Ford’s beloved Everest range has expanded in 2024 with the introduction of a new Wildtrak variant, bringing the tough, stylish energy of the Wildtrak Ranger to the popular seven-seat SUV for the first time. Positioned between the Everest Sport V6 and the top-spec Platinum, the new Everest Wildtrak blends bold looks, rugged off-road ability, and everyday comfort into an appealing package.
But is it all style, or does it back up its tough appearance when the going gets rough? Let’s find out.
Wildtrak Pricing and Line-Up
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak is priced from $74,704 plus on-road costs. That slots it neatly between the Everest Sport and Platinum models, offering a high-end experience without quite reaching Platinum pricing levels.
The Wildtrak comes exclusively powered by Ford’s mighty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, producing 184kW and 600Nm. It’s matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission, driving a sophisticated dual-range four-wheel-drive system, including an on-demand “auto” 4WD mode for everyday use.
Buyers can opt for signature Luxe Yellow paint for an additional $700 or select from a range of other metallic or mica finishes, with solid Arctic White included as standard.
Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, all-terrain technology, and Wildtrak-specific styling upgrades inside and out.
Bold Wildtrak Styling
Visually, the Everest Wildtrak wears its new badge proudly. A unique front bumper with dark accent styling, Wildtrak lettering across the bonnet, black wheel arches, and tinted window trims give it an aggressive, purposeful stance.
Standard 20-inch matte black alloy wheels wearing highway tyres complete the look, although buyers can swap to 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres at no extra cost, ideal for serious off-road adventures.
Inside, the Wildtrak features Ebony leather seats with Cyber Orange contrast stitching, adding a pop of color. Comfort is high on the agenda too, with a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, ambient lighting, and leather highlights throughout the cabin.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
Inside, the Everest Wildtrak feels immediately spacious and welcoming. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, while soft-touch materials and quality finishes elevate the feel compared to its ute-based origins.
In terms of seating flexibility, the Everest excels. There’s abundant room in the second row, which slides and reclines to cater to passengers of all sizes. USB ports, rear climate controls, and soft-touch surfaces extend to rear passengers, adding to the Wildtrak’s premium vibe.
Third-row seating is more suited to kids, but access is easy thanks to the simple tumble-fold action of the second row. Boot space is also impressive, offering 259 litres behind the third row, 898 litres behind the second, and a cavernous 1823 litres with all rear seats folded flat.
There’s also a full-size spare wheel mounted underneath, a vital feature for adventurous owners.
Infotainment and Technology
The Wildtrak uses Ford’s excellent Sync 4 system displayed on a massive 12-inch portrait touchscreen. It’s crisp, intuitive, and packed with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a built-in sketchpad, and off-road displays.
An 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster supplements the main screen, showing detailed vehicle data, including four-wheel-drive status, fuel usage, and driving mode selections.
Connectivity is further enhanced by the FordPass app, allowing owners to remotely check vehicle data, schedule services, or even start the car remotely.
Safety and Ownership
The Ford Everest maintains a five-star ANCAP safety rating until December 2028, providing peace of mind for families.
The Wildtrak’s safety suite includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking (with intersection assist)
- Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring (with trailer coverage)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Nine airbags (including a centre airbag between front seats)
Ford backs the Everest Wildtrak with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Scheduled servicing costs have recently increased slightly to $379 per visit for the first four services, meaning around $1516 for five years of basic maintenance. Buyers who stick to Ford’s service network also gain access to up to seven years of roadside assistance.
Insurance premiums are competitive too, with quotes around $1450 per year for full comprehensive cover.
Driving Performance: On and Off-Road
On the highway, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel provides effortless grunt, surging ahead with 600Nm of torque from just 1750rpm. Overtaking is easy, and the Everest’s ride is impressively refined for a large SUV.
The 10-speed automatic does a decent job, though it can occasionally hunt for gears at suburban speeds. At higher speeds or when towing, the gearbox shines.
Off-road, the Wildtrak proves its worth. The full-time 4WD system, selectable low range, hill descent control, and rear locking differential make light work of mud, ruts, and steep hills. Even on slippery trails, the Wildtrak’s grip is excellent, especially if fitted with the optional all-terrain tyres.
Fuel economy is officially rated at 8.5L/100km, although real-world testing saw closer to 10.6L/100km during mixed driving, including freeway cruising and off-road excursions. Thanks to the 80-litre fuel tank, long-distance touring remains a strong suit.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak perfectly captures the spirit of the Wildtrak badge: rugged capability wrapped in everyday comfort and style. It offers a compelling mix of serious off-road skills, premium features, and practical family credentials, making it a standout choice for anyone wanting a do-it-all SUV.
For those who love the Wildtrak look and want a vehicle that can truly back it up, the Everest Wildtrak delivers in spades.