Ford has launched a more powerful version of its Everest SUV in select markets, equipping the off-road-oriented Tremor model with a 260kW twin-turbo V6 engine. This move positions the Everest closer to the performance levels seen in the Ranger Raptor, though not quite matching its full capabilities.
Engine Upgrade and Performance
The upgraded Everest Tremor now features a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, previously used in the F-150. This engine delivers 260kW (approximately 349 horsepower) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While this represents the highest power output ever offered in an Everest, it falls slightly short of the Ranger Raptor’s 292kW and 583Nm figures.
The current Australian-market Everest Tremor uses a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 184kW and 600Nm, making the new V6 petrol option a significant upgrade in terms of raw power. The combination of the Tremor’s off-road enhancements—including all-terrain tires and Bilstein suspension—with the more potent engine creates a vehicle that closely resembles a high-performance Everest Raptor.
Market Availability and Ford’s Strategy
Currently, the 2.7-liter Everest is marketed as a “Middle East exclusive” by Ford. Despite repeated customer and media requests, Ford Australia has not confirmed plans to introduce this more powerful Tremor variant locally. The company has consistently dismissed the possibility of an official Everest Raptor, even after the success of the Ranger Raptor.
This decision is despite the shared underpinnings between the Ranger and Everest, including engines and transmissions. The discrepancy highlights Ford’s strategic branding choices, reserving the “Raptor” designation for specific models while still offering high-performance options across its vehicle lineup.
Why This Matters: The Raptor Sub-Brand
The reluctance to apply the Raptor name to the Everest is notable given Ford CEO Jim Farley’s vision for Raptor as a sub-brand for off-road performance vehicles. The name already appears on the F-150, Ranger, and Bronco, as well as Ford’s rally-raid racer.
Ford engineers have previously dismissed the business case for an Everest Raptor, citing limited demand beyond a small niche of extreme off-road enthusiasts. However, the launch of the 2.7-liter V6 Tremor suggests that Ford is willing to explore high-performance options for the Everest, even if it stops short of adopting the Raptor branding.
The move underscores a broader trend in the automotive industry: manufacturers are increasingly responding to customer demand for more powerful and capable SUVs, even if the branding remains selective. This approach allows companies to cater to performance enthusiasts without diluting their flagship Raptor models.
