Tow test: MY25 Ford Everest Tremor

Ford’s Everest Tremor takes the already capable SUV and adds V6 grunt, tougher kit and the confidence to chase better campsites off the beaten track.

The Ford Everest Tremor is the pinnacle of the Everest range — though not in the same way as the flagship Platinum. Where the Platinum is all about luxury and comfort, the Tremor is about getting further off the beaten track while keeping the Everest’s core strengths. It’s still a seven-seater SUV, still family-friendly and tow-ready, but it’s taller, tougher and ready for bush tracks. Under the bonnet it runs our favourite Everest engine for towing, the 3L V6 diesel, and it backs that up with big all-terrain tyres, steel bash plates, extra floodlights, easy to wash floor mats and a new Rock Crawl Drive Mode.

But this is Caravan World, so naturally we want to know how it tows. But first, let’s check out the specs.

What can the Everest Tremor tow?

Like almost every vehicle out there, the Tremor can tow its maximum braked tow capacity of 3500kg — but only in very limited circumstances. With a gross combined mass (GCM) of 6350kg and a kerb weight of 2550kg, towing at the full 3500kg limit would leave you with around 300kg payload to cover passengers, gear and accessories. This means you need to pack very, very lightly if you’re planning on towing a big van.

(For a refresher on caravan weight terminology, check out our guide here.)

The Ford Everest Tremor can tow up to 3500kg

The GCM limit only comes into play with trailers weighing more than 3000kg. However, there is another limit to watch — the somewhat low 690kg payload. You can get gross vehicle mass (GVM) upgrade kits from the likes of Tough Dog 4WD Suspension which, personally, I would do. But after towball weight is taken into account, you will need to keep an eye on what goes into the boot and how many passengers you carry.

Some weight could be saved by removing the spare steel wheel or taking out the third-row seats. But in reality, no one is going to do that — it’s more likely owners will be adding weight, not taking it away so stay diligent.

Luckily for us, we weren’t towing a big van during our five-day test run. Instead, we paired the Tremor with a compact pod because we wanted to go that little bit further off the beaten track.

The trailer in question was the J-POD X, Jayco’s most offroad-focused pod style camper. It’s small, it’s light, it’s nimble and it’s perfect for going bush. I hauled it for 2000km from Melbourne to Cann River in eastern Victoria, through Kosciuszko National Park, up to Tumut and back across the border down through Nagambie and the Strathbogie Ranges before heading back to work headquarters in Melbourne.

We’ve done a full walkthrough video on the camper which you can watch here. In short, as we towed it, the J-POD X was about 1200kg. It sits at 1.97m (6ft 5in) wide and about 2.3m (7ft 5in) tall, with the optioned-on Escape by Jayco rooftop tent we have.

The MY25 Ford Everest Tremor towing the Jayco J-POD X

Knowing the Everest platform well, I know the Tremor could tow a lot more. But we don’t like camping in holiday parks — we’re more interested in bush camps and getting off the beaten path, and that’s exactly what the Tremor was built for.

The V6 advantage

Under the bonnet is the familiar 3L ‘Lion’ V6 Turbo Diesel. This engine debuted with the Everest and the Ranger back when this platform first came to market in 2022. Now, I love this thing. At 184kW and 600Nm, it is by far the best engine in the class. But it’s also strong, smooth and impressively quiet when towing. Don’t get me wrong, I like the 2L bi-turbo four-cylinder in other Everest variants and the Ranger Tremor — it’s a fantastic and efficient engine — but for towing, the V6’s extra grunt, along with how quiet and smooth it is, makes it our pick.

Backing up the V6 engine is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. I was a bit critical of the 10-speed when it first launched at my very first tow test. Back then, I saw quite high transmission temperatures. But in the last couple of years, I’ve seen no problems with it. What I really like about it is its smooth changes, and it always feels like it’s in the right gear when you’re on the freeway towing a van. Behind the automatic gearbox there’s a transfer case that makes this a proper full-time 4x4.

The MY25 Ford Everest Tremor comes with the familiar 3L ‘Lion’ V6 Turbo Diesel engine

A new drive mode

A new addition for the Everest Tremor is Rock Crawl Mode, a seventh drive program unique to this variant. This mode is designed to optimise traction, gearing and control when driving on loose and rocky surfaces and adds a tailored display to the infotainment screen when engaged.

