Leisure Wheels tests Ford Everest Sport 4×4: Perfect balance between rugged and refined
The Ford Everest Sport 4×4 walks the line between rugged and refined with impressive composure. Now two months into its time as the Leisure Wheels long-term test vehicle, the seven-seat, ladder-frame SUV has been tasked with more city driving than open-road exploration, and it has responded with grace.
Cederberg trails to urban daily duties
When we received the Everest Sport to test, we had a solid month of driving lined up, including an Easter weekend in the Cederberg. The Sport variant hits a sweet spot for adventure-minded buyers who are happy to forgo the luxury trimmings of the Wildtrak or Platinum, but still want serious off-road capability.
While the Sport doesn't include Ford's '4A' automatic all-wheel-drive mode (available in the higher-spec trims), it does offer selectable four-wheel high and low modes via the rotary dial next to the gear shifter. An electronic rear differential adds confidence for trickier trails.
We've yet to take the Everest Sport into technical 4×4 territory, but the gravel roads of the Cederberg proved a good test of its light off-road ability and comfort. Fully loaded with passengers and camping gear, the SUV handled the terrain with ease. The suspension absorbed dirt road imperfections well, and the light all-terrain tyres delivered stable performance over corrugations and loose gravel.
Related: Ford Everest Sport 4×4: Long Termer Introduction – Leisure Wheels
Real-World Fuel Consumption
One of the 2025 Everest Sport's highlights remains its drivetrain: the smooth, 10-speed automatic paired with Ford's familiar 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel. Last month, fuel consumption averaged 9.2L/100km. This month, largely limited to short city trips and uphill commutes in Cape Town, we're sitting at 10.8L/100km. While that's up, it's still respectable for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Ford claims a combined fuel economy of 7.5L/100km, which we'll aim to test more accurately with some longer highway trips scheduled next month.
Refined, Understated Design
Two months in, I remain a fan of the Everest Sport's appearance. Finished in Aluminium Metallic with subtle black 'Sport' detailing, it strikes a clean yet assertive look. If you want to stand out a bit more, 'Blue Lightning' is the boldest option in an otherwise grey, black, white, and bronze-inspired colour palette.
Three Highlights of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4
Even beyond the capable drivetrain and composed ride, there are a few standout details that make this SUV a strong daily driver.
Quick-Access Lane Departure Control
Being able to turn off the lane-departure prevention with a quick double click of one's left thumb on the steering wheel is such a pleasure. Many vehicles have overly-aggressive lane-assist safety features, which you have to dig around in the central infotainment system or digital display behind the steering wheel to turn off. Being able to do it on the fly is a massive bonus. Refinement and Responsiveness
The sport's well-tuned suspension and responsive drivetrain make it an awesome daily driver, and it transfers this on-road elegance to off-road conditions too. Along with the drivetrain, the pedals are responsive and well-balanced, never lagging on acceleration nor too sensitive in stopping. The steering remains composed and precise for a vehicle of nearly five meters long. Well-Mannered Safety Features
While some modern SUVs overwhelm drivers with overly sensitive warnings and interventions, the Everest Sport's safety features are intuitive and restrained. From blind spot monitoring to motion sensors and lane assist, everything works cohesively without being intrusive.
2025 Ford Everest Sport 4×4 – At a Glance
Price: R1,109,500 (Recommended Retail Price)
Engine: 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo Diesel, four-cylinder
Power: 154 kW @ 3,750 r/min
Torque: 500 N·m @ 1,750–2,500 r/min
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Full-time four-wheel drive with selectable drive modes
Fuel Efficiency: 7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Wheels: 20″ Black Alloy Wheels
Key Features: Wireless Charging, Rear View Camera, 12-inch Touchscreen Display
Service Plan: Standard 6 years / 90,000 km; Optional extension up to 8 years / 165,000 km
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