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Ford Everest 2024 review: Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD

The rear-wheel drive Ambiente is the most affordable Everest on the market.

Heavy duty 4x4 off-road wagons with rugged body-on-frame construction are enduringly popular in Australia, as they provide a practical and comfortable solution for many families needing weekday SUV practicality and weekend off-road/towing capability.

However, the reality is that many of these vehicles will never venture further from the bitumen than a gravel car park, so the extra weight, complexity and much higher price of a 4x4 drivetrain is often not needed.

A practical alternative is a 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) version, which offers the same rugged appearance and payload/tow ratings as a 4x4 but with a lighter kerb weight, simpler drivetrain and - above all - big savings in purchase price.

In this context, we recently spent a week aboard the entry-level rear-drive variant of Ford’s popular Everest range, to see how it compares to its four-wheel drive sibling in this urban role.

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Price and Features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10

Our test vehicle is the Everest Ambiente 4x2, which is available only with a 2.0-litre 'Bi-Turbo' diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission for a list price of $53,490.

In standard 'Arctic White' paint and five-seat configuration, this is the lowest-priced entry point to Everest ownership by a considerable margin, given it’s $5000 cheaper than the 4x4 Ambiente that occupies the next rung up the model ladder.

However, our example is fitted with the seven-seat option ($950), which adds a third row of seats with additional roof-mounted air vents to match.

There’s a big 10.1-inch colour touchscreen in the central dash. There’s a big 10.1-inch colour touchscreen in the central dash.

Ours is also fitted with Ford’s optional Towing Pack ($1700) comprising tow-bar, 12-pin plug and electronic trailer-brake controller. Together, these two options add $2650 to the price tag - yet that’s still cheaper than a standard 4x4 Ambiente.

So, the 4x2 is base camp for Everest climbers, but that doesn’t mean it misses out on desirable features. These include chunky 17-inch alloys and 255/70 R17 tyres with a full-size steel spare, full LED lighting including front fog lights and signature 'C-clamp' daytime running lights, black side-steps and black roof rails.

Features include chunky 17-inch alloys and 255/70 R17 tyres with a full-size steel spare. Features include chunky 17-inch alloys and 255/70 R17 tyres with a full-size steel spare.

The interior offers stylish patterned-fabric seating, eight-way manually-adjusted driver’s seat including lumbar support, height-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, electronic parking brake, 60/40-split rear seat with adjustable backrests, wireless phone-charging, three 12-volt power outlets and two front USB ports.

There’s also dual-zone climate control and an 8.0-inch configurable colour instrument display for the driver, plus a big 10.1-inch colour touchscreen in the central dash.

This controls multiple vehicle functions including the eight-speaker multimedia system, with connectivity that includes 'FordPass Connect' and Apple/Android devices.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10?

Being an entry-level model, the interior is relatively basic but still neat and functional. There’s no leather or flashy chrome to be found here, but there are satin-chrome highlights to provide visual contrast with the predominantly grey interior theme.

It’s easy to climb aboard thanks to assist-handles on the A and B pillars. The driver and front passenger have ample room and the second-row seat also feels spacious, even for tall people like me (186cm), thanks to ample headroom and the concave shape of the front seat backrests that contribute to welcome kneeroom.

Being an entry-level model, the interior is relatively basic but still neat and functional. Being an entry-level model, the interior is relatively basic but still neat and functional.

Air-vents for second-row passengers are positioned overhead, with a dial control for their fan-speed located on the rear of the centre console, along with a 12-volt accessory outlet.

A USB port or two would be handy here. With its 60/40-split, the seat’s backrest angles can be adjusted independently and both tilt and slide forward to access the seats behind.

It’s easy to climb aboard thanks to assist-handles on the A and B pillars. It’s easy to climb aboard thanks to assist-handles on the A and B pillars.

These optional third-row seats are the only shortcoming in the Everest’s internal packaging, for tall people at least, as they’re not as accommodating as some rival seven-seater wagons we’ve tested.

Although the roof lining is slightly concave, the top of my head was pressed firmly into it. And adults seated in the second-row needed to slide their seat forward to provide adequate third-row knee and foot space, greatly reducing theirs in the process. So, to avoid a potential mutiny, the third row is strictly a kid zone.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10?

The Ambiente 4x2’s 2261kg kerb weight is a substantial 108kg lighter than the 4x4 version, but that doesn’t translate to a corresponding gain in payload, as its 739kg rating is only eight kg more than the 4x4.

However, they share the same 3000kg GVM, 3500kg braked tow rating and 6250kg GCM; the latter determining how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time.

That means if you wanted to tow 3500kg of braked trailer, you’d have to reduce the maximum payload by 250kg to avoid exceeding the GCM. And that would leave 489kg of payload, which could be all-but used up by five large adults without luggage.

  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Seats Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Seats
  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Seats Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Seats

Fact is, few (if any) owners would need to tow 3500kg. However, having that class-benchmark capacity affords reassuring reserves of performance and safety when towing in the more common 2000-3000kg range, for which this vehicle is ideally suited.

