Less fame and less Fortuner
Tristan Wiggill
2010-03-15
Of all the names Ford could’ve chosen for its Toyota Fortuner competitor, Everest is perhaps the most fitting.
After all, the American company has a mountain to climb as it tries to compete against an SUV that enjoys a vice-like grip on the segment. In fact, so tight is Toyota’s grip, we might as well refer to it as the Fortuner segment.
Ford’s ascent will also have to be tackled without oxygen because, having spent a week or so with the Everest in 4x2 XLT guise, I have to say the two are like chalk and cheese.
So, which one is the cheese? Well, it’s not the Ford…
You see, while both vehicles are heavily based on bakkies (Fortuner on Hilux and Everest on Ranger); the Toyota actually drives like an SUV, whereas the Ford drives like a “regte” bakkie.
As one passenger succinctly put it, “it’s less like a luxury SUV and more like a triple-cab!” Indeed.
The Fortuner on the other hand has the road manners and refinement of a passenger car and its interior is much plusher than the Everest’s. The Everest’s “walking stick” type handbrake, which on occasion bashed my left knee on entry, merely reinforces its bakkie-ness.
But by far the biggest problem facing the Everest is its agricultural, Ranger-derived chassis. As I’ve mentioned before, the test unit was two-wheel drive (4X4 versions are also available). Under hard acceleration and during spirited cornering, the rear wheels squeal like pigs to the slaughter.
In an unladen, single-cab bakkie this might be okay, but it’s not in a R331 490 family car, touted as a luxury Sports Utility Vehicle.
In the wet, things get downright dangerous as the rear steps out with consummate ease. It’s a bit like a twisted family man’s seven-seat drift machine, complete with Limited Slip Diff!
Now, in the hands of motoring scribes and those schooled in rear-wheel drive antics, this might prove amusing. But in the hands of a novice, it might be a one-way ticket to the big house in the sky. Thankfully, Everest has several redeeming features. Firstly, its 3.0 litre direct injection diesel engine is an absolute gem and makes mincemeat of Toyota’s D4D equivalent. It has - dare I say it - mountains of torque…
Secondly, it’s a fair whack cheaper than the Fortuner (around R28 000) with a similar specification level (including light-coloured leather seats that are equally prone to scuff marks).
Thirdly, indications are the Everest is an easy match for the Fortuner where off-road ability and performance is concerned. And fourthly, it benefits from a better warranty. Looks though, are another story entirely - the Fortuner is easily the better-looking of the two.
The Everest’s unique tailgate door swings open sideways and not up like the Fortuner’s. This is said to provide easier access to the rear seat and luggage, but I found it more of a hassle than anything else.
All things considered, I think it’s best to avoid the 4x2 Everest altogether. And, while I’m confident 4x4 versions are better, the Fortuner is in a league of its own.
