The Blue Oval's midsize SUV offering, the Ford Everest, is one of the more popular upmarket SUV options in the Philippine market today. With the introduction of the 2020 model in the middle of last year, Ford Philippines reduced the Everest SUV line-up from six to four, with the top-ranging 3.2-liter engine dropped and replaced with a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo (210hp, 500 Nm). A 2.0-liter Turbo (178hp, 420 Nm) and 2.2-liter (160hp, 385Nm) remain available for the lower trim. For the new engines, the six-speed automatic transmission has been swapped with a 10-speed auto gearbox with Select Shift.
Still, if you’re looking for flexibility in your options, the Ford Everest is easily the one to go for, based on the number of variants alone.
Inside, the latest Everest, there’s the usual suspects: dual-zone automatic climate control, rear AC with control switch, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, active noise cancellation, and 12-volt and 230-volt power outlets. With regards to the infotainment system, the 8-inch touchscreen on the dash runs on Ford's Sync 3 with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and links to nine speakers with subwoofer and amplifier.
The Ford Everest has a price range of PHP1.74 to 2.3 million. For those looking for other luxury midsize SUVs to buy, here are your best alternative options.
Toyota Motor Philippines just launched the refreshed version of the Toyota Fortuner this month. Said to be “more confident, prestigious, safe” than the model it replaces, the 2021 Fortuner now hosts a number of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) driver assistance features including a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Providing power to the LTD and Q grades is Toyota’s trusty 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV, dishing out 201hp and 500Nm. The V and G variants on the other hand, are propelled by a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engine which gives 147hp and 400Nm. The 2GD engine in particular, has been improved to provide a “five percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the previous-generation Fortuner.”
The seven-seater surprises with a lot of elegance interior-wise, especially when compared to the ruggedness of the sheetmetal. Gone are the faux wood trimmings of old, eschewed in favor of a sleeker and more futuristic design approach. Nevertheless, soft surfaces abound, giving occupants a homey, secure feeling while in the Fortuner cabin. The 60:40 split folding bench seats can be slid forward or backward for more space. What's more, the seat backs can even be reclined to some degree. Third row seats are easy to be tuck away, thereby elevating storage flexibility.
Before the Montero Sport, the Pajero was the SUV nameplate most synonymous with the Mitsubishi. The 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero remains powered by a 3.2-liter in-line 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled VGT Di-diesel engine that outputs 189hp and 441Nm of torque. This engine is paired with the Three Diamond brand’s signature INVECS-II 5-speed automatic with Sport Mode, aided by a Super Select four-wheel drive system that offers off-road dependability
The latest Pajero’s dashboard houses a new 6.9-inch touchscreen interface that links to a multi-media entertainment system with GPS navigation functions. Interior convenience is enhanced by the addition of power-adjustable seats (10-way for driver, 4-way for front passenger), genuine leather upholstery, aircon vents for rear passengers, audio/video jack, and USB port.
Hands down, the 2020 Nissan Patrol Royale is one of your best choices if you're considering to purchase a classy SUV. It’s pricier than most vehicles in its class, but it’s also considerably larger in all dimensional aspects. And its mammoth 3075mm wheelbase ensures all occupants have plenty of seating room to enjoy.
Inside the Patrole Royale’s engine bay is a 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that boasts a powerful 400hp and 560Nm, mated to a 7-Speed AT with Manual Shift Mode. A Variable 4X4 mode allows drivers to effortlessly switch between four drive modes for enhanced off-road capability. Other noteworthy features befitting the ‘Royale’ moniker include soft leather seats, wooden panels, Triple Zone Automatic Climate Control, and a 13-speaker Bose audio player. There’s even a rear entertainment system to keep passengers at the back occupied during travel.
Topnotch safety features include vehicle stability control, an independent double wishbone suspension with hydraulic body motion control, rear differential lock, limited slip differential, and an intuitive parking and driving assistance system.
Introduced in the country August of this year, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB is powered by an efficient 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that provides up to 163hp and almost 339Nm of torque. Three driving options (Sport for agility, ECO for better fuel efficiency, and Comfort for a more relaxed ride experience). adjust the engine, transmission, chassis and steering settingsto suit one’s preference.
As the first seven-seater in the German brand’s compact car roster, the all-new Mercedes Benz GLB’s two rear rows come complete with ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages that can hold four suitable child seats in the car. So for those with more than a couple of toddlers in the family, the GLB Class is easily the best luxury SUV to buy. And it doesn’t hurt that the seats are covered with luxurious Black Artico Dinamica microfiber material.
Further, the all-new GLB has the intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) in-car personal assistant. Responding to requests and queries in three different ways—via a7-inch standard central touchscreen, steering wheel controls and natural-language commands—the Mercedes-Benz GLB just elevates comfort and convenience beyond its peers.
Just as it is between the Montero Sport and Pajero, the Land Cruiser Prado has some of its thunder stolen by its stablemate, the Fortuner. Despite the fact, the Prado remains to be one of the most capable luxury off-roaders out there.
The Land Cruiser Prado offers buyers with a choice between a 2.8-liter DOHC turbocharged diesel engine (201hp, 500Nm) and 4.0-liter gasoline DOHC with Dual VVT-i (271hp, 381Nm). Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift feature. Chassis support consists of a double wishbone independent at the front and a 4-link type at the back. These are enhanced by kinetic dynamic suspension system stabilizers.
Once you view the Land Cruiser Prado interior, premium is easily the first word that pops in mind. Leather upholstered seats, multiple accessory power outlets, dual auto climate control, and a hi-definition 6-speaker audio system, along with the rest of the interior features, are designed to lull passengers into a heightened sense of relaxation.
Photos from Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan
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