We used Tow/Haul Mode pretty much exclusively during our tow test, but once I looked for the diff lock button when leaving a wet camp and I couldn’t find it. It turns out the Tremor does have a rear diff lock which engages when you enter the right mode, like when we used the Sand Mode while driving down to the dunes at a beach near Cann River, Vic. Alternatively, you can find the diff lock button in the centre console, which I do not think is as sensible as a switch or button like most competitors use.

Rock Crawl drive mode activated

We were only travelling with the one vehicle, so I didn’t want to go too far offroad in case I found some trouble. But what I can tell you from the people I’ve spoken to is that the Tremor is exceptionally capable offroad when put in the right modes and makes four-wheel driving super simple. There are lots of parts that make the Tremor a good offroader and it definitely has the grunt to tow big loads.

Drive Mode controlsThe rear diff lock engages when you enter the right drive mode, such as Sand Mode

Offroad gear

Where Tremor really breaks away from other Everests is the offroad hardware.

Getting the best out of going offroad starts with the bits that are touching the ground: the tyres. The Tremor runs on General Grabber’s aggressive AT3 all-terrains in a chunky 265/70R17, wrapped around 17x8in alloys. I really appreciate the tall sidewalls on these tyres — there’s a lot of height which means you can bag out or soften the tyre by deflating it to give you more traction when offroad. The Tremor does come with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which is a handy addition for anyone hitting the sand or towing frequently, but it doesn’t include a tyre temperature system, which I would like to see.

The MY25 Ford Everest Tremor comes with General Grabber’s aggressive AT3 all-terrain tyres

The tyres are matched with a slight lift from a new suspension setup featuring position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers/dampers with remote reservoirs and new springs, which gives the Tremor a height of 1.9m (6ft 2in) — an approximately 26mm lift over the standard Everest.

Our test vehicle featured a few optional packs, including the Rough Terrain Pack ($3550), which adds underbody armour, an auxiliary switch in the cabin (replaces the sunglasses holder) and a stylish rough terrain bar that features a pair of front recovery points. The Tremor also gets its own heavy-duty side steps, which not only look good but are much tougher than what you’ll find on the typical Everest.

This review model had the optional Rough Terrain Pack which added underbody armour

The extra offroad gear will make this rugged 4WD SUV even more capable

Interior and tech

But the Tremor is more than just a powerful offroad machine — it’s also got a really nice interior to match. There’s a balance of durability and comfort inside, with a primarily black colour scheme with embossed Tremor lettering, leather accents and dark stitching. The heated powered driver’s seat is a nice touch, as are the all-weather and easy to clean floor mats that are practical additions offroad.

As standard, you get an eight-way powered driver’s seat. With the optional Tremor Premium Seat Pack ($1200) you can get another two ways of adjustment for the driver. The pack also gives eight ways of power adjustment for front passenger plus heating and ventilation for both front seats.

The 12in portrait SYNC 4 infotainment screen

The driver gets an 8in digital instrument cluster (a small step down from the Platinum’s 12in offering), paired with a 12in portrait SYNC 4 infotainment screen. There are all the expected features of a premium modern vehicle, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in sat nav, DAB+ radio and FordPass Connect. The physical knob for volume is a nice touch, especially since good old-fashioned physical buttons are making a comeback when it comes to car safety. There’s also wireless charging, a 400W inverter (located in the boot), dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker stereo.

The rear seats benefit from an elevated theatre-style setup, which kiddos or mates will appreciate. Leg and headroom are also good across the second row, with the third saved for shorter trips or anyone you’re not too fond of. Boot space runs from 259L with all seats up, 898L with the third row folded and a massive 1823L with both back rows down.

The rear seats are elevated with good leg and headroom across the second row

Safety tech is as comprehensive as you’d expect from a modern vehicle: adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with AEB and intersection assist.

Exterior design

Outside, the Tremor features a distinctive honeycomb grille design, auxiliary LED floodlights, steel bash plates, heavy-duty side steps and unique badging.

You might not need the Rough Terrain Pack, which adds on the cool front bumper, lots of extra protection underneath and the auxiliary panel above the console. But we’d recommend ticking the Touring Pack/Premium Towing Pack box ($2900) as it gets you the 360-degree camera, integrated trailer brake controller, pro trailer backup assist and towbar setup.

The Command Grey paint on our test car is exclusive to the Tremor, and a premium paint add-on ($750). Meteor Grey and Shadow Black are also available as premium options, or you can opt for Arctic White at no cost.

