A 2023 Ford Everest Ambiente is our new project build for 2024

As our Ford Ranger Sport build nears completion, we have selected another new Ford product for this project.

This time we’re focusing on the Wheels Car Of The Year-winning Ford Everest wagon. If Wheels can call it Car Of The Year, we reckon we could turn it into the 4x4 Tourer Of The Year.

We bought a base model 2023 Everest Ambiente with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Getting the base model vehicle comes with a few pros and a few cons. Base model means it’s the cheapest in the range, with the Everest 4x4 starting at $58,990.

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Positives include the fact we’re starting with a blank canvas, as the Ambiente misses out on a lot of the features you probably don’t want anyway. On the plus side it comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and a high-speed (manual) tailgate. Negatives include the absence of the 4x4 Auto mode in the transfer case, and no tyre pressure monitor as fitted to the higher-spec models.

We wanted to go with a 2.0 bi-turbo after having the V6 in the Ranger and, really, the only thing this engine is lacking compared to its bigger sibling is refinement. It has impressed us so far in the way it drives under all conditions, and it certainly uses less fuel than the V6 Ranger. Of course, this last fact will change as we fit more accessories which will negatively affect the Ford’s fuel consumption.

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Again we’re teaming up with some top brands to fit-out the Everest, and as seen in the photos we’ve already got the Yakima LockNLoad platform rack and a 270-degree awning up on the roof, as well as Maxxis RAZR all-terrain tyres on KMC Impact wheels fitted. On the still-to-fit list is an AFN front bar; Kaymar rear bar and wheel carrier; Tough Dog suspension; MSA 4x4 drawers and fridge slide; a Powertec phone signal booster; and a host of other great gear.

We’ve put around 2000km on the Ford so far with no problems leading up to its first service. That will change as the Everest is geared up. Stay tuned!