The Ford Everest, a rugged and capable SUV based on the Ford Ranger platform, has carved a niche for itself as a versatile vehicle suitable for both family duties and off-road adventures. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, influencing reliability, features, and overall value. This guide will delve into the best Ford Everest years to consider and which ones to potentially avoid, helping you make an informed decision.
Ford Everest Model Year Comparison
| Model Year | Notable Strengths | Potential Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2006 (First Generation) | Affordable entry point, simple mechanics (relatively), decent off-road capability, readily available parts. | Outdated interior and technology, less fuel-efficient engines, potential for rust in older models, safety features limited compared to newer models. |
| 2007-2015 (First Generation Facelift) | Improved interior compared to earlier models, availability of more powerful engines, upgraded safety features (depending on trim), slightly more refined ride. | Still lacks modern technology found in newer SUVs, fuel economy can still be an issue, potential for common rail diesel injector issues in some models, rust can still be a concern. |
| 2015-2022 (Second Generation) | Significant improvements in ride quality, handling, and interior comfort, more advanced technology features (SYNC infotainment system), improved safety features, more fuel-efficient engine options, more sophisticated 4x4 system. | Early models (2015-2016) reported some teething problems with the SYNC system and transmission, potential for turbocharger issues in some diesel engines, some owners reported concerns about the electronic stability control system in off-road situations. |
| 2022-Present (Third Generation) | Completely redesigned with a more modern and sophisticated look, improved interior space and comfort, advanced technology features (SYNC 4A infotainment system), powerful engine options, enhanced safety features, refined driving dynamics, more capable off-road performance. | Higher price point compared to previous generations, potential for early adoption issues with new technology, long-term reliability still to be fully established, some reviews mention a slightly firmer ride compared to some competitors. |
Detailed Explanations
2003-2006 (First Generation): These models represent the entry-level Everest and are ideal for buyers seeking a budget-friendly SUV. They offer a relatively simple mechanical design, making them easier and more affordable to maintain. Their off-road capability is decent, but the interior and technology are outdated. Rust can be a concern, especially in older models, and safety features are limited compared to newer vehicles.
2007-2015 (First Generation Facelift): This facelifted version brought improvements to the interior and offered more powerful engine options. Safety features were also upgraded, depending on the trim level. However, these models still lack the modern technology of newer SUVs, and fuel economy remains a potential issue. Common rail diesel injector issues have been reported in some models, and rust can still be a concern.
2015-2022 (Second Generation): This generation marked a significant leap forward in terms of ride quality, handling, and interior comfort. The introduction of the SYNC infotainment system and improved safety features were welcomed additions. Fuel-efficient engine options and a more sophisticated 4x4 system enhanced its appeal. However, early models (2015-2016) experienced some teething problems with the SYNC system and transmission. Potential turbocharger issues have also been reported in some diesel engines.
2022-Present (Third Generation): The latest generation Everest boasts a completely redesigned look, improved interior space and comfort, and advanced technology features like the SYNC 4A infotainment system. Powerful engine options, enhanced safety features, and refined driving dynamics contribute to a more capable and enjoyable driving experience. However, the higher price point and potential for early adoption issues with new technology should be considered. Some reviews also mention a slightly firmer ride compared to some competitors.
Affordable Entry Point: Refers to the initial purchase price of the vehicle. Older models typically have a lower purchase price, making them accessible to buyers with limited budgets.
Simple Mechanics (Relatively): Indicates that the vehicle's mechanical components are less complex compared to newer models. This can translate to easier and more affordable maintenance and repairs.
Decent Off-Road Capability: Suggests the vehicle is capable of handling moderate off-road terrain. This is often due to features like four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and robust suspension components.
Readily Available Parts: Means that replacement parts for the vehicle are easily accessible and often less expensive compared to parts for newer or less common vehicles.
Outdated Interior and Technology: Implies that the vehicle's interior design and technological features are not as modern or advanced as those found in newer vehicles. This can include features like infotainment systems, navigation systems, and driver-assistance technologies.
Less Fuel-Efficient Engines: Indicates that the vehicle's engines consume more fuel compared to newer, more fuel-efficient engines. This can result in higher running costs.
Potential for Rust in Older Models: Rust is a common problem in older vehicles, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. Rust can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and be costly to repair.
Safety Features Limited Compared to Newer Models: Older vehicles often lack the advanced safety features found in newer models, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Improved Interior Compared to Earlier Models: This suggests that the interior design, materials, and features are more modern and comfortable compared to previous generations.
Availability of More Powerful Engines: Indicates that the vehicle is available with engine options that produce more horsepower and torque compared to earlier models.
