2018 Ford Everest 2.0L Titanium AWD AT Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment 7-seater SUV market, family users have always had a strong demand for practical space, off-road capability, and safety features. The Ford Everest, as a popular choice in this segment, has consistently drawn the attention of users with large space needs through its 2018 2.0L Titanium AWD AT variant. Equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine, full-time four-wheel drive system, and rich intelligent configurations, it is a notable contender in the market. This time, we conducted a one-week in-depth test of the vehicle to verify whether its performance meets the dual demands of daily commuting and light off-road driving, as well as to examine whether its 7-seater layout is truly suitable for families.

At first glance, the 2018 Everest Titanium has an overall design that leans towards a rugged SUV style, without excessive flashy elements. However, its detailed touches make it stand out in its class. The front face adopts a large trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, connected to the xenon headlights (with LED daytime running lights) on both sides, giving it a steady and majestic appearance. The side profile of the car features straight lines, with a waistline stretching from the fenders to the rear, enhancing its muscular stance. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 265/50 R20 tires not only improve the ground clearance (225mm) but also accentuate its off-road character. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged LED tail lights echoing the front headlights. The rear bumper integrates a silver guard plate, while the roof spoiler adds a sporty touch.

Upon entering the interior, the cabin features a predominantly black color scheme. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with silver trim and piano black panels, delivering a texture that matches the D-Segment positioning. The 8-inch central touchscreen is located at the top of the center console and supports the SYNC 3 system. It operates smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for convenient daily use. The instrument cluster includes a 4-inch dual TFT LCD display that shows vehicle information such as fuel consumption and tire pressure, and the readings are clear. In terms of features, the front seats support 6-way electric adjustment, with lumbar support for the driver’s seat, making long drives less tiring. The second-row seats support a 60:40 split-folding, while the third-row seats offer a 50:50 split-folding functionality. When folded, the trunk space can be expanded from 450 liters to 1050 liters, meeting the needs of family outings or transporting large items. Additionally, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear independent air conditioning, keyless entry/start, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard features, offering strong practicality.

In terms of space performance, the 2850mm wheelbase provides ample passenger room. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row has approximately a fist and two fingers of headroom. With the front seats kept in the same position, rear row passengers have about a fist of headroom and two fists of legroom, ensuring comfort even for three people. The third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips. While headroom is slightly constrained, legroom is adequate. As for storage space, the front and rear door storage slots can each hold two bottles of mineral water, the center armrest box offers generous volume for items like a phone or wallet, and both the second and third rows are equipped with cup holders to meet the needs of multiple occupants.

In terms of power, the 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine has a maximum output of 213PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth during acceleration, with a noticeable turbo intervention upon stepping hard on the accelerator. Torque bursts provide a strong sense of thrust, and there is ample power reserve for overtaking. Gear shifts are smooth, without almost any sense of jerking. The driving modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, and 4WD Lock modes. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly slower, making it suitable for daily commutes. In Sport mode, gear shifts are delayed, engine speed is maintained above 2000rpm, and power delivery becomes more aggressive, ideal for highway driving or climbing slopes.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable. The combination of a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear non-independent leaf spring suspension ensures off-road performance while balancing on-road comfort. During daily driving, the suspension effectively absorbs minor road bumps, and the body shows little oscillation when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers don't experience significant jolts. The steering system uses electric power assistance, and the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. At high speeds, the steering wheel feels steady, inspiring confidence. The four-wheel-drive (4WD) system is a full-time 4WD, combined with the TMS terrain management system, allowing the selection of modes for different road conditions. It performs steadily during light off-road scenarios, such as muddy roads or steep slopes.

In terms of fuel consumption, the combined fuel consumption is about 8.5L per 100km, with highway driving dropping as low as 7.2L. The fuel economy of the diesel engine is outstanding among SUVs in the same class. For braking performance, the front ventilated disc and rear disc brakes equipped with ABS and ESC systems provide responsive braking. During emergency braking, the body remains stable, and the braking distance is relatively short.

In terms of driving comfort, the interior sound insulation is quite good. Wind and road noise are controlled within acceptable ranges during highway driving, and the diesel engine noise is slightly noticeable at idle but almost inaudible while driving. The seats are moderately cushioned and soft, making them comfortable for long-duration rides without causing fatigue. Additionally, the electric sunroof can be partially opened to increase interior lighting and ventilation, enhancing the overall riding experience.

For safety features, 7 airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, knee airbag), ABS, ESC, traction control, hill-start assist, hill descent control, lane-change assist, forward collision warning, and other features come as standard, reflecting excellent safety performance.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2018 Ford Everest 2.0L Titanium AWD AT are its strong diesel power, excellent off-road performance, spacious 7-seater capacity, and comprehensive safety features. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Everest has an advantage in power parameters and technological features, while offering a relatively affordable price (RM 268,888), making it highly cost-effective.

This vehicle is suitable for family users who value practicality, occasionally go off-road, or go on long-distance trips, especially for consumers who require 7 seats. It is fuel-efficient for daily commutes, spacious for family trips, and reliable for light off-roading. Overall, it delivers a well-rounded performance. If you are looking for a 7-seater SUV that balances family use and off-road capability, the 2018 Ford Everest 2.0L Titanium AWD AT is worth considering.