The Everest has 259 litres of internal load volume with all seat rows upright, which expands to 898 litres with the optional third-row folded flat and a van-like 1823 litres (or more than 1.8 cubic metres) with both the second and third rows folded.

Front-of-cabin storage includes small and large bottle-holders and bins in each front door, plus pop-out small-bottle/cupholders on each side of the dash under the air vents, an overhead glasses holder and upper and lower glove boxes separated by an open storage shelf.

  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot
  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot
  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot
  • Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot Ford Everest Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD I Boot

The centre console has two more small-bottle/cupholders and a box with padded lid that doubles as a driver’s elbow rest.

Second-row passengers get bottle-holders and small bins in each door plus pockets on the front seat backrests and a fold-down centre armrest with two more small-bottle/cupholders.

Third-row ticket holders also get cupholders on each side. The hinged rear section of load floor can also be opened to access a large bin beneath.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 9/10?

Ford’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel with Euro 5 emissions compliance powers most of the Everest line-up, producing 154kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque which peaks between 1750-2000rpm.

It’s paired with Ford’s 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission that feeds power to the coil-spring live rear axle. To optimise performance and economy, there are four drive modes comprising 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Tow/Haul' and 'Slippery'.

Ford’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel with Euro 5 emissions compliance powers most of the Everest line-up, producing 154kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque which peaks between 1750-2000rpm. Ford’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel with Euro 5 emissions compliance powers most of the Everest line-up, producing 154kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm of torque which peaks between 1750-2000rpm.

Unlike its 4x2 Ranger Hi-Rider ute sibling, it’s not equipped with a driver-selectable rear diff-lock, but it does have electronic traction control.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10?

Ford claims an average combined cycle consumption figure of 7.1L/100km and the dash display was claiming 8.8L/100km when we stopped to refuel after our 265km test, which was conducted entirely in city and suburban driving, with up to five occupants on board.

Ford claims an average combined cycle consumption figure of 7.1L/100km and the dash display was claiming 8.8L/100km when we stopped to refuel after our 265km test, which was conducted entirely in city and suburban driving, with up to five occupants on board. Ford claims an average combined cycle consumption figure of 7.1L/100km and the dash display was claiming 8.8L/100km when we stopped to refuel after our 265km test, which was conducted entirely in city and suburban driving, with up to five occupants on board.

The dash display was close to our own figure of 9.1, calculated from actual fuel bowser and tripmeter readings, so the Everest’s onboard computations are accurate by our measure and represent thrifty economy for a large wagon weighing more than two tonnes.

So, based on our figures, you could expect an excellent real-world driving range of around 880km from its 80-litre tank.

Driving - What’s it like to drive? 9/10?

The Ambiente 4x2 is a spacious and comfortable vehicle to drive, with its combination of an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, left footrest and height/reach-adjustable steering wheel. However, some rake adjustment for the base cushion would be welcome here.

The driver’s view of all mirrors and through the rear window is excellent, with no major blind-spots over the left shoulder.

The driver’s view of all mirrors and through the rear window is excellent, with no major blind-spots over the left shoulder. The driver’s view of all mirrors and through the rear window is excellent, with no major blind-spots over the left shoulder.

Like the Ranger, it’s quiet inside and the steering feel is arguably the best of its type. However, there’s a noticeable difference in ride quality, given the Everest’s more supple but still disciplined coil-spring rear suspension. It floats over bumps with a plush cushioning effect.

The refined 10-speed automatic has near-seamless shifting and ensures that the engine requires less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h, so it’s also a leisurely and economical highway cruiser. The refined 10-speed automatic has near-seamless shifting and ensures that the engine requires less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h, so it’s also a leisurely and economical highway cruiser.

The engine has good all-around response, particularly from standing starts and in low to medium speeds, thanks largely to its generous 500Nm of torque.

The engine has good all-around response, particularly from standing starts and in low to medium speeds, thanks largely to its generous 500Nm of torque. The engine has good all-around response, particularly from standing starts and in low to medium speeds, thanks largely to its generous 500Nm of torque.

Even though on paper this torque delivery peaks at around 2000rpm, it pulls strongly from 1000rpm or lower, which makes it just as well suited to city and suburban driving chores as it is for heavy towing.

The refined 10-speed automatic has near-seamless shifting and ensures that the engine requires less than 2000rpm to maintain 110km/h, so it’s also a leisurely and economical highway cruiser.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10?

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10?


The Wrap

If you like the idea of Everest ownership without the towering price tags of premium 4x4 model grades, the Ambiente 4x2 makes sense, particularly if you need a 3500kg tow rating and don’t need to venture far from the bitumen. Apart from the overly cramped optional third-row seating for adults, there’s little we can fault about this vehicle. 

Likes

Five-star safety
Entry-level pricing
All-round performance

Dislikes

No USB ports for rear passengers
No driver’s base-cushion rake adjustment
Cramped third-row seating

Scores

Mark:

4

The Kids:

4

$53,490

Based on new car retail price


Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.