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Ford Proves Yet Again It Knows Exactly How to Build a Badass 4Runner Rival

Dearborn’s division down yonder revives a limited edition variant of the SUV that America wishes it got instead of the current Explorer.

Orange Ford Everest SUV front side with spinning front wheel kicking up dust on sandy terrain.Ford Australia
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By Chris Chin

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Updated

Ford Australia is back at it again with another badass off-roader. But, as you probably expected, no, it’s disappointingly not for our shores.

It’s called the Everest Wildtrak. And, as you can guess by the name, it’s based on the highly desirable body-on-frame SUV that only the Aussies and Asian-Pacific dwellers get.

More importantly, the Wildtrak revives a special edition model for the 2026 model year. Now, it has us yearning for the rugged four-by-four even more.

Just give us the Everest already, Ford, sheesh

Orange Ford Everest SUV driving off-road on rocky terrain at sunset with headlights on.
Ford reveals another enticing variant of its rugged Aussie and Asian market four-by-four, the Everest.
Ford Australia

The Everest Wildtrak’s reboot in Australia is actually a re-appropriation of a standard trim model specifically available to New Zealand Ford fans. Originally specified for the tiny Pacific island nation, the Wildtrak caught on elsewhere in the region and has since become highly desirable.

As such, Ford Australia brought it back for its domestic market and for a limited run of 1,000 units only. Previously, the Everest Wildtrak was available and equally limited for just the 2023 and 2025 model years.

Black and orange-accented Ford vehicle interior with digital dashboard, touchscreen center console, and multifunction steering wheel.
Based on the same T6 platform as the Ranger, the Everest is basically a full-bodied variant of the pickup.
Ford Australia

What separates the Wildtrak from the standard Everest? For one, the model starts with the top-spec Platinum trim, which adds niceties like a panoramic moonroof, a power-folding third-row and fancy matrix LED headlights.

It’s then treated with a bespoke and eye-catching Ignite Orange exterior hue. Unique 20-inch black-painted wheels with matching orange inserts round out the exterior aesthetic.

Black and orange leather car seats with "WILDTRAK" embroidery inside a vehicle.
The Wildtrak is basically a Tremor-lite version of the Everest Titanium.
Ford Australia

Ford Australia also offers a smaller 18-inch wheel and beefier tire package for the four-wheeling lovers. When equipped, it’s basically a near-equivalent to what would probably be an Everest Tremor-lite.

Why doesn’t Ford send us the Everest?

Orange Ford Everest SUV kicking up sand while driving on a beach near trees and ocean.
It’s no mystery that the Ford Everest likes to play in the dirt and sand.
Ford Australia

If you’ve been loving the Everest and been wondering why Ford doesn’t give us the model while we receive the originally Aussie-developed Ranger, it supposedly comes down to a variety of reasons.

Many cite fuel economy and emissions compliance, which the Everest won’t pass here in the States (but with the Trump Administration’s rollback of these, this might change). The other reasons also boil down to Ford’s global decisions with product and market positioning.

Red Ford Everest SUV splashing mud on a forest trail.
Don’t you wish we got this instead of the current Explorer?
Ford Australia

In short, Ford in Dearborn doesn’t want a model like the Everest to steal sales numbers away from models like the Explorer and Ranger. It sound strange, but it’s just a bunch of “automotive political nonsense.”

Especially when the Everest rides on the same T6 platform as the Ranger that we get.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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