By Mabuyane Mabuza
Geography was one of my favourite subjects back in primary school. I was fascinated by the mighty rivers and mountains. My young mind travelled to places only the rich and favoured could. Each lesson felt like a passport to an exotic destination. Geography became my escape, my happy place. It was around that time I first heard about Mount Everest. The more I learned, the more intrigued I became. Soon, I was completely hooked on Everest and the Mississippi River too (but that’s a story for another day). By the time I reached my late teens, I genuinely believed I would climb Everest one day.
Let’s just say the dream has come true. I may have never set foot in Nepal, but I’ve “climbed” Everest more than once, and each time has been better than the last. Of course, I’m talking about the Everest on wheels.
The Ford Everest just keeps getting better. From the early days of the first
generation, it was always mechanically solid, though not exactly the best-looking SUV on the block. Fast forward to now, and the Everest has found its stride, recently winning the Adventure Category in the 2024 South African Car of the Year competition. Our test model was the Everest Sport in crisp white which is well suited to the vehicle.
Borrowed farm hand
The Everest Sport truly shines when it comes to practicality, especially for farm life. Honestly, I was not surprised by just how versatile it turned out to be. Its spacious cabin seats up to seven people with ease, whether you are off on a family trip or moving farm workers. The generous cargo area handles tools, feed and supplies effortlessly. Plus, the 60/40 split rear seats mean you can adapt the space depending on the task at hand — a real bonus on those busy, unpredictable farm days.
When it comes to utility, the Everest Sport is built to make life easier on the farm. Although not a new feature but the free tailgate is always appreciated when your hands are full. Its impressive towing capacity means you can pull trailers or carry heavy loads with confidence, which is a must for daily farm tasks. This SUV was designed with hard-working environments in mind.
Design and Features
Aesthetic appeal is not usually the first thing that comes to mind with utility vehicles, but the Everest Sport proves you can have both brains and beauty. With its bold front grille, clean lines and sharp LED headlamps, it stands out whether you are on the road or in the fields.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and well laid out, with quality materials that bring a sense of refinement. It is comfortable too, making long drives or rough country roads feel less of a chore.
The technological features of the Everest Sport undoubtedly enhance the user
experience. The advanced infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly,
featuring a responsive touchscreen interface with smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This connectivity means farmers can easily access navigation, communication, and even farming apps while on the go.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite takes the stress out of long drives and rough terrain. With features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring, it adds a reassuring layer of safety. Whether you’re navigating busy roads or venturing off the beaten track, the Everest Sport makes every journey feel easier and more controlled.
The Engine
One of the Everest Sport’s standout qualities is its strong diesel engine. It delivers impressive torque, which is ideal for towing heavy loads and handling the kind of rough terrain you often find on farms. Its fuel efficiency also means fewer trips to the pump—a real bonus when your days are packed with farm duties.
On and Off-Road Capabilities
The Everest Sport truly stands out for its impressive off-road capabilities. Equipped with an advanced four-wheel drive system, it tackles a range of challenging terrains with ease, from muddy fields to rocky trails and steep hills. Its adjustable terrain management system lets you switch between different driving modes, delivering the right performance whether you are cruising along the highway or xploring rugged backroads.
The Everest Sport is more than just a stylish SUV; it is a versatile and powerful
vehicle designed to meet the demands of farm life while providing all the modern comforts expected today. With its combination of user-friendly features, strong capabilities, and a smooth, comfortable ride, it is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to improve their farming operations or simply enjoy a reliable and good-looking personal vehicle.
Priced at R1 029 000, you get exceptional value for money. Add a tow bar, and you
have a true all-rounder ready to handle any task.
