2024 Ford Everest Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4×4
There’s something special about hitting the open road for a weekend escape. When that journey involves piloting and riding the latest Ford Everest, it becomes an adventure in comfort and capability. I recently had the chance to take the 2024 Ford Everest Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4×4 AT on a quick trip to San Juan, La Union, and it left quite an impression.
As someone whose family previously owned a 2015 Everest, I was eager to experience how far Ford has pushed the envelope with this new generation. Spoiler alert: the improvements are substantial across the board, including riding comfort, which was less liked feature of the generation we had almost a decade ago.
Specs at a Glance
Before diving into the driving experience, let’s run through some key specs of this top-tier Everest:
- Engine: 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (210 PS, 500 Nm torque)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4×4 with electronic rear locking differential
- Wheels: 20-inch alloys with 255/55 R20 tires
- Price: ₱2,540,000
Powertrain: Smooth Operator
The heart of this Everest is its 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine, and it’s a gem. With 210 PS and a meaty 500 Nm of torque available from just 1,750 rpm, there’s always ample power on tap. Paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is smooth and effortless whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city traffic.
What impressed me most (and even our driver, Kuya Efren) was the refinement. Diesel clatter is well suppressed, and there’s minimal vibration making its way into the cabin. It’s a far cry from the more agricultural feel of older diesel SUVs. The abundance of gears means the engine is always in its sweet spot, contributing to both performance and efficiency.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Capability
The Everest’s body-on-frame construction might lead you to expect a truck-like ride, but Ford has done an admirable job of tuning the suspension for comfort. The ride is composed and well-damped, soaking up road imperfections with ease. It’s not quite car-like in its softness, but it strikes a good balance between comfort and the ruggedness expected of a proper SUV.
Handling is predictable and secure, with well-weighted steering that offers decent feedback. Coming from a Toyota Fortuner, the Ford Everest’s body roll is present but controlled, reminding you of the its substantial size and height. The 4×4 system provides excellent traction, and while we didn’t tackle any serious off-road terrain on this trip, it’s reassuring to know the capability is there when needed.
Rolling in Style: Wheels and Exterior
The 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/55 R20 tires not only look great but also contribute to the Everest’s commanding presence. They fill out the wheel arches nicely without compromising ride quality too severely. The Snowflake White Pearl paint on our test vehicle gave it a premium look, accentuating the Everest’s chiseled lines and bold front grille.
Exterior highlights include matrix LED headlights with adaptive functions, LED daytime running lights with that distinctive C-clamp shape, and a power liftgate for easy cargo access. The panoramic moonroof is a standout feature, flooding the cabin with natural light and adding to the sense of spaciousness.
Interior: A Tech-Laden Oasis
Step inside the Everest, and you’re greeted by a thoroughly modern and well-appointed interior. The leather and synthetic leather seats are comfortable and supportive, with 8-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and customizable, while the 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen dominates the center stack.
Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 8-speaker audio system delivers clear sound, though audiophiles might wish for a more premium option. Thoughtful touches abound, like the wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, and even a 230V inverter in the rear console – perfect for keeping devices charged on long trips.
Climate control is handled by a dual-zone automatic system, with additional air vents for rear passengers. Ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication at night. Overall, the interior strikes a good balance between practicality and premium feel, though some hard plastics remain in less frequently touched areas.
Safety and Driver Assistance: A Hi-Tech Watchful Eye
Ford has loaded the Everest Titanium+ with an impressive array of safety and driver assistance features. The basics are well covered with seven airbags, ABS, stability control, and hill start assist. But it’s the advanced driver aids that really shine.
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane centering make highway drives a breeze. The pre-collision assist system with automatic emergency braking provides an extra layer of safety in unpredictable traffic. Blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert proved invaluable when changing lanes or backing out of parking spots.
One standout feature is the 360-degree camera system, which makes maneuvering this large SUV in tight spaces much easier. The Active Park Assist 2.0 can even handle parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers with minimal driver input – a party trick that never fails to impress.
The Drive to La Union: Comfort Meets Adventure
Our journey from Manila to San Juan, La Union, provided the perfect opportunity to experience the Everest’s long-distance comfort. The supportive seats and well-insulated cabin made the hours fly by. The adaptive cruise control handled the ebb and flow of highway traffic with ease, reducing driver fatigue.
When we hit some rougher provincial roads, the Everest’s suspension really showed its mettle. It absorbed bumps and potholes without fuss, maintaining composure and keeping passengers comfortable. The commanding driving position and excellent visibility inspired confidence, even on unfamiliar routes.
The Terrain Management System, while not strictly necessary for this particular trip, offers additional peace of mind. Modes for normal, eco, sport, slippery, mud/ruts, and sand ensure the Everest is ready for a variety of driving conditions.
A Worthy Flagship
The 2024 Ford Everest Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4×4 AT represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor. It successfully blends the ruggedness and capability expected of a proper SUV with the comfort, technology, and refinement modern buyers demand. At ₱2,540,000, it’s certainly an investment, but one that feels justified given the breadth of its abilities.
For families seeking a do-it-all vehicle that can handle the daily grind, weekend adventures, and everything in between, the new Everest makes a compelling case. It’s not just a means of transportation; it’s a companion that enhances the journey, whether you’re battling city traffic or escaping to the coast.
While it may not be the last word in driving dynamics or outright luxury, the Everest strikes an impressive balance. It’s a thoroughly modern take on the midsize SUV formula, one that should keep Ford competitive in this hotly contested segment for years to come.
So, Ford – what would you send for us to try out next time? A Ford Explorer, maybe?
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
