Ford Everest XLT a worthy competitor for the Toyota Fortuner

Ford and Toyota have been locked in a battle for sales supremacy with their Ranger and Hilux bakkies for as long as I can remember. Yet, when it comes to the SUV battle, it has been a bit one-sided in favour of the Toyota Fortuner. But the Ford Everest is still the only offering that comes close to getting up in the morning to go play with the Fortuner.

I know there is no way a Toyota person will give up their Fortuner for a Ford Everest. Even though the Fortuner is now rather dated and underpowered when compared to the newer, better-specced Everest.

But I think even Ford has made peace with this. Their goal being to bring a competent, modern SUV to those who want something else.

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Not so entry level

For The Citizen Motoring, that meant spending a week with an entry-level XLT-spec Ford Everest, but there is nothing entry-level about the spec on offer with this full size seven-seater SUV.

Styling on the XLT is all about chrome to go with privacy glass for the rear windows. And the must-have high-tech full LED treatment for the daytime running lights, headlamps, fog lights and rear clusters, as found on the high-spec models.

Inside you get partial leather seat trim for all seven seats along with eight-way power adjustment for the front seats. Plus smart keyless entry, powered tailgate and eight-inch digital instrument cluster. The 12-inch colour touchscreen features the SYNC 4A infotainment system and SYNC off-road screen, as is found on the 4×4 model.

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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the wireless charging pad, are standard. Along with numerous USB-A/C ports and 12v sockets for the front and third-row seats, and the load compartment.

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Plenty of power

The Ford Ranger XLT gets the punchy 154 kW/500 Nm, 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, that runs through a 10-speed auto box.

Our 4×4 model used a part-time electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system, which includes 2H, 4H and 4L modes. Plus a rear differential lock as standard for tricky off-road conditions.

I didn’t spend time off road, and even though I know it can go anywhere a Toyota Fortuner can go, I was left wondering how many people will be out in the middle of Africa hunting for Toyota owners in their slick new Everest XLT.

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Ford Everest XLT shines

I know I wouldn’t, as my needs are more on road. Here the XLT excelled in terms of ride quality and performance.

Any way you look at it, priced at R913 400 for the XLT 4×4, Ford’s Everest is a worthy competitor to Toyota’s Fortuner.

This price includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 165 000km.