The Ford Everest is undoubtedly one of the reasons the brand succeeds in the Philippines. It has become a favorite PPV/SUV for those who seek the rugged, dependable nature of a Ford, coupled with more refinement, plushness, and technology.
As the years have gone by, though, the competition has tried to take some share back from the Everest by introducing some limited edition or special edition models. The Everest is fighting back with the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition.
Ford Everest Sport Special Edition Exterior
What truly sets the Everest Sport Special Edition apart are the exterior enhancements, which take the already established ques from the current Sport variant, and turn them up a notch. It features a black roof and spoiler (decal wrapped), 20” black alloy wheels with striking red inserts, and bold “Everest” hood lettering to boot.
Furthermore, it comes in 2 colors: Aluminum Metallic and Snowflake White Pearl. In all honesty, I always felt the Everest looked good; it isn’t handsome or striking, few can say that about any PPV/SUV, but it comes off as brutish class, a touch of sophistication to an otherwise rugged segment.
Now, in the guise of the Everest Sport Special Edition, it takes the level more towards sportiness and dynamism. I think they did just enough to distinguish it from the normal Sport and the rest of the Everest lineup, without going overboard.
Interior
The Interior is still the all-familiar place that the Everest has always had. It is predominantly black, which at first might seem like a drawback, but when you closely inspect each panel, it is the typical Ford quality people love.
The materials used feel premium and solid; even the harder plastics don’t feel out of place. I always say that people who prioritize interior quality should look at the Everest as a top choice in the segment, and that still holds true to this day in the Everest Sport Special Edition.
Since this is the Sport, it comes with enough features to justify the rather steep pricing. It comes with the now-famous tablet-sized touch screen infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it also comes with a wireless charging pad and a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports for variety and choice.
Space is obviously still plentiful for the segment, and the 7-seater configuration is one of the most comfortable, even with my height.
Performance and Safety
The Ford Everest Sport Special Edition is based on the regular 4×2 Sport, which is powered by the familiar and capable 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine with a max torque of 405Nm and power of up to 170 PS mated to a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission driving the rear wheels.
Safety comes in the form of Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control System, Hill Launch Assist & Roll Over Mitigation, 7 airbags, and an adjustable speed limiter.
Driving Impressions
I’m reminded every time I drive the Everest just how much smoother and refined it is compared to its main competitors. Ford has done an amazing job at making it the easiest to drive in the city, which is a huge plus because the Everest is huge.
I appreciate how light the steering is, how big the side mirrors are, and especially how clear and crisp the rear camera is. I honestly never have a hard time parking the Everest, and it’s easy to back into slots without annoying other people by taking too long.
Another plus the Everest has is the refinement of the engine, yes, it’s still a diesel, it still has the ruggedness, but in normal moving traffic, it barely vibrates the vehicle, and sounds smooth under acceleration. The transmission is also smooth, barely registering the shifts; the only noticeable signs are the dips and highs of the engine revs.
While it may not be the top-end, powerful motor, the Everest is really no slouch. I’ve always said this powertrain combination is peppy, giving a very athletic driving experience. Even in this single turbo version, you will not want or need more in terms of power.
Points for improvement
Considering how well put together and smooth most of the driving experience is for the Everest, one would expect the ride to also be smooth. Unfortunately, one of my main issues is the ride comfort. I just wish there were a way Ford could tweak it and make it less stiff. It seems the Everest, even in a 4×2 configuration, rides quite tough.
Price and Verdict
Coming in at (a rather steep) PHP 2,194,000, the Ford Everest Sport Special Edition wows with looks but not much more. However, if you are in the market for a vehicle in this class then you’d be hard-pressed to actually find any reason not to get this.
Having mentioned that the Everest is a top seller for the brand, wouldn’t it be nice to stand out and be different in a sea of Ford Everests? A little individuality never hurts, and retaining the core competencies of what makes the Everest great keeps this version an attractive proposition.
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