Ford will launch the Ford Everest Trend RWD onto the Australian market in September with prices starting at $55,990+ORC.

FORD AUSTRALIA has announced it will launch a 2WD Ford Everest Trend here in September, under cutting the price of the Ford Everest Trend 4×4 by $5000 to list at $55,990+ORC. And, all 2017 model Ford Everest Trend and Titanium 4×4 variants will feature Ford’s latest-generation infotainment and communication system, SYNC 3.

Buyers can expect the two-wheel drive Everest Trend to closely align with the Trend 4×4 variant, and will run that car’s 225mm go ground clearance, the same 3000kg braked towing capacity (but that number doesn’t tell the whole story, click here), six-speed automatic and the same output from the 3.2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder diesel.

“SUVs are the fastest-gowing segment in Australia and the Everest Trend RWD will broaden our already impressive lineup of utility vehicles even further. The Everest Trend RWD offers customers more choice than Toyota Prado, which does not offer a rear-wheel-drive variant,” said Graeme Whickman, CEO and President, Ford of Australia.

“The Everest Trend RWD was developed extensively by our local engineers in Australia’s harsh conditions, which we believe will help it appeal to Aussie families seeking a rugged and highly capable seven-seat SUV. The addition of SYNC 3 technology advances Ford’s already leading connectivity innovations to help drivers stay connected to their digital lives while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,’ added Whickman.

Beyond the new two-wheel drive variant, Ford will also address a key criticism of the Everest and that is that it didn’t offer ISOFIX mounting points. According to Ford, 2017 models will offer two sets of ISOFIX mounting points, in addition to the five top tether anchor points it already offers.

SYNC 3 has been out in other markets since 2015 and it’s now finally available in Australia. It will be standard on Everest Trend and Titanium. The latest-generation platform allows integration with Apple Car Pay and Google Android Auto and, according to Ford “faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen and an improved graphic user interface. It combines the best features of the outgoing system with new technologies designed to help customers stay better connected”. We’ll pass final judgement when we’ve had a chance to test it.