The Tremor has a distinctive look and the optional packs will make it even more capable

Price and packs

The Everest Tremor starts from $84,900 plus on-road costs. What you see here with multiple packs and premium paint will cost a little more than $97,000 drive away (Melbourne), which is a big chunk of change for anyone to swallow. But an Everest V6 commands a high price. I looked at the Everest Sport V6 with 18in wheels, the Touring Pack, premium paint and a couple of small options and it came out at around $88,000. So, for $9000 more, is the Tremor a good deal? For the bash plates alone and the front bar, which are part of the Rough Terrain Pack, and that lift and wheels and tyres, I reckon around nine grand extra for the Tremor is worth considering.

Our review vehicle had the optional Command Grey premium paint

The tow test

So, how did the Everest Tremor tow? We travelled a bit more than 2000km from Melbourne to Tumut and back down again with the J-POD in tow. During the trip our fuel consumption came in at 14.4L per 100km. And I know what you’re thinking, that’s not great for a 1200kg camper, but remember that this is a box with a rooftop tent on top. It’s hardly aerodynamic and add in the Tremor’s suspension lift and aggressive all-terrain tyres and the figure makes more sense. In a standard Everest V6 the same trip would likely have come closer to 12L/100km.

That 14.4L consumption, which I think is reasonable, will get you about 500km from the 80L tank.

The factory brake controller did a great job of the J-POD’s electric drum brakes. It always felt great under braking and very safe and progressive. Critically for me, what I enjoyed most about the Tremor and its towing performance was the confidence the grip gave me to go that little further. At a few bush camps I had the option of sticking to the safer ground or heading down long grassy or muddy tracks to reach the better spots. The confidence and offroad control the Tremor gave me meant I could go where I really wanted, so I did.

The Ford Everest Tremor towed well and gave the confidence to get to the better, if harder to reach, campsites

Final thoughts

The verdict? The Everest Tremor isn’t the plushest model in the range, and it isn’t the cheapest. Instead, it’s pitched squarely at buyers who want more confidence offroad without losing out on comfort and safety for everyday travel.

With the V6 diesel engine, upgraded suspension, aggressive all-terrain tyres, bash plates and better lighting at nighttime, this is a vehicle that you’re going to have more fun with when you go camping. Towing heavy will push its limits, but for a mid-size van, camper, hybrid or careful packing, it’s a great match.

The verdict? If you like to leave the bitumen behind and want an offroad-ready SUV that can keep up with your adventures, the Tremor is a great option in the Everest lineup.

Measuring up

Pros

• Strong and smooth V6 diesel engine
• Excellent offroad gear
• Looks

Cons

• No tyre temperature system
• GCM limited at high tow-weights
• Moderate payload

MY25 FORD EVEREST TREMOR RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY 7/10

The next best would be an Everest Sport V6 saving $9000; both are expensive

TOWING PERFORMANCE 8/10

Brilliant for what I needed but limited for trailers weighing more than 3000kg

HITCHING UP 9/10

Excellent pre-departure checklist and camera make this a great newbie or solo hitch-up

CREATURE COMFORTS 8/10

The seats are not as good as a LandCruiser Prado but for the rest it’s as good as it gets

ACCESSIBILITY OF SPARE PARTS 9/10

There wouldn’t be many places more than 500km from a well-stocked dealer

FUEL ECONOMY 7/10

All-terrain tyres chew a bit of fuel but not too much more than a road-bias Everest V6

SOLO PERFORMANCE 10/10

Aforementioned camera and internal checklist make it a breeze. Add on a great built-in brake controller and you can just hook up and go

ENGINE POWER 10/10

It is the best in class — no question

INNOVATION 9/10

Factory-backed offroad-centric vehicles seem to be all the rage, and we are lucky for it

X-FACTOR 9/10

It looks great and goes as well as it looks. Add in rarity and you have a winner

MY25 FORD EVEREST TREMOR SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

DRIVETRAIN

GENERAL

MY25 Ford Everest Tremor price from $84,900 plus on-road costs

Options fitted to tow-test model: 

• Premium Paint — Command Grey ($750)
• Tremor Premium Seat Pack ($1200)
• Touring Pack/Premium Towing Pack ($2900)
  • 360-degree camera
  • Towbar
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist
• Rough Terrain pack ($3550)
  • Rough Terrain Bar
  • Under vehicle armour
  • Auxiliary switch bank

MY25 Ford Everest Tremor estimated drive away price as shown $97,163

MORE INFORMATION

Ford Australia
P: 13 3673

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