Ford building the SUV you want… but you can't have it

[Payman]

The new Ford Everest. 




http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/2015-ford-everest-is-a-modern-mall-crawler-that-can-rea-1658332784


The specs of this thing reads like a Land Rover, but we won't get it in North America. 

[Payman]

But seriously, check out these off-road specs

Just about 9" of ground clearance and stubby bumpers allow for an impressive 29º approach, 25º departing, and 21º ramp-breakover angle. Water-wading is even wilder; the diesel versions can press on through streams up to 31.5" deep.

Ford's Terrain Management System (TMS) has four distinct settings for optimizing the vehicle's configuration between "everyday roads, snow, sand (allows some wheelspin to carry momentum, late upshifts, early downshifts, increased pedal sensitivity), and extreme rocky terrain (reduced throttle sensitivity, mitigates wheelspin)."

The 4WD system with low range has an electronically locking differential, and is paired with a descent control that locks the torque converter to provide engine braking downhill. None of that "just hitting the brakes for you" bullshit.

And of course, Ford's delightful digital "pitch and roll" gauge on the dash to show you how much the SUV is tipping.

[Eye of the Tiger]

We don't get the Ford Splash, either. But nobody is complainng.

[SVT666]

It looks like the Dodge Durango.  Good looking truck and the specs are awesome.

[Payman]

We don't get the Ford Splash, either. But nobody is complainng.

I am. That with the 310 hp EcoBoost 2.3T mid-engine AWD would be sick.

[SVT666]

I would love that thing.

[2o6]

The interior looks a little cheap

[SVT666]

You're on crack. That interior looks great. I want one.

[r0tor]

I would trade my Jeep in on one tomorrow if I could

[GoCougs]

But with only with I4 or diesel engine options?

[Mustangfan2003]

They should atleast take that platform and give us a new Bronco. 

[2o6]

No one would buy it.


CUV's are perfect for pretty much all needs.

[Payman]

No one would buy it.


CUV's are perfect for pretty much all needs.

Not for towing, offroading, hunting, etc

[2o6]

Not for towing, offroading, hunting, etc

Most people don't do that, tho. And many CUV's are still *fairly* capable in that aspect

[Pancor]

I'd like to see it here.    I doubt I'd consider one, but I think its cool and roughly falls into the same category as the Xterra.   While the Xterra isn't a huge success, it has been profitable, and something this cool with a Ford badge would probably sell 10X what the Xterra does.         

[Payman]

Most people don't do that, tho. And many CUV's are still *fairly* capable in that aspect

Most people who don't live in the city core absolutely do these things. CUV's are useless for anything larger than a small utility or snowmobile/PWC trailer.

[CALL_911]

Most people who don't live in the city core absolutely do these things. CUV's are useless for anything larger than a small utility or snowmobile/PWC trailer.

Most? I think not

[Payman]

Most? I think not

Most in my region of active, home-owning, high middle-class, multiple toy owning people do.

[Payman]

But with only with I4 or diesel engine options?

The 3.2 DuraTorq put out almost 500 ft/lb torque.

[r0tor]

This vs the new Disco Sport in our market would be interested

[Lebowski]

Most in my region of active, home-owning, high middle-class, multiple toy owning people do.

Maybe in canada.

[2o6]

This vs the new Disco Sport in our market would be interested

disco sport is a crossover

[Payman]

disco sport is a crossover

What's your definition of a crossover? Because it sure is different from everyone else's.

[Soup DeVille]

No one would buy it.


CUV's are perfect for pretty much all needs.

For all the needs of an apartment dwelling soccer mom with two or less kids perhaps.

[2o6]

What's your definition of a crossover? Because it sure is different from everyone else's.

The Discovery Sport directly replaces the LR2/Freelander and is FWD and unibody....

[MX793]

Most? I think not

First day of hunting season is practically a holiday here.  I deal with suppliers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan and it's pretty much the same there as well.

[Payman]

The Discovery Sport directly replaces the LR2/Freelander and is FWD and unibody....

Are base Jeep Cherokees crossovers? No. A crossover is built on a car platform.

[MX793]

Are base Jeep Cherokees crossovers? No. A crossover is built on a car platform.

The Cherokee is built on the same platform as the Dart and 200, which are cars last I checked.  The Disco Sport is on the EUCD platform which also underpins the Mondeo, Volvo S60, Volvo S80, etc... 

[Payman]

The Cherokee is built on the same platform as the Dart and 200, which are cars last I checked.  The Disco Sport is on the EUCD platform which also underpins the Mondeo, Volvo S60, Volvo S80, etc... 

Yes, but fwd and unibody does not automatically make it a crossover. Most unibody SUVs are indeed based on heavily modified car platforms. It's cost effective and more efficient than body on frame construction. Crossovers are exclusively based on lightly modified car platforms, and don't have the off-road features that an SUV has... Think Ford Flex vs Ford Explorer. I don't think any car magazine or industry expert would ever call the Discovery a crossover.

[Rupert]

IMO, FWD + based on car chassis = crossover.