by Ford Everest Prototype Spotted in Colorado
Photos published on Reddit show a Ford Everest prototype undergoing testing in Dillon, Colorado. The vehicle had manufacturer plates and testing equipment, indicating its involvement in development. Colorado, with its high altitude and changing weather conditions, is often used by automakers to test durability and emissions.
Model Features
The Ford Everest is a body-on-frame SUV built on the global Ford Ranger platform. It is offered in Asia-Pacific, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American markets but has never been officially sold in the USA. The model features a three-row cabin layout and is available with diesel or gasoline engines, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Ford Everest spotted in Dillon, CO by u/ngfilla94 in Ford
Exterior and Interior Details
The spotted prototype was white with a shortened bumper for off-road conditions and black alloy wheels fitted with aggressive tires, similar to those on the Ranger Tremor. The interior featured leather seats with contrasting stitching and a Platinum badge, indicating a higher trim level.
Possibility of US Arrival
Although the Ford Everest could compete with the Toyota 4Runner in the American market, its appearance in the US is unlikely. Ford already has the Bronco, which occupies a similar niche and is built on a similar body-on-frame platform. Furthermore, importing the Everest from Thailand would incur high customs duties, and adapting it to US safety and environmental standards would require significant changes.
History and Markets
The first-generation Everest appeared in 2003, the second in 2015, and the current model debuted in 2022. The vehicle is manufactured in Thailand and supplied to countries in Southeast Asia, Oceania, South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The most powerful version, the Everest Tremor, is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine and an upgraded suspension.
The appearance of prototypes in Colorado and Michigan sparked a wave of discussion among enthusiasts, but it is likely part of a global testing program rather than preparation for a US launch. Ford is focused on developing models already present in the American market, such as the Bronco, which avoids additional costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
