Ford Everest coming soon for open challenge to Fortuner

Ford Everest : The premium SUV landscape is about to witness a fierce battle as Ford prepares to launch the all-new Everest, directly targeting Toyota’s long-standing champion, the Fortuner.

Industry insiders reveal that Ford has engineered the upcoming Everest as a no-compromise challenger designed specifically to dethrone the segment leader.

Ford Everest A Strategic Comeback

After stepping back from certain markets, Ford’s decision to introduce the next-generation Everest signals a strategic pivot.

The American automaker has identified the premium ladder-frame SUV segment as a key battleground worth contesting, particularly as consumer preference for rugged yet luxurious vehicles continues to grow.

“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.

“We’ve studied what makes the Fortuner successful and built something that exceeds those benchmarks in every measurable way.”

Ford Everest Powertrain Options That Mean Business

Under the hood, the 2025 Everest will offer two compelling powertrains.

The headline option is a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine producing 213 horsepower and an impressive 500 Nm of torque—figures that surpass the Fortuner’s output by a significant margin.

This engine comes paired with Ford’s latest 10-speed automatic transmission, promising smoother shifts and better fuel economy than competitors.

For markets with different preferences, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine delivering 300 horsepower will also be available, catering to drivers who prefer responsiveness over diesel economy.

Industry analyst Priya Menon notes, “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.”

Ford Everest Capability Beyond the Pavement

Ford engineers have reportedly spent thousands of hours testing the new Everest in extreme conditions across multiple continents.

The vehicle features an advanced four-wheel-drive system with an electronic locking rear differential and selectable drive modes optimized for different terrains.

Ground clearance stands at an impressive 256mm—11mm more than the Fortuner—while the water wading capability reaches 800mm.

The approach and departure angles have also been improved to make the Everest more capable in challenging off-road scenarios.

A Ford test driver who requested anonymity 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.”

Ford Everest Technology and Comfort Leap Forward

Inside, the Everest aims to redefine expectations with a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4A system.

The interior features premium materials throughout, with options including leather-appointed seating with 10-way power adjustment and heating/ventilation functions.

Safety technology receives a significant upgrade with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system that includes a dedicated off-road view.

“The technology gap between the Everest and Fortuner will be immediately apparent,” comments automotive journalist Vikram Patel.

“Ford has effectively combined the ruggedness expected in this segment with technology more commonly found in luxury European SUVs.”

Ford Everest Market Positioning

Ford has carefully positioned the new Everest in a way that challenges the Fortuner’s value proposition.

While exact pricing remains unannounced, sources suggest the vehicle will be priced competitively, potentially undercutting the Toyota by 5-7% while offering more standard features.

The Everest will launch with an industry-leading 7-year/200,000 km warranty, directly addressing concerns about long-term reliability—an area where Toyota traditionally excels.

Ford Everest Launch Timeline

The new Ford Everest is expected to arrive in showrooms by late Q3 2025, with pre-orders beginning two months earlier.

Ford dealerships are already preparing dedicated display areas where potential customers can compare the Everest directly against the Fortuner.

“We’re not shying away from comparisons,” says Sharma. “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.”

For Toyota, which has enjoyed relatively unchallenged success with the Fortuner, the arrival of this thoroughly reimagined Everest represents the most serious competition the model has faced in years—and a genuine threat to its market leadership.

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