Upgraded Safety Features (Depending on Trim): Suggests that the vehicle offers improved safety features compared to earlier models, but these features may only be available on higher trim levels.
Slightly More Refined Ride: Implies that the vehicle's suspension and chassis have been improved to provide a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Still Lacks Modern Technology Found in Newer SUVs: Reinforces the point that even with improvements, the vehicle still lacks the advanced technological features found in newer SUVs.
Fuel Economy Can Still Be an Issue: Highlights that fuel consumption remains a potential drawback, even with engine improvements.
Potential for Common Rail Diesel Injector Issues in Some Models: Common rail diesel injectors are a critical component of diesel engines, and problems with these injectors can lead to poor engine performance and costly repairs.
Significant Improvements in Ride Quality, Handling, and Interior Comfort: Emphasizes the substantial improvements made in these areas compared to previous generations.
More Advanced Technology Features (SYNC Infotainment System): Highlights the inclusion of the SYNC infotainment system, which offers features like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration.
Improved Safety Features: Indicates that the vehicle offers a wider range of safety features compared to previous generations, such as advanced driver-assistance systems.
More Fuel-Efficient Engine Options: Suggests that the vehicle is available with engine options that consume less fuel compared to earlier models.
More Sophisticated 4x4 System: Implies that the vehicle's four-wheel drive system is more advanced and capable compared to previous generations, offering improved traction and off-road performance.
Early Models (2015-2016) Reported Some Teething Problems with the SYNC System and Transmission: Highlights that early production models experienced some initial issues with the SYNC infotainment system and the transmission.
Potential for Turbocharger Issues in Some Diesel Engines: Turbochargers are a common component of modern diesel engines, and problems with these turbochargers can lead to reduced engine performance and costly repairs.
Some Owners Reported Concerns About the Electronic Stability Control System in Off-Road Situations: Indicates that some owners have reported issues with the electronic stability control system in off-road situations, potentially affecting the vehicle's handling and stability.
Completely Redesigned with a More Modern and Sophisticated Look: Emphasizes the significant changes made to the vehicle's exterior design.
Improved Interior Space and Comfort: Suggests that the interior has been redesigned to provide more space and comfort for passengers.
Advanced Technology Features (SYNC 4A Infotainment System): Highlights the inclusion of the SYNC 4A infotainment system, which offers a more advanced and user-friendly interface compared to previous versions.
Powerful Engine Options: Indicates that the vehicle is available with engine options that produce more horsepower and torque compared to previous generations.
Enhanced Safety Features: Suggests that the vehicle offers a wider range of safety features compared to previous generations, including advanced driver-assistance systems.
Refined Driving Dynamics: Implies that the vehicle's handling, steering, and suspension have been improved to provide a more enjoyable driving experience.
More Capable Off-Road Performance: Indicates that the vehicle is more capable of handling off-road terrain compared to previous generations.
Higher Price Point Compared to Previous Generations: Highlights that the latest generation of the vehicle is more expensive compared to previous generations.
Potential for Early Adoption Issues with New Technology: Suggests that new technology features may be prone to initial issues or bugs.
Long-Term Reliability Still to Be Fully Established: Indicates that the long-term reliability of the latest generation of the vehicle is still uncertain due to its relatively recent release.
Some Reviews Mention a Slightly Firmer Ride Compared to Some Competitors: Highlights that some reviewers have noted that the vehicle's ride is slightly firmer compared to some of its competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Everest year is the most reliable? While long-term reliability data is still emerging for the latest generation, the 2017-2022 models are generally considered reliable, avoiding the early teething problems of the 2015-2016 versions.
Are Ford Everest diesel engines prone to issues? Some diesel engines, particularly in the second generation, have been known to experience turbocharger and common rail injector issues, so proper maintenance is crucial.
Is the SYNC infotainment system in the Everest easy to use? The SYNC system has evolved significantly over the years. Later versions (SYNC 3 and SYNC 4A) are generally considered more user-friendly and feature-rich than earlier iterations.
How is the Everest's off-road capability? The Everest is known for its decent off-road capabilities, especially in models equipped with the four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking rear differential.
What are the running costs like for a Ford Everest? Running costs can vary depending on the model year, engine type, and driving style. Fuel economy, maintenance, and insurance costs should all be considered.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Ford Everest year depends on your individual needs and budget. The 2017-2022 models offer a good balance of features, reliability, and value, while the latest generation provides cutting-edge technology and improved performance. Thorough research and a pre-purchase inspection are always recommended to ensure you make the right decision.