BIMS 2023: More rugged Ford Everest Wildtrak makes ASEAN debut in Thailand
The current generation Ford Everest has been quite the success ever since it was launched locally in July last year. Way before that, there were several rumors about a Wildtrak version to come which was eventually revealed in New Zealand. Now it’s even closer to us as it just made its ASEAN debut at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show.
The Ford Everest Wildtrak is a more adventure-focused variant of the popular SUV and is set to reach their showrooms by July 2023. Will it come to the Philippines? We don’t know but here’s everything you need to know.
The Wildtrak has always been known as one of the higher and more rugged variants of the Ranger pickup truck which the Everest is based on. The Everest Wildtrak follows the same direction with its more rugged and sporty appointments inside and out.
On the outside, the Everest Wildtrak pretty much gets the Ranger Wildtrak’s front fascia. The signature C-clamp LED headlights and DRLs are there, matched with a large front mesh grille with an X-shaped bumper and W-I-L-D-T-R-A-K lettering on the hood. The side then features gray wheel arches, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and gray side mirror caps. Wildtrak badging can also be found on the doors and tailgate.
Luxe Yellow is also now an exterior color option. This signature Wildtrak color option was previously an exclusive option for the Ranger Wildtrak and can now be had with the Everest Wildtrak.
Inside, the cabin remains similar but with leather+suede combination seat materials with the Wildtrak name embossed onto it, and orange stitching on the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels. Features include an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC 4A operating system.
Under the hood of the Ford Everest Wildtrak in Thailand is the familiar 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder Bi-Turbo Diesel powertrain that produces 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, that is shared with the Everest Titanium+ 4×4 and Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 here in the Philippines.
It can also be had with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that produces 250 horsepower and a whopping 600 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful model available in the segment. This is also paired to a 10-speed SelectShift transmission.
Now we don’t know if Ford Philippines has plans to introduce the Everest Wildtrak in the market. We do think a more rugged and off-road oriented Everest will work out especially with the popularity of overlanding, off-roading, and other outdoor activities in the country.
