2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak review: Dad weekender drive

Wheels Media's product manager Michael Fisher spends a few days with the Everest Wildtrak to give us his regular-bloke "I'm no journalist" take.

The Ford Everest capped a hugely successful 2023 – which included being named Wheels Car of the Year – with a new, limited-edition Wildtrak variant.

Limited to just 800 units, the Everest Wildtrak is no longer featured on the official Ford Australia website - though some new examples are seemingly available to order in the classifieds.

Is it worth the search? We took one for a long-weekend spin to find out what the Ranger Wildtrak-borrowed cues – including exclusive Luxe Yellow paintwork – do for what is one of Australia's most versatile family vehicles.

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The Everest Wildtrak experience

The Everest Wildtrak distinguishes itself with a unique grille design, complete with tough-look mesh and signature C-Clamp LED headlamps, giving it a bold and distinctive appearance.

It's also offered in the hero Luxe Yellow as well as Sedona Orange, as with the Ranger Wildtrak. The machine-faced 20-inch alloy wheels add a premium edge and class, enhancing its sleek exterior.

Inside, the coast-to-coast instrument panel expands the sense of space, complemented by a 12-inch centre LCD touchscreen with a bold finish, creating an ambiance that is uniquely Wildtrak.

The seats, adorned with Cyber Orange stitching against bold grey accents and the signature Wildtrak logo, exude character and comfort​.

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Day-to-day usability

In terms of daily family use, the Everest Wildtrak excels.

Its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and user-friendly technology make it ideal for the hustle and bustle of family life.

From school pickups to weekend sports activities, the Everest Wildtrak handles it all with ease. The car’s ample storage space, easy-to-navigate infotainment system, and robust safety features make it a reliable choice for families, too. This is applicable to all Everest models, of course...

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Wildtrak add-ons: nice but not game-changing

While the Wildtrak variant comes with its unique features and styling, these additions, though welcome, don't drastically change the game when comparing it with the rest of the Everest range.

They add an aesthetic and luxury feel which would sit mid-to-upper range in the family-oriented Everest line-up.

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On the road

On the road, the 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak provides a smooth and controlled driving experience.

Its handling is precise, making navigating through city streets and parking effortless despite its large-SUV dimensions. The suspension absorbs bumps efficiently, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.

For buyers more serious about off-road trails, an option pack is available with smaller, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres.

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VERDICT

The 2024 Ford Everest successfully blends the practical needs of a modern family with the desire for a vehicle that stands out.

While the Wildtrak variant's special features mainly serve an aesthetic purpose only, they do so without compromising the car's fundamental strengths: comfort, safety, and practicality.

The Wildtrak's yellow and orange exterior choices, however, do bring some welcome colour to the Everest line-up.