2022 Ford Everest 2.0L Bi-turbo 4x4 10AT Trend Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's D-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Family users have higher demands for vehicle space practicality, configuration richness, and off-road capability. The 2022 Ford Everest 2.0L Bi-turbo 4x4 10AT Trend is a model launched to meet these needs. Its core selling points are the performance of its 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine, standard seven airbags and intelligent driving assistance across the series, as well as its all-round capabilities, combining urban comfort and mild off-road attributes. This test drive aims to verify whether its actual performance matches its positioning.

From the exterior, the overall lines of this Everest are rugged, maintaining the tough style of a body-on-frame design. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with sturdy chrome trim, offering high recognition; the headlights on both sides combine halogen and LED lights, with automatic headlights and daytime running lights as standard, ensuring practicality. The waistline on the side of the body extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 18-inch wheels and 255/65 R18 tires, balancing passability and visual harmony. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights echoing the front, along with rear fog lights and a high-mounted brake light, making the overall appearance meet the mainstream aesthetic of family users.

Stepping inside, the interior features a symmetrical layout, primarily using soft plastics and fabric materials, offering a decent sense of refinement. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, which is fairly smooth to operate. While it does not support many flashy features, basic functionalities such as Bluetooth, navigation, and multimedia controls are sufficient for daily use. The instrument panel is an 8-inch TFT digital display, clearly showing information like RPM, fuel consumption, and four-wheel-drive status. The HUD heads-up display allows the driver to check the speed at any time, reducing the need to divert attention. As for the configuration, the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment, and the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, offering flexible space adjustments for family outings. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning meets the temperature needs of both front and rear passengers, and rear air-conditioning vents are also included, maximizing overall practicality.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4914mm in length, 1923mm in width, 1841mm in height, and has a 2900mm wheelbase, which is above average in its class. The front row offers ample seating space, with a 180cm tall occupant having a fist's worth of headroom; the rear row provides two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring no crowding even when three people are seated at full capacity. Storage space is impressive, with a large central armrest compartment, door storage bins that can hold two bottles of water, and a trunk that offers sufficient regular capacity. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, making it suitable for long trips or transporting large items.

In the powertrain department, the 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum output of 210PS, with peak torque available at 1750-2000rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the response is quick when starting; the turbocharger kicks in around 1500rpm with ample low-end torque, making it easy to follow traffic in urban areas. During mid- to high-speed acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly, and when accelerating, stepping harder on the accelerator quickly downshifts for linear power delivery. At highway cruising speeds of 120km/h, the RPM hovers around 1800, maintaining a composed performance. Four driving modes are available: Normal, Eco, Sport, and 4x4 Low, with the instrument display showing the corresponding status during mode switching, meeting the needs of different scenarios.

In terms of handling and chassis, the steering wheel has moderate feedback, with reasonable dead zones. It is agile for city driving and stable during high-speed cruising. The non-load-bearing body paired with front double wishbone and rear solid axle suspension effectively absorbs bumps, especially when tackling speed bumps or uneven roads. The suspension quickly absorbs vibrations without feeling too rigid. When cornering, the body roll is controlled within normal levels for a rugged SUV, and it doesn't feel overly floaty. The four-wheel-drive system is adequate for light off-road conditions, such as muddy roads or gravel paths. Engaging the 4WD mode significantly improves traction, making it easy to get out of tricky situations.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 8.2L/100km. In real-world tests, urban traffic consumption is about 9.5L, while it’s approximately 7.8L on highways. Its overall performance meets expectations for a diesel SUV. Regarding noise control, the engine noise is slightly noticeable at idle, but when driving, wind and tire noise are well suppressed and do not affect conversations inside the cabin. The seat support is commendable, allowing for comfortable long-distance driving. Overall ride comfort ranks above average in its class.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2022 Ford Everest 2.0L Bi-turbo 4x4 10AT Trend lies in its versatility: its power is sufficient for daily use, space meets family needs, it has a wealth of features and ensures safety while also offering light off-road capabilities. Compared to its counterpart, the Toyota Fortuner, its twin-turbocharged engine delivers stronger power, advanced driving assistance features are more comprehensive, and its price is relatively more affordable. Compared to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, its transmission smoothness and cabin quietness are superior.

This vehicle is suitable for family users who value balanced performance, especially those who occasionally require light off-road capabilities or frequently take long trips with family members. It meets the needs of urban commuting with comfort and convenience, while also being well-suited for weekend outdoor adventures. It is a practical choice with "no obvious shortcomings." If you're looking for a D-Segment SUV that balances family needs with personal hobbies, the Everest is worth considering.