gap between the Everest and Fortuner will be immediately apparent. Ford has effectively combined the ruggedness expected in this segment with technology more commonly found in luxury European SUVs.”
Market Positioning
Strategically priced, the 2025 Ford Everest aims to offer exceptional value:
- Competitive Pricing: While exact figures are yet to be announced, sources suggest the Everest may undercut the Fortuner by 5-7%, offering more standard features.
- Comprehensive Warranty: An industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty underscores Ford’s confidence in the Everest’s long-term reliability.
Launch Timeline
Enthusiasts can anticipate the arrival of the 2025 Ford Everest in showrooms by late Q3 2025, with pre-orders commencing two months prior. Dealerships are preparing dedicated display areas to facilitate direct comparisons between the Everest and its competitors.
Rajiv Sharma emphasizes, “We’re not shying away from comparisons. In fact, we welcome them. This Everest was built to win those comparisons, and we’re confident customers who test both vehicles will recognize the difference.”
As the launch approaches, the automotive industry eagerly awaits to see if the 2025 Ford Everest will redefine the premium SUV landscape and challenge the Toyota Fortuner’s dominance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Everest is poised to disrupt the premium SUV market, directly challenging the long-reigning Toyota Fortuner with superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced off-road capabilities. Ford has meticulously addressed the gaps in the segment by offering a refined driving experience, a feature-rich interior, and a powerful yet efficient engine lineup.
With its advanced 4WD system, segment-leading safety features, and premium comfort, the Everest presents a compelling alternative for SUV buyers who seek both adventure and luxury. Its anticipated competitive pricing and extended warranty further strengthen its value proposition against the Fortuner.
As the launch date approaches, the Everest is shaping up to be a serious contender, capable of redefining expectations in the premium SUV segment. Whether it will dethrone the Fortuner remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Ford is ready for the challenge.
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
