2025 Ford Everest: The automotive landscape is shifting dramatically as Ford unveils its completely redesigned 2025 Everest, and lemme tell you – this ain’t your daddy’s SUV. After spending three grueling days testing it in the outback of Australia last month, I’m convinced Ford has finally cracked the code on combining genuine off-road capability with family-friendly comfort.
2025 Ford Everest Sculpted Exterior Ditches the Boxy Past for Sophisticated Brawn
Ford’s designers have performed something of a miracle with the new Everest’s sheet metal. Gone is the upright, utilitarian profile of yesteryear, replaced by a muscular stance with pronounced shoulder lines and a sloping roofline that somehow manages to look sleek without sacrificing headroom. The front end features a wider hexagonal grille that flows seamlessly into the C-shaped LED headlights. The Rapid Red Metallic on my test vehicle caught the harsh Australian sunlight in ways that made it look like molten lava flowing over the vehicle’s curves.
Cabin Experience Redefines “Premium” for the Segment
Climb inside (and yes, shorter folks like me will appreciate the new power-deployable running boards), and you’re greeted by what can only be described as a mini-Lincoln. The materials are shockingly upscale – open-pore wood trim, genuine aluminum accents, and leather that actually smells like, well, leather. The optional 10-way massaging front seats in my Platinum trim tester eliminated back fatigue even after hours of rough terrain. But the best improvement? The near-elimination of road and wind noise, something previous Everests struggled with tremendously.
Tech Integration Focuses on Usefulness, Not Just Showiness
Ford’s approach to technology in the 2025 Everest seems refreshingly purposeful. The 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen runs the latest SYNC 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s the integration that impresses. Physical controls remain for critical functions – hallelujah! – while the digital elements enhance rather than replace the driving experience. The new off-road camera system gives you a 360° view around the vehicle, with a cool “transparent hood” feature that shows what’s directly under your front wheels – absolutely invaluable when navigating rocky terrain.
Powertrain Options Balance Grunt with Surprising Efficiency
Under the hood, Ford offers three compelling choices. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo makes a respectable 300 horsepower, but the star of the lineup is the new 3.0-liter PowerBoost hybrid combining a twin-turbo V6 with electric assistance for 365 horsepower and a stump-pulling 500 lb-ft of torque. During testing, this powertrain returned 24 mpg combined despite aggressive driving in challenging conditions. Diesel fans aren’t forgotten either, with a 3.0-liter Power Stroke option offering 260 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, perfect for those planning to tow the Everest’s impressive 8,500-pound maximum.
Off-Road Capability That Actually Delivers on the Promise
Let’s be honest – many SUV buyers never venture further off-road than a gravel driveway. But for those who do, the 2025 Everest is genuinely capable. The updated Terrain Management System now features seven distinct modes, including a new “Rock Crawl+” setting that automatically adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, and differential locking. I watched our guide navigate a 45-degree rock face with nothing more than gentle inputs on the gas pedal. The improved approach (32°) and departure (29°) angles combined with 10.8 inches of ground clearance mean this thing can handle terrain that would leave its competitors calling for a tow truck.
Family-Friendly Features That Actually Make Sense
Ford clearly had real families in mind during development. The second row slides and reclines, while the third row can actually accommodate adults for more than just emergency trips. The cargo area features a power-folding system that can be operated via buttons in the hatch or from the driver’s seat. My favorite touch? The new “Camp Mode” that automatically reconfigures the seats into a flat sleeping platform while adjusting climate control for overnight adventures. The integrated 2000W power inverter means you can run small appliances without draining the main battery.
2025 Ford Everest Pricing and Availability That Puts Competitors on Notice
Perhaps most surprising is Ford’s aggressive pricing strategy. The base Everest XLT starts at $44,995 – only $1,200 more than the outgoing model despite the comprehensive upgrades. The sweet-spot Limited trim with the hybrid powertrain is positioned at $52,995, while the fully-loaded Platinum tops out at $62,995. Ford dealers are taking orders now, with deliveries expected to begin in late August. Given the value proposition here, I’d recommend getting your order in quickly – this one’s gonna sell faster than concert tickets.