FORD restarted the Ford Island Conquest specifically to bring the all-new Ranger and Everest from launch stage to the real world in a specially built track that mimicked almost everything the two vehicles may encounter in the city and in the wild.

But why fix something that isn’t broken?

Both the next-gen Ranger and Everest share top of mind in their respective categories, not only as performers off-road but also as urban transporters. The Ranger has become on many occasions, the country’s best-selling pick-up while the Everest the most desirable SUV because of its spaciousness, and having everything but the kitchen sink.

“With a bold look and design, premium interior, enhanced ride comfort, and outstanding new capabilities, the next-gen Ranger is set to once again define the pickup truck segment in the country. We’re truly excited to offer this amazing vehicle to our customers whose needs and lifestyles cut across work, play, and family,” Michael Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines said during the launch of both vehicles.

Both vehicles were up for an upgrade but not just cosmetically. There are major updates to the vehicles that will tip the balance once again to favor the Ranger and Everest in their respective categories.

The vehicles share a variety of common powerplants. The choice is between a 2.0L turbodiesel with 160hp and 405Nm of torque, and a 2.0L twin-turbo diesel with 207hp and 500Nm of torque for the upper-end variants. For the drivetrain, there is a 10-speed or a 6-speed automatic and even manual transmission for the entry-level Ranger which includes a 4×4 XL—a model which will make enthusiasts very happy. In that same under chassis arrangement is a choice of power delivery modes– Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand—and a simple selector switch onboard that allows for adjustments on the drive settings—on the fly-in most instances. It is one car, we’d like to drive in the torrential monsoon rains.

Both vehicles now come with a 5-year warranty or a total mileage of 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

“We recognize that an important purchase consideration for our customers is vehicle ownership. That’s why we are launching the next-gen Ranger together with a longer warranty coverage to provide our customers with added protection and peace of mind. This is part of our commitment to enhance the Ford ownership experience as we continue to treat our customers like family,” shares

Since there is so much sharing of design and technology between cars, the look also shows a common genetic design. Both vehicles are 50mm longer and 50mm wider than their predecessors. The increased dimensions also help sculpt that bulk the new shapes add, without being too wide for our narrow roads.

That design reflects what the F-150 and other North American Ford truck have—the powerful C-clamp LED headlamps, a wider and toothier front grille, perpetually snarling at anything infront of it, yet quiet and reserved, restrained by a nice chrome piece slicing the grille from the left headlight to the right.

The Everest still sits 8 but with much more control and access versus the current model. The modified third-row seat can be tipped and tumbled for more space. more cargo space. There are electronically adjustable front seats except for the Trend variant. 12V power outlets are available as standard for passengers to charge their gadgets, while the 230V outlet at the rear allows to power appliances

Ford says the new Everest is now more sophisticated, spacious and beautifully-crafted with new soft-touch finishes, its interior is designed and engineered to be a sanctuary. This is a solid claim. Our last test drive with the current Everest already felt bulletproof, but now with a panoramic moonroof as standard on the Titanium+ model and with a 360-degree camera, SYNC 4A with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability and wireless charging pad across the range, this Everest is even more like a warm blanket on a cold night.

For the first time, the next-gen Ranger is equipped with matrix LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System for the Wildtrak 4×4 variant. Consistent with the look in front, the LED taillamps clamp onto the new tailgate, now proudly stamped with the Ranger badge in all caps.

The new Ranger now incorporates a new box step area for easier cargo access. Roof rails on the Ranger Wildtrak model allow for more cargo space, and the tailgate can be electronically opened with a push of a button.

To develop the ride and handling expected of a truck customer’s use for a wide range of work, family and play, Ford engineers focused on the fundamentals and made improvements on the chassis and suspension. They moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off-roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off-road, no matter if they’re carrying heavy cargo for work, or just taking the family out for dinner.

Safety remains at the core of the next-gen Ranger and Everest sharing (in varying ways) with its suite of smart driver-assist technologies that include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Aid & Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection, among others. It also comes with up to seven (7) airbags, providing exceptional protection for everyone inside the vehicle.

“The next-gen Everest is an all-in-one SUV package that combines capability, safety, and comfort. We understand that these are the same attributes that Filipino customers are looking for in their SUV, so we’re confident that it is ready to be the Filipino family’s reliable partner during the busy workdays, and especially during weekends where we see families are sharing memorable moments together,” added Breen.

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