LOOK: Why is Ford testing the Everest in the US?
Ford was spotted testing an Everest in Colorado
When Ford launched the T6 Ranger for the US market, buyers flocked to dealerships since it was smaller than the full-size F-150 pickup. However, instead of featuring a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine under the hood, the US-spec Ranger is equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four that produces 270 PS and 420 Nm of torque. When the T6.2 Ranger was launched for the US, the same engine was carried over, but it also received plenty of upgrades, just like the global market version.
However, there is one other Ford the US market has yet to receive, the Everest. Yes, the US market already has the Explorer as a three-row crossover SUV, but some want a frame-based 7-seater SUV that's also available with a 4WD system. Well, Ford was recently spotted testing the Everest in the US, particularly in Dillon, Colorado.
This comes after a Reddit user spotted a Ford Everest in the US, complete with manufacturer license plates. The recent sighting fueled speculation on whether the Blue Oval plans to offer the Everest to the US market. However, the area in Colorado is also a favorite location for automakers in testing prototype vehicles, whether for global markets or just for the US. These include emission testing, cold-weather testing, elevation tests, and more.
As for the Everest itself, the SUV sports a steel front bumper, alloy wheels that appear to have been derived from the Tremor variant, and comes with gloss black accents on the doors, side mirror caps, and fender badges. Meanwhile, the interior gets black leather upholstery and a laptop docking station, which signifies Ford is testing the Everest.
Other details about Ford testing the Everest on US soil remain a mystery. While some are speculating that it could lead to a potential US launch, perhaps the Everest being tested across the Pacific is simply part of Ford's testing routine for global vehicles. But based on other sightings by other Reddit users, other Everest prototype units were spotted in Michigan, which added more fuel to a possible launch in the US.
Should Ford actually launch the Everest in the US market, it could take on the likes of the Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Traverse. It could also slot below the much larger Ford Bronco, which is only available as a five-seater.
With the US placing huge tariffs on imported goods and products, Ford might have to come up with a plan to build the Everest on US soil. Ford was able to do that when they brought the T6 and T6.2 Ranger, so they might have to do some lobbying if they want the Everest that badly in North America.
