Ford Secret SUV Challenger Could Crash the 4Runner’s Party
Ford secret SUV challenger, the Everest, could crash the 4Runner’s party in the U.S. market, as the rugged, Ranger-based SUV was recently spotted testing in Colorado. This sighting has fueled speculation that Ford might finally be bringing its popular three-row SUV, currently sold in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, to American shores. Combining rugged capability with family practicality, the Everest could offer a formidable new rival to established players in the segment, especially the Toyota 4Runner.
The SUV America Wants and Ford Might Finally Bring Over
The appearance of a Ford Everest prototype undergoing high-altitude test drives in Dillon, Colorado, has ignited fresh hopes among American buyers. Images shared on Reddit revealed a lightly camouflaged vehicle featuring tough bumpers, manufacturer plates, all-black alloy wheels, off-road tires, and an all-black interior with leather upholstery and test equipment. This confirmed that the SUV was indeed being evaluated by Ford.
Built on the legendary Ford Ranger’s T6 ladder-frame platform (refreshed for 2025), the Everest is a mid-size, body-on-frame SUV known for its durability and off-road prowess. Globally, it offers:
- Three rows of seating, providing family practicality.
- A substantial towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
- Robust off-road features including locking differentials, hill descent control, standard 4-wheel-drive, up to 10 inches of ground clearance, and a 31.4-inch water wading depth.
Why No Everest in the USA Yet? Challenges and Overlaps
While the Everest appears to be an ideal fit for the American market, several significant hurdles have prevented its U.S. launch so far:
- Import Tariffs: The Everest is primarily manufactured in Thailand. Importing it to the U.S. would subject it to a significant tariff, making it less competitive. To circumvent this, Ford would need to produce the Everest at a U.S. plant, such as its Michigan facility.
- Production Capacity: The Michigan factory is currently operating near full capacity, producing both the Ranger and Bronco. Integrating another model would require substantial investment and expansion.
- Engine Compliance: The Everest is currently offered exclusively with diesel engines globally (a 2.0-liter and a 3.0-liter V6). With U.S. emissions regulations and market preferences leaning towards gasoline or hybrid options, Ford would need to develop new powertrains for the American market, a costly endeavor.
- Lineup Overlap: Ford already sells the popular four-door Bronco, which appeals to off-road enthusiasts, and the Explorer, targeting the family SUV market. Introducing a three-row Everest risks cannibalizing sales from both, creating internal competition within Ford’s own lineup.
Potential Rival to the Toyota 4Runner
Despite these challenges, if Ford manages to overcome the obstacles and launch the Everest in the U.S., it would instantly become a direct competitor to Toyota’s venerable 4Runner. The 4Runner currently dominates the rugged, mid-size, body-on-frame SUV segment, a niche that the Everest is perfectly designed to fill. Its combination of Ranger-based durability, three-row seating, and strong off-road capabilities could make it a compelling alternative for American buyers seeking a versatile and tough SUV. The sighting in Colorado, while not a confirmation, certainly keeps the hope alive for those yearning for a true Ford challenger in this segment.
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