2023 Ford Everest may be benchmarked against Toyota off-roader

The 2023 Ford Everest is currently undergoing development in both Australia and the USA, but information out of Michigan suggests the Blue Oval may be benchmarking it against the Toyota 4Runner.

Based on the next-generation Ranger, left-hand-drive versions of the Everest have been spotted undergoing testing by Ford engineers in Michigan in recent months, suggesting the model is destined for showroom floors in North America.

UPDATE, September 13, 2022: New Ford Everest on sale, and we've driven it!

The new-generation 2023 Ford Everest is finally on sale in Australia, and our man Matt Raudonikis has driven it. Get the full story, and our first-drive video, at the link below.

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According to website Ford Authority, in the past few days spies have spotted a Toyota 4Runner being driven in and out Ford headquarters, complete with a trademark yellow sticker seen on windscreen normally reserved for vehicles owned by the Blue Oval.

Ford has a history of benchmarking its competitors’ cars. During the development of the Bronco, Ford engineers were often seen driving Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models.

While the 4Runner isn’t sold in Australia – Toyota instead offering the HiLux-based Fortuner – the four-wheel-drive is considered to be a class leading off-road vehicle in the US. All of which suggests the next Everest may end up being quite capable in the bush.

Despite launching in 2010, the 4Runner accounts for 37 per cent of all body-on-frame SUV sales in the US, as well as being the second quickest-selling new car in America after the Corvette. According to website The Drive, it takes just 10 days to sell a 4Runner after it arrives at a Toyota dealership – putting the vehicle firmly in Ford’s crosshairs.

In late 2019, sources told Wheels the upcoming Ford Ranger ute will be offered with both petrol and diesel V6 engines, and it’s likely these powertrains will carry over to its Everest sibling when it’s unveiled in 2022.

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