MANILA, Philippines — The drive on the Ford Everest started at 8 a.m.
It was a hot summer Saturday and my destination was T House Tagaytay for lunch and a spa treatment. But first I had to pick up my two passengers — Igan D’Bayan and Avee Tan in Marikina.
As I sat in the cockpit of the Ford Everest Titanium 4X2 AT, it brought back memories of other Ford vehicles that I had test driven in the past — good memories.
For starters, the new-generation Everest was among the first midsize SUVs to launch in the Philippines. It being an American truck brand, it drives and handles differently from other brands in the market.
I gave the Everest a good once-over before I hopped into the cockpit.
“Muscular,” the way I like it, was the first word that came to mind when I stared at the Everest. It is one of those SUVs that would definitely have a commanding presence on the road. Blame it on the strong and sturdy octagonal chrome front grille flanked by edgy headlights and strong character lines along its sides. Not to be missed of course are its equally well-balanced 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.
Time to go
As I hopped on to the driver’s seat, I noticed how comfy the interiors are. It begins with the spacious cockpit — which for me gave a light feel. Although the Everest is muscular outside; inside this SUV spoke of comfort and easy driving. For starters, the controls and functions are placed within easy reach even a for small driver like me.
Not to be missed are the great leather seats. I like how the driver’s seat is equipped with good lumbar support.
I put my seat in the best driving position for me, then started the engine and heard it rev.
I began my drive to Marikina, and — since it was still early on a Saturday morning — the traffic on C5 was light. This made being in the cockpit fun — as the Ford Everest is equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine. Perfect.
Avee Tan is flanked by Igan and Kathy inside the Ford SUV.
The Everest offers smooth acceleration; good throttle response; and impressive torque. Overtaking on C5 on my way to Marikina and then on Sta. Rosa as we were climbing our way up to Tagaytay was a cinch.
I did not feel the six-speed automatic transmission choke at any time during the drive, whether I was stuck behind trucks or shifting lanes on an uphill climb.
I say this because the drive from Marikina to Tagaytay took three-and-a-half hours, because of the traffic situation on C5.
I shifted lanes a few times, but I knew how these shifts would only buy me a couple of minutes since the traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.
With Avee drifting in and out of sleep in the back seat, Igan, who was seated shotgun, and I talked about life and how it is treating us.
As our discussion drifted into a few silent moments, I noticed how easy it was to be behind the Everest wheel because it is light and easy to maneuver. It is convenient, but it does take a little getting used to if you are accustomed to older SUVs. The Everest turned into a reliable companion on the Sta. Rosa highway when the driving conditions cleared up and the handling was better felt.
This SUV’s suspension and chassis are great. I liked how the Everest was able to take any bump on the road with minimum bounce inside the SUV — making it a very composed, very comfortable SUV.
As we neared the rotonda entering into Tagaytay proper, I checked with Waze to make sure we are going the right way. And because the Everest is equipped with a ton of nifty safety features — I felt confident about slowing down and taking time to look at Waze. Let me just add that while I am easily irritated by any beeping noises when I am in the cockpit, I found myself using the ones in this Ford. Most notably, cross traffic alert proved useful when backing out of parking spaces onto busy city streets.
As we arrived at T House after almost an eternity on the road, I was more than ready for that massage and lunch, too.
After I dropped Igan and Avee off in the lobby (were running a bit late for a noon appointment) I brought the Everest to the parking area. As I hopped off the SUV, I made one last review.
I liked how easy the Ford Everest was to handle: making it a great choice for anyone looking to get an SUV. Its light steering and smooth suspension make it a good choice for Manila’s hard-to-predict road conditions — and it is also good on traffic-free roads. And, If you like macho feel and looks in a vehicle coupled with good interiors, then the Everest is what you might be looking for.