Image: Fanie van Niekerk
The Ford Everest Platinum is a beast of an SUV. It’s the kind of vehicle that can still double as a school runabout or the mode of choice for a weekend getaway. Only now, it wears a well-tailored suit and a leather belt with a fancy buckle.
There’s no getting around the fact that the Everest Platinum is big. Thanks to its bold front-end with C-clamp LED headlamps, a wide grille, and very prominent stance, it lets you know this is not just another mall crawler. But the real story begins when you step inside. Ford has gone to great lengths to make the third-generation Everest’s cabin feel like a proper lounge on wheels, with items such as ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, wireless charging, and ventilated seats.
The 12-inch portrait touchscreen is a big win. It’s massive, yes, but it makes everything from navigation to the 360-degree camera system feel like a win, thanks, in part, to its bright display. That camera system deserves some credit, too, by the way. For a vehicle this size, having eyes all around really helps – especially when you’re trying to fit into tight parking spaces. Plus, the SYNC 4A system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is easy to use.
As far as practicality goes, the Everest doesn’t disappoint. Storage space is generous, and thoughtful touches like pop-out cupholders and multiple USB-C ports across all three rows make life easier. The “apple catcher” – a small lip at the rear to stop things rolling out when you open the boot – is the kind of detail that shows Ford has done its bit to make the Everest Platinum as user-friendly as possible.
V6 Diesel
Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. But if numbers aren’t your thing, just know that it feels like it could tow a tractor if you asked nicely. The 10-speed automatic gearbox does a good job of keeping things smooth, though at times you might sense it working through the gears a bit more than expected. However, you’d have to be dialled in to really notice it. Under normal conditions, the engine/gearbox combination is a peach.
Speaking of towing, if you’re an avid hooker, the Everest Platinum can pull up to 3 500kg (braked), which is more than enough for most trailers, boats, or even a decent-sized off-road caravan. Features like the trailer connection checklist and rear camera guides make it beginner-friendly as these things can be. Plus, there’s a 400-Watt inverter onboard for when you need to charge your laptop or run a mini fridge on road trips.
Permanent all-wheel drive is standard on the Platinum, and the drive modes – Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand – make driving in most conditions a breeze. An unplanned excursion on Atlantis Dunes proved that the Everest Platinum can hold its own – despite the tyres. More on this in a moment…
A Notice Or Two
Now, let’s get real about two things that stood out for me.
First, the third-row seat controls. Yes, you can flatten or erect them at the press of a button, but you have to open the boot to do so. A little button on the dashboard or even near the C-pillars would’ve saved some walking around the van. It’s a minor gripe, but it’s unlikely to unsettle you if getting your steps in is part of your daily routine.
Secondly, the 21-inch wheels. They look fantastic and offer a supple ride on tar. But take them onto gravel or anything with a bit of attitude, and you start to feel every bump a little more than you’d like. Plus, it’s a cringe-inducing experience as you fear causing the slightest bit of damage on those beautiful tims. For those of us with occasional off-road ambitions – like the unplanned, subtly forced adventure on Atlantis Dunes – the optional 18-inch wheels make more sense. A bit more sidewall goes a long way on suspicious surfaces.
In Summary
If you’re after a family SUV that can genuinely go off-road without making you feel like you’ve compromised on luxury, then the Everest Platinum is an easy recommendation. It’s plush, powerful, packed with tech, and built for the kind of road conditions that we South Africans know all too well. Is it perfect? Not quite. But it’s close enough that you’ll likely forgive the minor oversights.
Price: R1 309 000
